WO2016149772A1 - Système, véhicule sous-marin remorqué et station d'amarrage pour visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée - Google Patents

Système, véhicule sous-marin remorqué et station d'amarrage pour visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016149772A1
WO2016149772A1 PCT/AU2016/050232 AU2016050232W WO2016149772A1 WO 2016149772 A1 WO2016149772 A1 WO 2016149772A1 AU 2016050232 W AU2016050232 W AU 2016050232W WO 2016149772 A1 WO2016149772 A1 WO 2016149772A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
submersible
towed
docking station
docking
tow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2016/050232
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Dowling
Original Assignee
David Dowling
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2015901074A external-priority patent/AU2015901074A0/en
Application filed by David Dowling filed Critical David Dowling
Priority to EP16767549.5A priority Critical patent/EP3286074A4/fr
Priority to US15/561,342 priority patent/US20180057128A1/en
Priority to AU2016236771A priority patent/AU2016236771A1/en
Publication of WO2016149772A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016149772A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/42—Towed underwater vessels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/56—Towing or pushing equipment
    • B63B21/66—Equipment specially adapted for towing underwater objects or vessels, e.g. fairings for tow-cables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/36—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for floating cargo
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/48—Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/49—Floating structures with underwater viewing devices, e.g. with windows ; Arrangements on floating structures of underwater viewing devices, e.g. on boats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/001—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/14—Control of attitude or depth
    • B63G8/18—Control of attitude or depth by hydrofoils
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C13/00—Other constructional features or details
    • B66C13/02—Devices for facilitating retrieval of floating objects, e.g. for recovering crafts from water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/16—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of lifts or hoists
    • B63B2027/165—Deployment or recovery of underwater vehicles using lifts or hoists

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to marine vessels and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to a system comprising a towed submersible, towed vessel and docking station for towed underwater recreational sightseeing.
  • WO 2013/178792 Al discloses a system for automatically launching and retrieving, with no human intervention, marine or submarine vehicles (15) from a carrier ship (10) which remains in movement in order to limit the amplitude of the pitch and roll movements to which the vehicle is subjected.
  • the system comprises a tiltable hinged ramp (11) which comprises a bottom (113) and edges (114, 115), and a towing means (14, 16) making it possible to control the sliding of the vehicle (15) along the ramp (11) during the launch and to hoist the vehicle (15) along the ramp
  • the ramp has a free end (112), the vertical position of which varies between a submerged position, in which said end is immersed in the water, and an above-water position, in which the ramp is in horizontal position.
  • the system also comprises a buoyancy means which enables the free end to float on or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered.
  • the bottom of the hinged ramp also has an outer surface configured such as to form a dry dock having a V-shaped or W-shaped cross-section, and a receiving and guiding means (13) comprising a receiving device configured such as to receive the end of the vehicle and to remain in contact with the vehicle during the launch and retrieval operations, the receiving device being driven with the vehicle by the towing means.
  • the receiving device comprises vertical protection elements (131) intended for providing a frontal bearing for wings of the vehicle when the end thereof is inserted in the receiving device, the frontal bearing thus provided making it possible to contribute to keeping the vehicle aligned with the ramp.
  • DE 2620494 Al discloses equipment for launch and / or recovery of submersibles from mother ships, and for moving them about on deck, comprises an A-frame (42) on horizontal pivots near the deck edge, able to plumb a trolley (200) on rails leading to a hanger and maintenance compartment (46). By means of hydraulic rams (92) the frame can be rotated to overhang the water. To reduce the hazards of the operation a working platform (100), vertically movable, is suspended from the apex of the frame. The line (128) for securing and supporting the submersible runs through this platform over a pulley (130) also in the apex of the frame, to a winch (126) on top of the hanger. The platform is configured to fit against the craft and steady it.
  • a towable submersible system comprising a towed submersible, docking station and tow vessel.
  • the submersible is designed to hold 8 passengers, plus a pilot, and provides a comfortable yet thrilling platform for guests to experience underwater flight.
