Patent Grant
12084152
The current state of the art for recovering, refueling, or replenishing small boats and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) by a host vessel requires skilled deckhands or sea-sensitive systems. For example, some unmanned solutions, such as a towed refueling drogue, permit a boat or USV to be refueled without being recovered but are not capable of operating in operationally-realistic sea states, such as when the seas and swells exceed certain maximum thresholds (e.g., they may be operationally hindered above sea state zero and operationally ineffective above sea state one). Conventionally, boats are recovered by a host ship prior to personnel transfers, refueling operations, and the like so as to minimize dangerous time when a small boat is moving freely alongside a larger ship. For example, a boat may be hoisted from the water and placed “at the hip” of a host ship, in a partially recovered position that saves time by placing the small boat at the host ship's gunnel instead of hoisting it all the way to the boat cradle. Regardless of whether a host ship uses a crane, davit, hoist, or stern ramp to recover a small boat, recovering a small boat requires a skilled coxswain and skilled deckhands, working in concert, in order to properly position the small boat with respect to the recovery equipment. For example, a typical small boat recovery may involve a coxswain carefully positioning the small boat alongside and a crewmember catching a block and tackle and fastening the boat to tackle so it may be hoisted. Every small boat recovery is a potentially dangerous evolution, risking damage to the boat, the host ship, or boat crew (e.g., due to collision or a crew member being struck by a recovery component like a boat davit or block and tackle).
Unlike larger surface assets, smaller boats, including USVs generally must be recovered prior to refueling or resupplying; that is, the current state of the art does not provide operationally tolerant solutions for efficiently replenishing or refueling without recovering the boat and bringing it at least partially aboard the host ship. Systems configured primarily for the underway refueling of a small boat or USV or for transferring information stored locally on the USV to the host ship utilize various sea-state-sensitive devices, such as drogues. Because of the relative motion between the host ship, drogue, and USV, it takes very little seas or swells to make a connection between the host ship and the USV difficult or impossible.
A high-level overview of various aspects of embodiments of the invention is provided here to provide an overview of the disclosure and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In its broadest sense, the invention includes the use of a boat recovery system comprising various components that align a boat and connect it to a host ship such that it may be used in operationally-relevant sea states. More specifically, the alignment and connection system comprises one or more alignment and connection components, such as an alignment ramp, alignment arms, a roll plate, a hard capture port, and one or more standoff arms, any one or more of which work cooperatively to guide a small boat into a docked configuration, slow the forward momentum of the boat's approach, create a lockable connection between the boat and host ship, and allow the docked small boat and other system components to move with the sea. The alignment and connection system may be coupled to or integrated into a host ship using various ways, including through the use of a stern ramp, integration into a well deck, a boom arm, pontoon, or a tracked system, for example. Once recovered and in the locked position, the small boat may be refueled, maintained, or replenished; service transfers may be made (e.g., data or fuel transfers); or personnel/material transfers may occur. Because skilled boat operators or deckhands are not necessary to at least partially bring the small boat aboard the host ship and because the system is not compromised by sea states above sea state zero, boat recovery operations are faster, safer, and more permissive in operationally-realistic sea conditions.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the included drawing figures, wherein:
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an alignment and connection system for receiving and coupling a small boat (e.g., a USV) to a host ship. Accordingly, the present invention implements a cradle, coupled to a host ship via one or more standoff arms and a deployment system (e.g., one or more boom arms, pontoon, deployable module). Cradle components, which, in various embodiments, may comprise one or more of an alignment ramp, alignment arms, and bumpers, guide the boat into proper alignment and slow or arrest the forward momentum of the boat to avoid damaging the alignment and connection system. The cradle may be coupled to the alignment arms via a roll plate, which allows the cradle to rotate with the motion of the sea and houses the hard capture port and locking mechanism. The standoff arms couple the roll plate to the host ship, optionally via one or more boom arms, wherein each of the standoff arms comprise one or more joints that permit the cradle to move vertically with the sea. Many nautical terms are used throughout this disclosure and should be understood to be used in their conventional, nautical sense; for example, the term “centerline” refers to an imaginary fore and aft line that runs through the center of a ship, boat, or component, wherein “inboard” is a relative term meaning closer to the centerline and “outboard” meaning further from the centerline.
