Self-contained underway observation system and method suitable for deep ocean current
By combining a sea surface positioning system with an underwater self-contained mobile observation platform, high-precision, autonomous, and multi-parameter observation of deep-sea currents has been achieved, solving the problems of observation range and cost in existing technologies and providing a flexible observation solution.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THIRD INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY STATE OCEANI C ADMINISTRATION
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies make it difficult to achieve long-term, large-scale, and flexible deep-sea current observations. Fixed observation systems have limited coverage, underwater mooring systems have low spatial resolution, and shipborne observations are costly and limited in harsh sea conditions.
Employing a sea surface positioning system and an underwater self-contained mobile observation platform, the system utilizes a three-point positioning method for real-time positioning and control, integrates multiple sensors for multi-parameter synchronous observation, and combines autonomous power supply and underwater acoustic communication to achieve autonomous control and remote command reception.
It enables high-precision, long-term deep-sea current observations, improves observation efficiency and data quality, reduces operating costs, and is suitable for large-scale and long-term observation missions.
Smart Images
Figure CN121929271A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine observation technology, and more specifically to a self-contained underway observation system and method suitable for deep-sea currents. Background Technology
[0002] Deep-sea current observation is of great significance for marine scientific research, marine environmental monitoring, marine resource exploration, and marine engineering safety.
[0003] Currently, deep-sea current observation mainly relies on fixed seabed observation stations, moored systems, or shipborne mobile observation equipment. Fixed observation systems are difficult to move after deployment and have limited coverage; moored systems can usually only conduct continuous observations at a single point, resulting in low spatial resolution; while traditional shipborne mobile observation relies on research vessels, is costly, and is limited in operation under harsh sea conditions, making it impossible to achieve long-term, large-scale, and flexible deep-sea current profile observations.
[0004] Therefore, how to provide a deep-sea current observation system that can achieve long-term, autonomous, mobile, and multi-parameter synchronous observation has become an urgent problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a self-contained mobile observation system and method suitable for deep-sea currents, aiming to achieve long-term, autonomous, mobile profiling observation of deep-sea currents and improve observation efficiency and data quality.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A self-contained mobile observation system suitable for deep-sea currents includes: a sea surface positioning system and an underwater self-contained mobile observation platform; The sea surface positioning system includes three autonomously movable positioning devices. The three positioning devices are deployed on the sea surface of the observation area in a triangular distribution. They are used to locate the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time using the three-point positioning method, send control commands to the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform, and receive the real-time positioning information of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform and transmit it to the shore-based receiving system. The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform includes a streamlined hull, inside which are housed a power supply system, a control unit, a buoyancy adjustment system, a propulsion system, sensors, and a storage unit.
[0007] Furthermore, the underwater self-contained underway observation platform also includes an acoustic communication device and an acoustic Doppler current profiler for communicating with the sea surface positioning system.
[0008] Furthermore, the positioning device is equipped with an energy supply module, a power module, an acoustic communication module, and a satellite data transmission module.
[0009] Furthermore, the energy supply module consists of a rechargeable battery pack.
[0010] Furthermore, the power module includes a propeller and a servo motor, used to enable the positioning device to follow the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform and maintain a preset distance.
[0011] Furthermore, the sensors include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and an altimeter.
[0012] Furthermore, the streamlined hull can be either torpedo-shaped or submarine-shaped, with balancing wings on both sides and a vertical wing and propeller at the tail.
[0013] Furthermore, the buoyancy adjustment system is an oil bladder adjustment method.
[0014] Furthermore, the sea surface positioning system and the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform communicate and transmit commands and data via underwater acoustic communication.
[0015] A method for a self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents includes the following steps: S1. Deploy three positioning devices in a triangular arrangement on the sea surface of the target observation area; S2. Deploy the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform into the water, and set the diving depth, navigation path and observation mode through the sea surface positioning system. At the same time, set the altimeter data to take surfacing measures to avoid touching the bottom if the altimeter data is lower than the pre-approved height. S3. The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform navigates according to instructions, and collects ocean current profile data, temperature, depth and positioning information in real time during navigation, and stores them in the storage unit. S4. The sea surface positioning system acquires the location information of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time and transmits the location information to the shore-based receiving system via satellite. S5. After the observation is completed, control the underwater self-contained traveling observation platform to rise to the sea surface and be recovered.