  • the submersible is specifically designed to fly underwater at elevated speeds and perform a preset series of manoeuvres to entertain its occupants.
  • the docking station and the tow vessel provide the supporting services and passenger space to maximize comfort, enjoyment and numbers of tours per day.
  • the submersible is towed by a vessel to reach the desired speed and performance.
  • the level of power a tow vessel provides far exceeds that available to non-military independently powered submersibles.
  • Surface power also greatly simplifies the submersible's operating logistics, leaving the battery power and propulsion system for emergency conditions only. This power and performance, which permits the execution of exciting dynamic underwater manoeuvres, is gained at the expense of operating depth.
  • the submersible in embodiments, is designed to dive to 100 feet, a limitation that will be rapidly obscured by the thrill of the craft's other performance characteristics. This shallower operating depth provides a substantial engineering safety margin, increasing passenger safety and system reliability at reasonable cost.
  • the submersible system can be used as a diver decompression chamber to a pressure of 3 ATA, the equivalent of 60 feet deep.
  • the systems will offer the capabilities of a decompression chamber to the local community in which they operate, a regional benefit that will increase its likelihood of obtaining permits.
  • the second element of the system consists of a docking station designed to solve one of the greatest submersible tourism challenges: the boarding of passengers.
  • This docking station offers a flexible operating platform that aims at simplifying logistics, minimize operational complexity and maximize daily throughput of passengers.
  • the docking station integrates a lift system that easily and quickly brings the submersible out of the water and onto its deck, where passengers are safely de- boarded and new passengers welcomed.
  • the docking station is designed to be a semi-permanent trailer to the tow vessel.
  • the final element of the system is the tow vessel, which provides the power for all towing and docking station activities. This includes all electrics, hydraulics and air, and the personnel needed to operate and maintain the submersible on its docking station.
  • the tow vessel design is based on a Steber 52 ft motor craft, offering superior range and power for high-intensity operation.
  • the tow vessel provides an additional seating and lounging area for larger groups, refreshment and point-of- sale space to enhance the value of the tour.
  • the vessel's powerplant and range make the system fully autonomous and give it the ability to travel long distances on the open ocean for delivery or transition between operating locations.
  • a system for towed underwater recreational sightseeing comprising: a towed submersible; a tow vessel; a docking station mechanically fastened to the tow vessel via a linkage, the docking station comprising a docking bay adapted for docking the submersible in use, the docking bay configurable between a docked configuration and a deployable configuration, wherein in the docked configuration the submersible may be raised so as to be poised for boarding by passengers and in the deployed configuration may be lowered for deployment in water; and a tow cable coupling the towed submersible and at least one of the docking station and tow vessel wherein, once the submersible has been deployed by the docking station in use, the tow cable may be adapted for reeling out to locate the towed submersible a suitable distance from the docking station for the completion of a series of underwater manoeuvres and the reeling in at the completion of the underwater manoeuvres for
  • the towed submersible may further comprise accommodation for passengers; a hull comprising a substantial transparent portion for the viewing of an underwater environment, the hull being positively buoyant, the hull comprising a watertight access hatch for boarding and disembarking passengers;
  • a tow cable attachment fastened to the hull for attachment to a tow cable; at least one control surface to control the orientation of the submersible when underwater, wherein in use the tow cable attachment can be adapted for allowing the submersible to be towed behind the tow vessel; and at least one control surface may be adapted to overcome the positive buoyancy of the hull when the submersible is being towed such that the submersible can dive.
  • the tow cable attachment may comprise a girdle.
  • the girdle may be pivotally coupled to the hull.
  • the girdle may be pivotally coupled to the hull to allow for differing pitches of the submersible in use.
  • the towed submersible may comprise a pilot control operably coupled to the tow vessel at least one control surface.
  • At least one control surface may be adapted to control the pitch, yaw and roll of the submersible in use.