In a first aspect, an alignment and connection system is provided that includes a plurality of cradle arms, a plurality of alignment arms, an alignment ramp, a roll plate, and a hard capture port. Each cradle arm of the plurality of cradle arms is coupled to the aft surface of the roll plate. The cradle arms are each configured to include a pocket that is configured to receive at least one alignment arm and at least one articulating component configured to extend the one or more alignment arms angularly outward from an inner-facing surface of each cradle arm. Each alignment arm of the plurality of alignment arms is coupled to a cradle arm of the plurality of cradle arms at a first end of each alignment arm and comprises at least one roller coupled to a second end of the alignment arm, where the second end opposite the first end.
In another aspect, a system for capturing and docking a boat is provided that includes a plurality of cradle arms. Each of the plurality of cradle arms is coupled to an aft surface of a roll plate and comprises at least one pocket configured to receive one or more alignment arms. Each of the plurality of cradle arms includes at least one articulating component configured to extend the one or more alignment arms angularly outward from an inner-facing surface of each cradle arm and is configured to releasably hold a docked boat in a predetermined position. Each of the cradle arms also includes a plurality of alignment arms, each alignment arm of the plurality of alignment arms coupled to a cradle arm of the plurality of cradle arms at a first end of each alignment arm. The plurality of alignment arms include at least one roller coupled to a second end of the alignment arm, the second end opposite the first end. The system further includes an alignment ramp coupled to the roll plate, wherein the alignment ramp extends aft at a downward angle from the roll plate.
In yet another aspect, a shipborne recovery system is provided that includes an alignment and connection system and a host ship. The alignment and connection system includes a plurality of cradle arms. Each of the plurality of cradle arms is coupled to an aft surface of a roll plate. The alignment and connection system also includes an alignment ramp coupled to the roll plate that extends aft at a downward angle from the roll plate. The roll plate features a hard capture port, having an aperture centered on the roll plate between each of the plurality of cradle arms and one or more retention components coupled to a forward surface of the roll plate at the aperture.
In
Turning to
In embodiments, the cradle 200 may comprise one or more cradle arms 202. Though shown as having two distinct cradle arms 202 in
Generally, the cradle arms 202 may be said to comprise a first portion 206 and a second portion 204. The first portion 206 of the cradle arms 202 is coupled to, or may be unitary with, the roll plate 300, which generally defines the forward portion of the cradle 200. The first portion 206 of the cradle arms 202 extends away from the roll plate 300 in a particular direction (e.g., aft, as illustrated), and may be coupled to a discrete second portion 204 or shaped to become a distinct second portion 204. In aspects, the second portion 204 of the cradle arms 202 flares outboard of the centerline of the cradle 200 so as to increase the initial target size for the boat on its approach to the cradle 200 and to guide it into the narrower portion of the cradle 200, the sides of which are generally defined by the first portion 206 of the cradle arms 202. In other aspects, the second portion 204 may not be flared outboard of the centerline of the cradle 200, but may be tapered or constructed of a shock-absorbent material in order to deflect or absorb any initial contact between the bow of the boat and the cradle 200 as the boat enters the cradle 200. Each of the first portion 206 and the second portion 204 may be constructed of a structural material (e.g., solid steel), a shock-absorbing material (e.g., rubber), or a material having buoyant properties (e.g., a rubber bladder creating positive buoyancy for the cradle 200 or a metal pontoon creating neutral buoyancy for the cradle 200).