[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a self-contained underway observation system and method suitable for deep-sea currents, which has the following beneficial effects: (1) By adopting a three-point positioning system on the sea surface and working in conjunction with an underwater self-contained platform, high-precision positioning and long-term navigation observation of deep-sea currents were achieved; (2) The sea surface positioning device has the ability to move autonomously and be powered by renewable energy, and can move with the underwater platform to adapt to long-term observation tasks; (3) The underwater platform integrates multiple sensors, which can simultaneously acquire multiple parameter data such as ocean current profile, temperature, and depth, providing comprehensive observation information; (4) The system has autonomous control and remote command receiving capabilities, and can realize preset trajectory or real-time remote control observation, which is highly flexible; (5) The entire system is easy to deploy and retrieve, has low operating costs, and is suitable for large-scale, long-term deep-sea current observation missions. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment of the sea surface positioning system provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the self-contained mobile observation platform provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0020] Example 1: See Figure 1-2 Embodiment 1 of the present invention discloses a self-contained underwater observation system suitable for deep-sea currents, including a sea surface positioning system and an underwater self-contained underwater observation platform that is communicatively connected to the sea surface positioning system. The sea surface positioning system includes three autonomously movable positioning devices, which are deployed in a triangular pattern on the sea surface of the observation area. These devices are used to locate the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time using the three-point positioning method, send control commands to the platform, and receive data collected by the platform and transmit it to the shore-based receiving system. Each positioning device is equipped with a power supply module, a propulsion module, an acoustic communication module, and a satellite data transmission module. The underwater self-contained underway observation platform includes a streamlined hull, inside which are housed a power supply system, a control unit, a buoyancy adjustment system, a propulsion system, various sensors, and a storage unit. The sensors include at least a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an altimeter, an acoustic communication device for communicating with the sea surface positioning system, and an acoustic Doppler current profiler. The control unit is used to control the operation of the propulsion system, the buoyancy adjustment system, and the sensors according to the instructions of the sea surface positioning system or a preset program, so as to achieve underway observation at constant or varying depths.
[0021] Specifically, in this invention, only the location of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform is transmitted to the shore-based receiving system. Because the amount of acoustic data is too large to be transmitted back via satellite, it is named "self-contained," meaning the data is temporarily stored in the storage unit of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform. Specifically, the power supply module consists of a rechargeable battery pack.
[0022] Specifically, the power module includes a propeller and a servo motor, enabling the positioning device to follow the underwater self-contained traveling observation platform and maintain a preset relative distance.
[0023] Specifically, the streamlined hull can be either torpedo-shaped or submarine-shaped, with stabilizing wings on both sides and a vertical rotor and propeller at the tail.
[0024] Specifically, the buoyancy adjustment system is an oil bladder adjustment method.
[0025] Specifically, the surface positioning system and the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform use underwater acoustic communication to transmit commands and data.
[0026] On the other hand, see Figure 3 Embodiment 1 of the present invention also discloses a method for a self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents, comprising the following steps: S1. Deploy three positioning devices in a triangular arrangement on the sea surface of the target observation area; S2. Deploy the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform into the water, and set the diving depth, navigation path and observation mode through the sea surface positioning system. At the same time, set the altimeter data to take surfacing measures to avoid touching the bottom when the altimeter data is lower than the preset height. S3. The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform navigates according to instructions, and collects ocean current profile data, temperature, depth and positioning information in real time during navigation, and stores them in the storage unit. S4. The sea surface positioning system acquires the location information of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time and transmits the location information to the shore-based receiving system via satellite. S5. After the observation is completed, control the underwater self-contained traveling observation platform to rise to the sea surface and be recovered.
[0027] Specifically, the underwater self-contained traveling observation platform is configured such that, during navigation, if the height above the bottom measured by its altimeter is less than a preset safety threshold, it automatically controls its buoyancy adjustment system and / or propulsion system to perform an upward movement to avoid touching the bottom.
[0028] Example 2: This embodiment provides a self-contained mobile observation system suitable for deep-sea currents, which mainly consists of a sea surface positioning system and an underwater self-contained mobile observation platform.
[0029] Specifically, the sea surface positioning system consists of three autonomous buoys deployed at three locations on the sea surface within the survey area. These buoys, using a three-point method to locate the self-contained underwater observation platform, can utilize solar or wave energy for extended operation. The three buoys communicate with the self-contained underwater observation platform via acoustic or other communication methods to locate it, control its ascent and descent, receive data, and transmit it back to the shore-based receiving system. Simultaneously, the three buoys must be self-powered to follow the self-contained underwater observation platform and maintain a certain distance from it.