  • Control surfaces may comprise pectoral control surfaces and tail stabilising control surfaces.
  • the towed submersible may contain means for supplying the passengers with oxygen.
  • the passenger oxygen supply means may comprise at least one of an air tank, an oxygen tank and a scrubber.
  • At least one control surface may be adapted to provide negative lift when the submersible is towed.
  • the towed submersible may include an umbilical attachment.
  • the umbilical may comprise data connectivity.
  • the data connectivity may comprise communication connectivity.
  • the communication connectivity may comprise at least one of audio and video data connectivity.
  • the audio data connectivity may be full duplex audio data connectivity.
  • the umbilical may comprise electrical connectivity.
  • the hull may comprise a construction consisting of cylinders.
  • the cylinders may be constructed of acrylic.
  • the construction may comprises intermediary circular ribs adapted for fastening adjacent cylinders together.
  • the towed submersible further may comprise tensioning rods adapted to tension the adjacent cylinders and circular ribs together.
  • the towed submersible may comprise an emergency propulsion system.
  • the emergency propulsion system may comprise thrusters.
  • the emergency propulsion system may comprise batteries adapted to power the thrusters.
  • the batteries may be externally located and substantially torpedo-shaped.
  • the towed submersible may comprise at least one escape hatch.
  • At least one escape hatch may be upwardly located to allow for escaping when the submersible is floating at the water's surface.
  • the escape hatches may comprise a forward and rearward located escape hatch.
  • the accommodation may comprise seats.
  • the seats may be collapsible.
  • the watertight access hatch may be forwardly located.
  • the watertight access hatch may be substantially domed.
  • the watertight access hatch may be substantially transparent.
  • the watertight access hatch may be hinged to the hull.
  • the docking bay may be located substantially centrally within the docking station.
  • the docking bay may comprise a rail system and a submersible engaging frame adapted for releasing and engaging the submersible, the submersible engaging frame being adapted to travel along the rail system such that wherein, in the docked configuration, the submersible engaging frame may be raised, and wherein, in the deployed configuration, the submersible engaging frame may be lowered.
  • the submersible engaging frame may comprise at least one of padding and strapping for protecting and securing the submersible in use.
  • the rail system may be shaped such that the submersible engaging frame travels along a deployment trajectory as the docking bay transitions between the docked configuration and the deployed configuration.
  • the deployment trajectory may comprise an initially rearwardly moving portion so as to provide leeway for an access hatch of the submersible in use.
  • the trajectory further may comprise a subsequently downwardly moving portion wherein the submersible engaging frame may be lowered to the water.
  • the rail system may be adapted such that when the engaging frame is lowered, the submersible engaging frame can be a rotated such that the submersible engaging frame is rearwardly downwardly angled such that the submersible enters the water at an angle.
  • the docking bay may comprises a linkage for linkage of the docking station to the tow vessel.
  • the linkage may comprises a mechanical linkage.
  • the mechanical linkage may be adapted to accommodate the orientation of the tow vessel in use with respect to the docking station as the tow vessel performs manoeuvres.
  • the mechanical linkage may be adapted to accommodate variance in pitch, yaw and roll between the tow vessel and the docking station in use.
  • the mechanical linkage further may comprise shock absorption.
  • the linkage may comprise an umbilical linkage.
  • the umbilical linkage may comprise data connectivity.
  • the data connectivity may comprise communication connectivity.
  • the umbilical linkage may comprise electrical connectivity.
  • the linkage further may comprise a tow cable accommodation adapted to allow the reeling out and the reeling in of a tow cable for the submersible in use.
  • the docking bay further may comprises a gangway adapted for allowing passengers to access the docking station from the tow vessel in use.
  • the gangway may be retractable.
  • Figure 1 shows a system comprising a tow vessel towing a docking station comprising a deployable towed submersible in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figures 2-6 show various views of the submersible of the system of Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 shows the docking station comprising the submersible in further detail in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 8-11 show the stages of the deployment of the submersible by the docking station in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 12-14 show a smaller version of the submersible in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG 1 there is shown a towed submersible system 1.