In embodiments, the cradle 200 may comprise a plurality of alignment arms 212. The alignment arms 212 and associated components generally operate to provide resistive force against a boat as it is entering the cradle 200 and proceeding forward towards the roll plate 300, serving to align and center the boat in the cradle 200 and guide a docking component coupled to the boat into the hard capture port 500. The cradle 200 may comprise a plurality of alignment arms 212 on each inboard facing surface of both port and starboard cradle arms 202 at a plurality of vertical and horizontal positions, and may be aligned or offset in respective vertical or horizontal planes. As illustrated in
The alignment arms 212 are coupled to the cradle arm 202 at a first end and comprise one or more rollers 218 at or proximate to a second end, the second end opposite the first end. The roller 218 may be integrated into the second end of the alignment arm 212 or may be coupled to the alignment arm 212 at or near the second end. In some aspects, each alignment arm 212 may comprise a plurality of rollers, or a single central roller with a plurality of rollers protruding therefrom (e.g., having a profile of a clover leaf). In one embodiment, the alignment arm 212 may divide into a first member 214 and a second member 216 as it extends inboard the cradle 200 from the first end of the alignment arm 212. In aspects that divide into a first member 214 and a second member 216, the roller 218 may be coupled to one or both of the first member 214 and the second member 216, or the roller 218 may be disposed in a space between the first and second member (as illustrated). The length of alignment arm 212 may vary based on operational requirements and may be hinged or otherwise rotatably or detachably connected at the first end of the alignment arm 212 to the cradle arms 202 generally, the first portion 206 of the cradle arms 202, or in a pocket 220 comprising a cavity on the inboard facing surface of the cradle arms 202. The cradle arms 202, or another portion of the AACS 104, such as the roll plate 300, may comprise one or more of a service transfer port (e.g.,) and a refueling probe (e.g., a drogue, nozzle, wand, or arm configured to physically connect to and refuel the boat 400 when captured or docked). The service transfer port may be configured to facilitate any desirable transfer between the ship 102 and the boat 400; for example, the service transfer port may comprise a data transfer port for transmitting and/or receiving information (e.g., a wireless networking interface or a probe for establishing a physical data connection with the boat 400 while the boat is in the capture or docked position), a fuel transfer port configured to onload or offload fuel, a sewage transfer port, air transfer port, ballistic transfer port (e.g., for onloading or offloading arms or ammunition) and the like.
Each cradle arm 202 may comprise a at least one pocket 220 disposed on the inboard facing surface of the cradle arm 202 configured to receive and stow one or more alignment arms 212 when not articulated and at least one alignment arm articulating component (e.g., a spring, piston, hydraulic actuator). The alignment arm articulating component is configured to extend the one or more alignment arms 212 angularly outward from the inboard facing surface of the cradle arm 202 and configured to resist or prevent the alignment arms 212 from being returned into the pocket 220. The alignment arm articulating component may be static (e.g., a spring), wherein it is configured to articulate the alignment arm 212 to a particular angle (e.g., not to exceed 90 degrees angularly extended from the inner surface of the cradle arm 202). The alignment arm articulating component may be dynamic or controllable, wherein the alignment arm articulating component can be operated to controllably articulate the alignment arm 212 to a desired angle (e.g., to apply more force to keep the boat in the captured position) or to retract the alignment arm 212 (e.g., in anticipation of launching the boat).
In some embodiments, the alignment arms 212 may resist but not prevent aft-movement of the boat once it is has been captured in the cradle (i.e., fully recovered). Such embodiments may be particularly desirable when the cradle 200 comprises a hard capture port 500 and locking mechanism that holds a captured boat in position without the need of any other subcomponent of the cradle 200. Accordingly, the alignment arms 212 may be configured to extend less than 90 degrees from their stowed position in the alignment arm pocket 220 or the rollers 218 may be allowed to freely rotate in both directions in order to avoid preventing the boat from moving aft out of the cradle 200 when the boat is launched but serve to guide the boat or provide standoff from the cradle arms 202 as the boat launches. In some embodiments, such as those that do not utilize a locking mechanism at the hard capture port 500, it may be desirable to use the alignment arms 212 to selectively prevent the captured boat from moving aft out of the cradle. In such embodiments, the alignment arms 212 may, instead of being a static length, be extendable in order to provide constant inward force against a captured boat. Further, the rollers 218 may be selectively locked to prevent any rotation or ratcheted in order to prevent rotation that would allow for aftward movement (i.e., the rollers 218 only allow a boat to move forward in the cradle 200, or may take the form of a bumper or fender and may not have any rotational properties. In embodiments, the alignment arms 212 may be articulated to a desirable angle by the alignment arm articulating component in order to establish or maintain forward and inboard force against the captured boat. When the boat is to be launched, the alignment arm articulating component may retract the alignment arms 212 towards or in to the pocket 220, the rollers 218 may be unlocked, or the alignment arms 212, if extendable, may be at least partially retracted, or a combination thereof and, in some aspects, may guide the release of the boat from the cradle 200. In other embodiments, the hull contours of the captured boat may comprise specific notches or indentations or other innate external artifacts that align with the capture mechanisms such that the capture mechanisms naturally or actively hold the boat in place once it has advanced to a specific forward distance within the cradle relative to the roll plate 300.
