Combining UUV technology with wedge-locking for defense success

Stopping vibrational loosening in UUVs

For defense, UUV technology has unlocked a cost-effective way to carry out long-endurance surveillance and reconnaissance operations, making it possible to monitor underwater assets like pipelines without requiring human crewmembers.

A global UUV manufacturer whose products are used by several navies contacted Nord-Lock Group at a defense exhibition. They sought to resolve a problem where vibration was causing bolted joints to loosen. As is the case in any vehicle, vibration caused by engine rotation, gearboxes and other moving parts is a challenge. This vibration spreads through the vehicle’s structure, and if left unchecked, can cause loosening in a range of places. For UUVs reliability is particularly fundamental. Losing parts or even the entire vehicle itself is not only costly from an economic perspective – in defense, the consequences can be even greater.

For UUVs, Nord-Lock washers pass the test

While several other alternatives such as adhesives or locking wire claim to solve vibrational loosening, they can be expensive and difficult to implement. Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers, are simple to use and effectively secure bolted joints from vibration. This makes them a clear fit for defense, where failure is not an option and time is of the essence.

Nord-Lock was able to provide test data showing the suitability of our solution for the UUV manufacturer, as well as evidence from similar applications, ranging from military vehicles to other automated underwater deployments. Nord-Lock also has testing facilities where detailed technical testing can be carried out to show the solution works as it should for the specific use case in question. Combined, these proof points demonstrate that Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers are an excellent match for mission-critical usage of UUV technology.

Ready for defense deployment with secure bolted joints

With the Nord-Lock solution implemented, the UUVs have now been deployed in harsh and demanding environments.

Exactly as was desired, the problem with vibrational loosening was eliminated, showing once again that the majority of bolted joint issues can be solved with Nord-Lock washers.

A scalable and reliable bolted joint solution for UUV technology

In a segment where 100% reliability is a base requirement to maintain reputational integrity, the UUV manufacturer can rely upon the Nord-Lock solution to deliver on its promise. With spares available for quick dispatch across the world, the solution is also scalable, strengthened further by the reusable nature of Nord-Lock washers.

For Nord-Lock, the case reaffirms the value of our products for UUV technology and the defense sector in general, strengthened by our ability to facilitate a full range of Nato Stock Numbers (NSN) for the solutions, as well as CAD downloads. Nord-Lock is well geared up to support the defense industry.

“This is a great example of why we love being approached by people with engineering knowledge at exhibitions,” Andy Radnor, Nord-Lock Group Global Business Development Manager explains.

“We’re extremely proud of our quality, transparency, global footprint and availability, and have a broad product portfolio that can benefit a wide range of defense applications. If you see a Nord-Lock Group stand and have a bolted joint challenge you’ve been trying to resolve, come and speak to us and we will show how we can help with the data and testing to back it up.”

Key take aways

Use case:
Eliminating vibrational loosening of bolted joints in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)

Customer:
Major UUV supplier to navy operations

Location:
A global manufacturer with a global reach

Benefits gained:
• Prevent vibrational loosening.
• Proven experience in the naval industry and UUV applications.
• Global stock availability for fast, dependable delivery anywhere in the world.
• Scalable solution.
• First in the industry to offer a full lifecycle warranty.