  • the system 1 is primarily suited for recreational and tourism activities wherein tourists may experience an underwater environment inside a towed submersible.
  • the system 1 comprises three principal elements comprising the submersible 2, docking station 3 to dock the submersible 2 and a tow vessel 4 to tow the docking station 3 and submersible 2.
  • the submersible 2 is designed to hold 8 passengers plus a pilot in preferred embodiments and are suited to provide a comfortable yet thrilling platform for experiencing underwater flight.
  • the submersible 2 is adapted to fly underwater at elevated speeds and perform a preset series of manoeuvres to entertain the passengers.
  • the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4 provide the support services and passenger space to maximize comfort, enjoyment and numbers of tours per day.
  • the submersible 2 is towed by the tow vessel 4 so as to provide superior speed and manoeuvrability capabilities as compared to self-propelled submersibles. (Indeed, non-military self- propelled submersibles often ashamed novice passengers with their lack of speed.)
  • the towing of the submersible 2 not only simplifies the system 1 but provides superior speed and manoeuvrability capabilities by utilising the power provided by the tow vessel 4.
  • the submersible 2 is designed to dive to 100 feet in preferred embodiments, a depth perfectly adequate for recreational and tourism application and which allows for substantial engineering safety margin, increasing the system's reliability and safety.
  • the submersible 2 may be utilised as a decompression chamber capable of pressures of up to 3 ATA, roughly equivalent to 60 feet deep.
  • the docking station 3 provides advantages in the waterborne boarding and disembarking of passengers of the submersible 2. As will be described in further detail below, the docking station 3 comprises a lift mechanism to raise the submersible 2 out of the water to deck level for disembarking and boarding of new passengers. The docking station 3 is adapted to be towed as a semipermanent trailer of the tow vessel 4, as will be described in further detail below.
  • the tow vessel 4 is adapted to provide the power for the towing of the docking station 3 in the submersible 2 and supplies electrics, hydraulics, air and personnel to operate and maintain the submersible 2.
  • a preferred embodiment, the tow vessel 4 is based on the Steber 52 foot motor craft design having superior range and power for high-intensity operations.
  • the powerplant and range capabilities of the tow vessel 4 allow for the operation of the system 1 at great distances across open ocean.
  • the submersible 2 is designed and manufactured and tested in accordance with ASM E Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy code (ASME PVHO - 1 2012) and classed by the American bureau of shipping or by the European DMV - GL agency in Germany. As will be described in further detail below, the submersible 2 is designed to allow boarding through a large domed front hatch while docked within the docking station 3 and includes emergency escape hatches. Furthermore, the submersible 2 comprises control surfaces adapted to provide negative lift so that when towed through water, the submersible 2 dives. The submersible 2 is adapted to be positively buoyant such that when the submersible 2 is not being towed, the submersible 2 naturally returns to the surface.
  • ASM E Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy code ASME PVHO - 1 2012
  • control surfaces are controllable from the submersible 2 cockpit allowing the pilots to manoeuvre the submersible 2 through a series of banks synchronised with a predetermined route of the tow vessel 4.
  • Figure 2 shows the submersible 2 in further detail.
  • the submersible 2 contains passengers seated in seats while under way underwater.
  • the submersible 2 is substantially cylindrical in shape, consisting of a series of transparent acrylic cylinders 12 interposed by supporting ribs 13 and tensioned with tensioning rods 14.
  • the tensioning rods 14 are located internally, so as to advantageously allow for larger-diameter acrylic cylinders 12 to provide greater internal volume for the submersible 2.
  • the body 15 of the submersible 2 may comprise steel PVHO rated to 100 feet depth.
  • the submersible 2 comprises control surfaces 8 such as the pictorial control surfaces and tail control surfaces 8 as shown.
  • the control surfaces 8 are adapted to provide negative lift such that when the submersible 2 is towed, the control surfaces 8 cause the submersible 2 to dive.