In embodiments, the cradle 200 may comprise an alignment ramp 230. The alignment ramp 230 is generally configured to provide a base or platform to support the hull of the recovered boat and align the boat as it proceeds forward to its capture configuration. The alignment ramp 230 may be coupled directly to the roll plate 300 or, as shown in
The alignment ramp 230 may be formed of a multi-layer material, such as a first layer 232 and a second layer 234, or may be a single material. In multi-layer embodiments, the first layer 232 may be formed of a structural material (e.g., steel) that provides rigidity and support for the boat and for the second layer 234 of the alignment ramp 230. The second layer 234 may be formed of a corrosion-resistant material (e.g., polymers, plastics, etc.) with a coefficient of friction that may work cooperatively with other components of the cradle 200 to slow the forward momentum of the boat as it is being recovered and avoid damaging the keel or hull of the boat (e.g., Jet-Dock tiles). In some aspects, the materials used to construct the alignment ramp 230 or one or more layers thereof may have floating properties.
In order to further provide alignment and momentum-slowing benefits, the alignment ramp may be sloped or angled, such that it forms a type of incline plane as it extends forward towards the roll plate 300. In one aspect, the slope or angle of the alignment ramp 230 may be such that the aft end of the alignment ramp is fully immersed below the surface of the water and the forward end is only partially immersed or not immersed in water when the cradle 200 is deployed for boat recovery.
In embodiments, the cradle may comprise one or more bow bumpers 240. The bow bumper 240 serves to slow or arrest forward motion of the boat when it has reached the capture position in the cradle 200. Though shown as coupled to the roll plate 300, the bow bumper 240 may be coupled to one or more of the roll plate 300 and the cradle arm 202. The bow bumper 240 may comprise a plate 242 and one or more bumpers (i.e., fenders) 244 coupled to the plate 242, wherein the one or more bumpers 244 are constructed of a material that is shock absorbing and unlikely to damage the hull of the boat during recovery (e.g., rubber, polymer, plastic, foam, and the like). Though depicted as proximate to the cradle arms 202, the bow bumper 240 may be proximate to, adjacent, or may envelop the hard capture port 500. For example, the bow bumper 240 may be circular with a cutout (e.g., like a donut) that may surround or envelop the hard capture port 500 in order to protect the cradle 200 from boats having a narrower bow or to specifically protect the hard capture port 500 and the locking mechanism on the opposite face of the roll plate 300.
Turning now to
A roll bracket 334 coupled to the forward facing surface 311 of the roll plate 300 permits the cradle 200 of
Turning to
As best seen in
Accordingly, the hard capture process may comprise the connecting ball 404 passing through the aperture 312 and into the aft portion of the hard capture port 500. As the boat 400 and the connecting ball 404 continue forward, the connecting ball 404 partially displaces or pushes apart the inwardly-tapered first portion 506 of the flared springs 504. As the forward motion of the boat 400 continues to push the connecting ball 404 forward through the first portion 506 and into the outwardly-flared second portion 508 of the flared springs 504, the flared springs 504, previously pushed away from the roll axis of the cradle 300 (i.e., a center axis of the hard capture port 500), return to their original position. The inwardly-tapered first portion 506 of the flared springs 504 applies inward pressure on the stem 402 of the bow connecting device and creates a resistive force against the connecting ball 404 that prevents the connecting ball 404 from moving aft and exiting the hard capture port 500 unless sufficient astern force is exercised. In order to launch the boat 400 from this position, the process reverses; a sufficient amount of astern force from the boat (e.g., the boat uses its drivetrain for astern propulsion) will overcome the inward force of the flared springs 504 that retained the connecting ball 404 against the second portion 508 of the flared springs 504 and push them apart sufficiently that the connecting ball 404 may pass astern through and out of the hard capture port 500.
The hard capture port 500 may additionally comprise a locking mechanism 502.
Turning now to
Turning now to
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims.
This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/175,383, filed on Feb. 12, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/989,424, filed on Mar. 13, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7350475 | Borgwarth | Apr 2008 | B2 |
| 8578872 | Spellacy | Nov 2013 | B1 |
| 10315738 | Imel | Jun 2019 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230219659 A1 | Jul 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62989424 | Mar 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17175383 | Feb 2021 | US |
| Child | 18092541 | US |