[0030] Specifically, the self-contained underway observation platform is similar to an unmanned underwater vehicle or submarine. It has a circular cross-section, resembling a torpedo, with smooth lines, stabilizer wings on both sides, and a vertical rotor and propeller at the tail. The self-contained underway observation platform is equipped with a power supply system, pressure sensors (water depth), temperature sensors, an altimeter, communication devices with a sea surface positioning system, a buoyancy system, and an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP).
[0031] In one specific embodiment, three buoys are deployed in an equilateral triangle formation on the sea surface of the observation area. The spacing between them can be adjusted according to water depth and positioning accuracy requirements, generally maintaining a distance of 1-3 kilometers. Each buoy can maintain contact with the underwater platform via underwater acoustic communication to obtain its position information in real time and calculate its precise position using triangulation. Simultaneously, the buoys receive control commands from the shore-based platform and forward them to the underwater platform. They can also receive observation data transmitted from the underwater platform and send it back to the shore station via satellite communication.
[0032] In one specific embodiment, the underwater self-contained underway observation platform employs a torpedo-shaped streamlined hull made of pressure-resistant composite material, internally integrating a high-energy-density battery pack, control computer, buoyancy adjustment chamber, propulsion motor, propeller, servo motor, and various sensors. These sensors include a pressure sensor (for measuring water depth), a high-precision temperature sensor, an altimeter (for measuring height above the bottom), an underwater acoustic communication device, and an ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler). The ADCP can measure the velocity and direction of ocean currents at different depths, enabling current profile observation.
[0033] During operation, three surface positioning buoys are first deployed to a designated sea area, forming a positioning network. Then, the underwater observation platform is deployed into the water. The platform descends to a predetermined depth (e.g., 500 meters, 1000 meters, etc.) according to instructions and begins navigation along a pre-set route. During navigation, the platform continuously collects data and uploads it in real time to the surface buoys via underwater acoustic communication. The buoys then collect the data and transmit it back to the shore base via satellite. The surface buoys can autonomously adjust their positions based on the platform's location, maintaining their relative geometric relationship to ensure positioning accuracy. After the observation mission is completed, the platform receives an ascent command, the buoyancy adjustment system displaces water to increase buoyancy, and the platform rises to the surface for recovery.
[0034] Specifically, this invention is particularly suitable for long-term, large-scale deep-sea current cross-section surveys, ocean circulation studies, underwater environmental monitoring, and other tasks, and has the advantages of flexible deployment, continuous observation, real-time data, and low operating costs.
[0035] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section.
[0036] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents, characterized in that, include: Sea surface positioning system and underwater self-contained mobile observation platform; The sea surface positioning system includes three autonomously movable positioning devices. The three positioning devices are deployed on the sea surface of the observation area in a triangular distribution. They are used to locate the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time using the three-point positioning method, send control commands to the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform, and receive the real-time positioning information of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform and transmit it to the shore-based receiving system. The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform includes a streamlined hull, inside which are housed a power supply system, a control unit, a buoyancy adjustment system, a propulsion system, sensors, and a storage unit.
2. The self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform also includes an acoustic communication device and an acoustic Doppler current profiler for communicating with the sea surface positioning system.
3. The self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning device is equipped with an energy supply module, a power module, an acoustic communication module, and a satellite data transmission module.
4. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply module consists of a rechargeable battery pack.
5. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power module includes a propeller and a servo motor, which enables the positioning device to follow the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform and maintain a preset distance.
6. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensors include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and an altimeter.
7. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The streamlined hull can be either torpedo-shaped or submarine-shaped, with balancing wings on both sides and a vertical wing and propeller at the tail.
8. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buoyancy adjustment system is an oil bladder adjustment method.
9. A self-contained underway observation system suitable for deep-sea currents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface positioning system and the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform communicate and transmit commands and data via underwater acoustic communication.
10. A method for using the self-contained underway observation system for deep-sea currents as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Deploy three positioning devices in a triangular arrangement on the sea surface of the target observation area; S2. Deploy the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform into the water, and set the diving depth, navigation path and observation mode through the sea surface positioning system. At the same time, set the altimeter data to take surfacing measures to avoid touching the bottom when the altimeter data is lower than the preset height. S3. The underwater self-contained mobile observation platform navigates according to instructions, and collects ocean current profile data, temperature, depth and positioning information in real time during navigation, and stores them in the storage unit. S4. The sea surface positioning system acquires the location information of the underwater self-contained mobile observation platform in real time and transmits the location information to the shore-based receiving system via satellite. S5. After the observation is completed, control the underwater self-contained traveling observation platform to rise to the sea surface and be recovered.