Model Submarine Control/Propulsion System

Abstract

A control / propulsion system for a model submarine 4 to 7 ft. in length, (can vary within reasonable limits) using bilge pumps, RC components, and exacting ballast to make the submarine completely functional without any external moving parts such as propeller, rudder, and dive planes. Unlike most model submarines which use external moving parts for directional control such as propeller, dive planes and rudder, the proposed control / propulsion system accomplishes complete directional control without the use of any external moving parts. This is accomplished with bilge pumps providing jet water thrust through fixed nozzles for all directions, forward, reverse, left, right and down. Since the submarine is positively buoyant the cessation of forward thrust allows the submarine to surface. This is an added safety feature in case of loss of radio signal. Additionally the functional components of the proposed control / propulsion system are extremely simple compared to other typical model submarines. The major components are simply a battery, to supply power, a watertight chamber, housing the radio and electrical components, bilge pumps, to provide jet water thrust, and fixed directional nozzles and plumbing to provide desired directional control. The simplicity of this system greatly enhances the reliability of the model submarine and provides trouble-free operation for many hours without the concern of losing the submarine.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0001] This is a completely functional Model Submarine (4 ft. to 7 ft. depending on propulsion system proposed herein). The working prototype has been developed and is shown in the attached pictures. The application is for the control / propulsion system used to make this submarine functional. The submarine selected for development of this prototype while resembling the Jules Verne submarine is significantly different from typical model submarines. Unlike other model submarines, it does not have a movable rudder, it does not have a propeller, it does not have movable dive planes, or movable rudder, it does however have propulsion jets in the forward and rear sections of the submarine, these are fixed jet nozzles. The submarine is a wet hull design, meaning that water is allowed to fill the hull through various vents. Water inside the hull is propelled as thrust to various fixed directional jet nozzles. The propulsion jets are powered by bilge pumps. Each...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The primary value of the product to a model submarine enthusiast is that the sub is very simple to construct and operate since the only moving parts involved are only the bilge pumps themselves (the turbine in the pump itself rotates to pump the water) and the fact that this submarine will not sink (when the forward thrust is terminated either through loss of signal or by intention). Bilge pumps are readily available, relatively inexpensive and very dependable. They are ideal as miniature turbine units for a model submarine propulsion system.

Problems solved by technology

A static diving system would also work with this system, but would involve more components and forego the automatic safety of a permanently buoyant model.

The remote control system is unique as well in that there are no servos or other mechanical control devices, which are easily subject to failure.

Images