  • the front seat is the pilot seat and comprises controls adapted to allow the pilot to control the control surfaces 8 in use so as to manoeuvre the submersible 2.
  • the pilot controls are adapted to allow the pilot to control the roll, pitch and yaw of the submersible 2 so as to provide semiautonomous directional control during underwater travel.
  • the pilot seat may be located at the rear of the submersible 2.
  • the submersible 2 comprises a girdle 11 adapted for fastening to a towing cable 10.
  • the cable 10 may further comprise an umbilical providing communication, control and telemetry data sharing with the tow vessel 4.
  • the umbilical may also provide oxygen to the submersible 2 but, in a preferred embodiment, the submersible 2 contains oxygen tanks and/or scrubbers for self- reliance, especially in an emergency.
  • the submersible 2 further comprises a front access hatch 9 through which passengers enter and exit the submersible 2.
  • the front access hatch 9 is hinged to the body 15 so as to allow access to the interior of the submersible as substantially shown in figure 4.
  • the girdle 11 may be pivotally coupled to the body of the submersible 2 so as to not only accommodate different pitches of the submersible 2 in use but allow for the opening of the front access hatch 9.
  • the front access hatch 9 is transparent acrylic.
  • the submersible 2 is adapted to be autonomous. As alluded to above, upon loss of towing power, the submersible 2 is adapted to return to the surface. In embodiments, the submersible is designed to have 4500lbf of positive buoyancy.
  • the submersible 2 further comprises emergency thrusters 6 controllable by the pilot to manoeuvre the submersible 2 if required.
  • Emergency thrusters 6 are powered by battery pods 5.
  • the submersible 2 comprises emergency hatches 7 adapted to allow the passengers to escape the submersible 2 in an event of an emergency.
  • the emergency hatches 7 are located at an upper surface of the submersible 2 so as to allow passengers to escape while the submersible 2 is floating.
  • the submersible 2 comprises forward and aft emergency hatches 7.
  • the submersible 2 has trim ballast compartments comprising metallic ballast to adjust for variable crew and passenger weight in use.
  • trim ballast compartments comprising metallic ballast to adjust for variable crew and passenger weight in use.
  • the submersible 2 comprises surface air vent ports to permit air breathing at the surface. Furthermore, in embodiments, the submersible 2 may comprise sonar for low-visibility or beyond-visibility obstacle detection.
  • Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the submersible
  • figure 4 shows a front perspective view of the submersible 4 showing the front access hatch 9 in the open configuration
  • figure 5 shows a top view of the submersible 2
  • figure 6 shows a bottom view of the submersible 2.
  • the submersible 2 may also be utilised as a diver decompression chamber so as to provide immediate diving-related incident treatments.
  • the submersible 2 may itself be utilised as the hyperbaric chamber.
  • a separate collapsible and flexible mono place hyperbaric chamber may be coupled to the submersible 2 wherein the high- pressure air and oxygen tanks of the submersible 2 are adapted to pressurise the hyperbaric chamber.
  • FIG. 7 shows the docking station 3 in further detail.
  • the docking station 3 will accommodate the necessary systems for storing, deploying and maintaining the submersible 2.
  • the docking station 3 will further incorporate sufficient deck space to enable cleaning and maintenance of the submersible by operators and entry and exit of the submersible by passengers in use.
  • the docking station 3 comprises a hitch 17 adapted to provide mechanical and electrical connections between the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4. Furthermore, the hitch 17 enables the docking station 3 to roll, pitch and yaw independently of the tow vessel 4 while preventing bumping between the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4 in use due to waves and other forces.
  • the towing cable 10 will be anchored to the tow vessel 4 and will pass through the docking station 3 for attachment to the submersible 2.
