Eliminating pivot pin problems to boost USV uptime
Uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) are revolutionizing maritime operations by unlocking greater efficiencies and reducing risks, but in order for them to deliver their full value it is vital to avoid downtime caused by failing components like pivot pins.
This case study details how Zero USV unlocked faster deployment and maximized uptime when their innovative vessels adopted the Expander System, rather than traditional pivot pins that are prone to problems caused by corrosion. With potential applications ranging from seabed surveys to supporting NATO navies, the USVs are now perfectly equipped to excel in a field where speed is truly of the essence.
The challenge: When traditional pivot pins can’t match the speed of USVs
At only 12 meters long, Zero USV’s autonomous vessels are highly portable, and can easily be shipped around the world for rapid deployment in the sea wherever they are needed. Applications range from seabed surveys to checking the status of important infrastructure like gas pipelines. They can also be deployed for military intelligence gathering, surveillance and patrols.
Regardless of the use case, the USVs efficiently carry out their tasks then deliver the data securely via satellite link, all without the need for a crew. This reduced size and material cost compared to manned vessels is bolstered by an aluminum keel, which is not only light in weight, but also corrodes at a slower rate than steel when in contact with salt water.
For Zero USV’s typical applications, this portability must also be balanced with strength and reliability, including in the pivots. Stainless steel pivot pins can have a galvanic reaction with aluminum when they come into contact with a corrosive electrolyte like saltwater, however. The reaction can cause tightly fitted pins to be locked in place, making them impossible to remove without drilling, which in turn drives up maintenance costs and causes deployment speed to decline (in turn worsening TCO). Expander® System eliminates this issue.
The solution: Lightning quick keel removal with the Expander System
Unlike a standard stainless steel pivot pin, the Expander System’s expansion sleeve design means that once its fasteners are loosened, the pin can be removed with little more than a sharp tap. In marine applications like Zero USV’s this is a significant upgrade. A traditional pin would likely have to be drilled out for removal, taking time and causing damage which quickly adds up in cost. None of these issues apply with the Expander System.
For Zero USV the Expander System was the best solution for two reasons. Firstly, because it is simple to fit even in the confined spaces and smaller dimensions their unmanned vessels require. Expander System can be installed in these scenarios much more easily than a standard pivot pin.
Secondly, Expander System’s easy release was a game changer. Every time Zero USV’s vessels are packed up to be deployed at a different location, the keel must be withdrawn. Using Expander System to hold the keel in place makes it possible to rapidly remove the pin and withdraw the keel for shipping or general maintenance, rather than a laborious process as is the case with a standard pivot pin. The Expander System is an ideal keel pin for USVs, where speed and flexibility are key differentiators compared to manned vessels.
The results: a robust solution fit for Zero USV’s rapid deployment
“The Expander System plays a crucial part in Zero USV operations, and we are proud to have them as a trusted supplier,” Henry Pearson, Lead Engineer at Zero USV explains.
“They prove a well-proven, robust solution that fits well with our design philosophy.”
Several USV vessels using the Expander System have been tested successfully in a range of mapping scenarios, and the solution is planned to be rolled out to a larger number of vessels.
Image rights: Zero USV
The outcome: Zero USV is mission-ready for defense, security and more
The Expander System dramatically reduces installation time for Zero USV’s vessels when the keel needs to be withdrawn for transport or other logistical reasons. This will be highly beneficial at scale: USVs are a growing market, and Zero USV’s vessels truly excel when they can be quickly shipped and deployed wherever and whenever they are needed.
This use case is a strong example of the Expander System’s benefits for maritime applications in general, which must contend not only with the challenge of corrosion in salt water, but also the need to reduce downtime and installation complexity as much as possible.
This is acutely felt in mission-critical applications where scrutiny on downtime is at its highest, including defense. Here, Nord-Lock Group’s track record also makes a difference, allowing us to have numerous NCAGE and NSN numbers for a range of our products and making it easier to be specified in NATO countries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Use case:
Improving pivot pin performance in uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs)
Client:
Zero USV
Location:
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Benefits gained:
- Reduced installation time compared to traditional pivot pins
- Eliminated the need to drill out corroded pins and cause damage
- Improved deployment speed after transport
- Minimized downtime for fast-paced verticals (defense, mission-critical)
- Improved TCO thanks to reduced maintenance
