Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules

a technology of underwater vehicles and modules, applied in the field of underwater vehicles without hulls, can solve the problems of high development cost, impede the application of other purposes of underwater vehicles, and the architecture does not lend itself to being easily reconfigured for other purposes

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-02-21
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYST CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, the high cost of development hinders their application for other purposes.
This results in an architecture that does not lend itself to be easily reconfigured for other purposed.

Method used

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  • Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules
  • Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules
  • Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0020]So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof that is illustrated in the appended drawings. In all the drawings, identical numbers represent the same elements.

[0021]The present invention relates to co-pending patent application entitled “Self Contained Underwater Vehicle Modules,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

[0022]An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) V includes a steering unit or segment 10 with an exterior surface 12 and at least one interchangeable operational module component 14. The steering unit 10 functions to provide for or assist in directional control or stability of the UUV V. The interchangeable module or modules 14 house one or more desired operational units 16 appropriate for a chosen mission ...

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Abstract

An encapsulated module (14) for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) (V) is formed with an operational component (16) and encapsulating material (60). The encapsulant (60) forms a rigid capsule surrounding the operational component (16). The capsule (14) has a least one exterior surface (18) that assists in forming the exterior surface (26) of the UUV (V) when the capsule (14) is combined into the UUV (V).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The invention relates to the field of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and more particularly to forms of such UUVs that are adaptable to multiple mission profiles.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are a well known tool used in military and non-military operations. UUVs are currently designated for a single mission. Additionally, the high cost of development hinders their application for other purposes. UUVs are typically designed as a metallic pressure vessel with cables running from its extremities to the central processor. This results in an architecture that does not lend itself to be easily reconfigured for other purposed.[0005]Exemplary UUVs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,751; 5,786,545; 6,058,874; 6,536,365; and 7,000,560.[0006]Polyurethane potting has been used in conjunction with UUVs for sealing holes and individual cables against water intrusion as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63G8/00
CPCB63B3/08B63G8/42B63G8/001
Inventor DIORIO, RICHARD A.WALTER, CHRISTOPHER R.TINTNER, RYAN J.
Owner NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYST CORP
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