  • the docking station 3 comprises dual catamaran-style hulls 18 primarily for stability. Furthermore, the docking station 3 comprises an access ramp 19 and rails 20 to allow passengers to pass between the tow vessel 4 and the docking station 3. Furthermore, as alluded to above, the docking station 3 comprises sufficient decking space so as to allow passengers to board and disembark from the submersible 2 via the front access hatch 9. The docking station 3 further comprises a sun cover 22.
  • the docking station 3 comprises a docking bay 23 adapted for raising and lowering the submersible 22 and from the water's surface.
  • FIGs 8-11 specifically show the operational transition of the docking bay 23 as the submersible 2 is lowered to the water 24.
  • the docking bay 23 comprises a submersible engagement frame 25 adapted to support and engage the submersible 2.
  • the engagement frame 25 is adapted for lowering the submersible to the water surface 24.
  • the engagement frame 25 will be used to raise, lower, support and stabilize the submersible.
  • the engagement frame 25 comprises a rectangular support deck with an area slightly greater than that of the base of the submersible 2.
  • the engagement frame 25 integrates straps and pads to help soften any underwater impacts and to more completely support and secure the submersible 2 while at deck level.
  • the engagement frame 25 is adapted to engage rail system 26. In this manner, as the submersible 2 is lowered to the water surface 24, the engagement frame 25 is adapted to substantially follow the trajectory determined by the shape and configuration of the rail system 26.
  • the rail system 26 enables the frame 25 to enter or exit the water in a smooth, controlled motion using a large single hydraulic ram or winching system, or two smaller hydraulic ram or winching systems (one for each side).
  • the docking bay 23 is connected to these rails 25 via high-load wheels and skid pads, designed for maximum life operation and ease of maintenance.
  • the submersible 2 is in the docked configuration for boarding.
  • the wheels When at deck level the wheels are resting on flat sections of the deck, enabling easy pinning for added security.
  • the front access hatch 9 of the submersible opens approximately 6" above deck level for access once the girdle 11 has been lifted. All sides of the submersible 2 are easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
  • the submersible 2 will float with the water at the level of its rear stabilizing fins.
  • the docking bay 23 at its lowest deployment will extend a total of 10 feet under the surface of the water at its lowest point.
  • the angle of the docking bay 23 relative to the deck 21 while at this deployment will be approximately 13 degrees.
  • the launch sequence is performed while the tow vessel 4 and docking station 3 are moving forward at a nominal speed into the prevailing weather.
  • the forces of drag guarantee that the water is constantly pulling the submersible 2 out of the docking bay.
  • This allows the precise control of the launch exit rate by the simple control of the winch release rate.
  • the winch rate may be controlled from a control device located within the submersible 2, docking station 3 or tow vessel 4.
  • Raising and lowering of the submersible 2 is expected to take approximately 60 and 30 seconds respectively. This speed enables a quick turnaround between groups of passengers.
  • the docking station 3 is specially connected to the tow vessel 4 through the mechanical linkage 17 that allows the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4 to act as a tractor and trailer combination.
  • the safe and stable interconnection between the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4 is designed to reduce the cost of the docking station 3 while meeting all safety requirements in case of damage.
  • This linkage 17 will enable the docking station to operate without an independent power supply, reducing both cost and complexity.
  • Separate power and service linkages are planned as semipermanent connections between the vessels.
  • a walking platform 19 is also included, to allow passengers to cross over between the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4.
  • the linkage 17 comprises a mechanical linkage.
  • This linkage consist of a combination of steel cables and shocks/springs with flexible specialty couplings to allow 6 degrees of movement at each connection point. The focus is on stability of the docking station 3, simplicity of connection for durability and reliability, and redundancy in case of single event failures.
  • This combination of components enables the tow vessel 4 to rotate along its cardinal axes nearly freely but should prevent the front of the docking station from bumping into the rear of the tow vessel 4. Additionally, these components keep the centres of the front of the docking station 3 and the rear of the tow vessel 4 in the same relative positions, making linkages simpler.
