Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:
|
Minimum annual:
|
$ 2,600 K
|
|
Minimum 15 Year:
|
$ 39,000 K
|
| The prototype door controller was installed on USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Door #4 in October 2008. It will remain onboard throughout the ship's next deployment to evaluate its performance. It has been assigned as SCD 2773. This project was done jointly with PMS 312 as part of the "Smart Carrier" program. The Hangar Division Doors, which use most of the same hardware except the drives, will be forthcoming after an SCD number is assigned. IPI/MTTC did not directly fund the Division Doors but they are being leveraged off of our project. |
|
|
Problem:
| Hangar Bay Divisional Doors and Elevator Deck Edge Doors on ships suffer numerous problems when being operated. They seize up and burn out the motor, or snap the wire rope that moves it. Another problem is the latching/locking mechanism malfunctions during operation. These problems cost millions of dollars and are very man-hour intensive to fix. |
Solution:
| Investigate the usage of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to operate and continuously monitor the doors and the equipment that operates them. The PLCs would be able to sense when a problem is about to or has occurred and take appropriate action, or inform personnel of action that needs to be taken. |
Fleet Impact:
| Potential for dramatic improvements in the operation of these doors. There will be less damage occurring to large equipment which will greatly reduce the amount of cumbersome maintenance that has been required in the past. |
Applications:
| CVN, LHD-1, LHA-1 classes |
|