  • Additional support linkages consist of electronics, power, and hydraulic cables connecting the docking station 3 and the tow vessel 4. These cables are positioned as necessary to prevent the cables from being crushed or dipping into the water.
  • the passenger linkage 19 provides a simple drawbridge connected to either the tow vessel 4 or the docking station 3. This drawbridge would be allowed to move small amounts on the receiving deck of the other vessel to compensate for relative rotation.
  • the final linkage between the two vessels is the tow cable 10 for the submersible 2.
  • the cable 10 will be routed via pulleys or other devices such that it will be clear of all deck space on both vessels.
  • the linkage 70 may comprise:
  • the submersible 27 comprises an upper access to 28 which may be hingely openable so as to allow the passengers to enter and exit the submersible 27.
  • Beneath the dome the submersible 27 comprises seating.
  • the sitting comprises a forward row and a rearward row.
  • the forward row comprises seating for two passengers and the rearward row comprises seating for a single passenger. It should be noted that in differing seating configuration may be provided within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein.
  • the rearward seating may be elevated so as to allow the passengers on the rearward seating to view above the heads of the passengers in the forward seating.
  • the rearward seating may be provided with controls such that the operator of the submersible 27 may operate the submersible 27.
  • the submersible 27 may comprise further rearward seating located beneath a further transparent escape hatch dome 29.
  • the escape hatch dome 29 may be provided for use as an escape hatch during emergencies so as to meet certification requirements. As can be seen, the escape hatch dome 29 is smaller than that of the larger transparent dome 28 long for the opening thereof underwater pressure. As can be seen, the submersible 27 may comprise a seat beneath the escape hatch dome 29 for an additional passenger. Furthermore, the submersible 27 may be configured such that controls are provided for the rearward seating such that the operator may sit beneath the escape hatch dome 29 and control the operation of the submersible 27.
  • the submersible 27 further comprises control surfaces such as by controlling pectoral control surfaces 32 and tail control surfaces 30.
  • the submersible 27 may further comprise thrusters 31 so as to be able to operate when not been towed.
  • the submersible 27 may further comprise oxygen supplies 34, carbon dioxide scrubbers 33 and the like.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système pour une visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée. Le système comprend un véhicule sous-marin remorqué ; un navire de remorquage ; une station d'amarrage fixée mécaniquement au navire de remorquage par l'intermédiaire d'un attelage, la station d'amarrage comprenant un quai d'amarrage conçu pour arrimer le véhicule sous-marin en utilisation, le quai d'amarrage étant configurable entre une configuration arrimée et une configuration déployable, dans la configuration arrimée, le véhicule sous-marin étant soulevé de façon à être positionné pour l'embarquement de passagers et, dans la configuration déployée, le véhicule sous-marin étant abaissé pour le déploiement dans l'eau ; et un câble de remorquage accouplant le véhicule sous-marin et la station d'amarrage et/ou le navire de remorquage, une fois que le véhicule sous-marin a été déployé par la station d'amarrage en utilisation, le câble de remorquage étant conçu pour se dérouler pour localiser le véhicule sous-marin remorqué à une distance appropriée de la station d'amarrage pour l'achèvement d'une série de manœuvres sous-marines de remorquage du navire de remorquage et l'enroulement après l'achèvement des manœuvres sous-marines pour l'amarrage du quai d'amarrage.
PCT/AU2016/050232 2015-03-25 2016-03-25 Système, véhicule sous-marin remorqué et station d'amarrage pour visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée WO2016149772A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16767549.5A EP3286074A4 (fr) 2015-03-25 2016-03-25 Système, véhicule sous-marin remorqué et station d'amarrage pour visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée
US15/561,342 US20180057128A1 (en) 2015-03-25 2016-03-25 System, towed submersible and docking station for towed underwater recreational sightseeing
AU2016236771A AU2016236771A1 (en) 2015-03-25 2016-03-25 A system, towed submersible and docking station for towed underwater recreational sightseeing

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2015901073 2015-03-25
AU2015901074 2015-03-25
AU2015901072 2015-03-25
AU2015901074A AU2015901074A0 (en) 2015-03-25 A docking station for a towed submersible for underwater recreational sightseeing
AU2015901072A AU2015901072A0 (en) 2015-03-25 A system for towed underwater recreational sightseeing
AU2015901073A AU2015901073A0 (en) 2015-03-25 A towed submersible for underwater recreational sightseeing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016149772A1 true WO2016149772A1 (fr) 2016-09-29

Family

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PCT/AU2016/050232 WO2016149772A1 (fr) 2015-03-25 2016-03-25 Système, véhicule sous-marin remorqué et station d'amarrage pour visite touristique ludique sous-marine remorquée

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20180057128A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3286074A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2016236771A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016149772A1 (fr)

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FR3056961A1 (fr) * 2016-10-04 2018-04-06 Ixblue Systeme de mesure pour milieu aquatique comportant un navire de surface et un engin subaquatique
CN108791772A (zh) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-13 钟少童 战争海上平台
CN109436259A (zh) * 2018-12-05 2019-03-08 上海打捞局芜湖潜水装备厂 一种艇载饱和潜水逃生舱对接装置
EP4098536A1 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-07 BAE SYSTEMS plc Véhicule subaquatique et système associé
GB2607317A (en) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-07 Bae Systems Plc An underwater vessel and associated system
WO2022254179A1 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-08 Bae Systems Plc Navire sous-marin et système associé

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US11027805B1 (en) * 2013-08-08 2021-06-08 Oceangate, Inc. Systems and methods for launching and recovering objects in aquatic environments; platforms for aquatic launch and recovery
FR3086294A1 (fr) * 2018-09-25 2020-03-27 Arkema France Composition polymere pour vehicules nautiques, son utilisation et vehicule nautique comprenant celui-ci
GB2595673B (en) * 2020-06-02 2024-07-10 Dark Ocean Ltd Pressure hull for human occupancy for manned submersibles
CN111634397A (zh) * 2020-06-10 2020-09-08 江苏科技大学 一种封闭式下潜水下娱乐观光胶囊器
CN113968307A (zh) * 2020-07-24 2022-01-25 昆明五威科工贸有限公司 一种水下拖曳保护舱
CN112265622B (zh) * 2020-10-15 2021-08-10 中国船舶科学研究中心 用于载人潜水器舱室的多功能地板及舱室空间调节方法
CN113928514B (zh) * 2021-11-23 2022-11-22 中国船舶科学研究中心 胶囊式模块化水下大视野观景平台

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FR3056961A1 (fr) * 2016-10-04 2018-04-06 Ixblue Systeme de mesure pour milieu aquatique comportant un navire de surface et un engin subaquatique
WO2018065723A1 (fr) * 2016-10-04 2018-04-12 Ixblue Système de mesure pour milieu aquatique comportant un navire de surface et un engin subaquatique
US10875614B2 (en) 2016-10-04 2020-12-29 Ixblue Measurement system for aquatic environments comprising a surface vessel and a submersible device
CN108791772A (zh) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-13 钟少童 战争海上平台
CN109436259A (zh) * 2018-12-05 2019-03-08 上海打捞局芜湖潜水装备厂 一种艇载饱和潜水逃生舱对接装置
CN109436259B (zh) * 2018-12-05 2023-10-27 上海打捞局芜湖潜水装备厂有限公司 一种艇载饱和潜水逃生舱对接装置
EP4098536A1 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-07 BAE SYSTEMS plc Véhicule subaquatique et système associé
GB2607317A (en) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-07 Bae Systems Plc An underwater vessel and associated system
WO2022254179A1 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-08 Bae Systems Plc Navire sous-marin et système associé

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3286074A4 (fr) 2019-01-16
US20180057128A1 (en) 2018-03-01
AU2016236771A1 (en) 2017-11-02
EP3286074A1 (fr) 2018-02-28

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