Low-power-consumption ocean beacon machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a low-power-consumption ocean beacon machine which comprises a shell, and the shell sequentially comprises an energy bin, a mainboard bin and an antenna bin from bottom to top. The shell further comprises an end cover, the end cover is arranged on the antenna bin, the upper half portion of the end cover is a hemispherical shell, two electrodes are arranged in the end cover in a penetrating mode and arranged in two containing holes of the end cover in a spaced mode, one ends of the two electrodes are arranged on the outer side of the end cover, and the other ends of the two electrodes are arranged on the inner side of the end cover and electrically connected with the control circuit. By means of the two electrodes, when the electrodes enter water, electrolyte is dissolved in the water to generate free charged ions, and the charged ions move in a directional mode, so that conductivity is achieved; when the head of the beacon machine emerges from the water surface, the point loop is cut off, and the signal transmitting circuit is started, so that the water switch circuit connected with the electrode can be used for switching on and switching off a power supply, and the aim of low power consumption of the beacon machine is fulfilled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beacon technology, and in particular to a low-power marine beacon. Background Technology

[0002] A beacon is an instrument that transmits specific identification signals to the outside world. Once the activation conditions are met, it automatically sends radio or location signals, which can be detected by the outside world. Therefore, it can be used for long-term, fixed-point underwater monitoring and can also store large amounts of data on underwater gliders. Using a beacon facilitates the location and retrieval of underwater gliders.

[0003] However, traditional beacons are fixed to the top of the observation system and activated before deployment. After being submerged, they determine whether to stop operating based on the water pressure measured by an internal pressure sensor to complete fixed-point observation. When the observation system is retrieved, the beacon emerges from the water, and the water pressure drops below a set value, the beacon restarts operation and sends a position signal. However, this design results in the beacon being in operation for extended periods, increasing power consumption, shortening its operational time after emerging from the water, and making the beacon highly dependent on the pressure sensor, thus increasing costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a low-power marine beacon, which enables the beacon to operate in a low-power state while underwater, saving energy and extending the operating time of the beacon after it surfaces.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the low-power marine beacon includes a housing, which comprises, from bottom to top, the following components:

[0006] An energy storage compartment, wherein an energy component is installed inside the energy storage compartment, and the energy component is used to provide energy;

[0007] A motherboard compartment, wherein a motherboard is disposed within the motherboard compartment, and the motherboard is provided with a control circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the power component; and

[0008] An antenna compartment is provided, wherein an antenna is installed inside the antenna compartment, the antenna is used for signal transmission, and the antenna is electrically connected to the control circuit;

[0009] The housing also includes an end cap, which is disposed on the antenna compartment. The upper half of the end cap is a hemispherical shell. Two electrodes are disposed inside the end cap, and the two electrodes are spaced apart in two receiving holes of the end cap. One end of the two electrodes is disposed on the outside of the end cap, and the other end of the two electrodes is disposed on the inside of the end cap and electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0010] It has at least the following beneficial effects: When the two electrodes are immersed in water, the dissolved electrolyte in the water generates free charged ions, which move in a directional manner and thus become conductive; when the head of the beacon floats to the surface, the point circuit is cut off, and the signal transmission circuit is activated. The power can be switched on and off through the water switch circuit connected to the electrodes, thus achieving the purpose of low power consumption of the beacon.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer shell includes a first housing, the first housing is provided with the motherboard compartment, the first housing has a first fixing through hole evenly distributed, the end cover has a first fastening hole at the corresponding position, and the first housing is connected to the first fastening hole on the end cover by a plurality of first fasteners passing through the first fixing through hole.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the fastener is a fastening screw.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first flange is provided at one end of the first housing, and a plurality of first sealing grooves are provided on the outer periphery of the first flange. A first sealing ring is provided in the first sealing groove, and the outer periphery of the first sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the first sealing groove and the inner wall of the end cap.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the end cap is made of polyoxymethylene resin material.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer shell further includes a second shell, the energy compartment is disposed inside the second shell, the other end of the first shell is sleeved on one end of the second shell, and a bottom cover is disposed at the other end of the second shell.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom cover and the second housing are sealed together. The bottom cover has a second fixing through hole evenly distributed, and the second housing has a second fastening hole at the corresponding position. The bottom cover is connected to the second housing by a plurality of second fasteners passing through the second fixing through hole and the second fastening hole on the second housing.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom cover is provided with a second flange, the second flange is disposed in the second housing, a plurality of second sealing grooves are provided on the outer peripheral side of the second flange, a second sealing ring is disposed in the second sealing groove, and the outer peripheral side of the second sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the second sealing groove and the inner wall of the second housing.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first housing and the second housing are cylindrical.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the low-power marine beacon unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A half-sectional schematic diagram of a low-power marine beacon aircraft is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the low-power marine beacon aircraft.

[0024] Icon labels:

[0025] Energy compartment 1; Mainboard compartment 2; Antenna compartment 3;

[0026] End cap 10; First fastening hole 11; Receiving hole 12;

[0027] First housing 20; first fixing through hole 21; first flange 22; first sealing groove 221;

[0028] Second housing 30; Second fastening hole 31;

[0029] Bottom cover 40; second fixing through hole 41; second flange 42; second sealing groove 421. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, the use of "first" and "second" is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or the order of the technical features.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low-power marine beacon includes a housing, which, from bottom to top, comprises a power compartment 1, a motherboard compartment 2, and an antenna compartment 3. The power compartment 1 contains a power supply component (not shown in the figure) for providing power. The motherboard compartment 2 contains a motherboard (not shown in the figure) with a control circuit electrically connected to the power supply component. The antenna compartment 3 contains an antenna (not shown in the figure) for signal transmission, electrically connected to the control circuit. The housing also includes an end cap 10, which is mounted on the antenna compartment 3. The upper half of the end cap 10 is a hemispherical shell. Two electrodes are disposed inside the end cap 10, spaced apart in two receiving holes 12. One end of each electrode is located on the outside of the end cap 10, and the other end is located on the inside of the end cap 10 and electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0034] This invention relates to a low-power marine beacon, which, through optimized structural design, achieves intelligent switching between working and non-working states, effectively reducing power consumption. Specifically, the beacon's outer shell is arranged from bottom to top as an energy compartment 1, a motherboard compartment 2, and an antenna compartment 3. This compartmentalized design ensures a reasonable layout of components, facilitating maintenance and upgrades. The upper part of the end cap 10 is a hemispherical shell, which not only enhances the beacon's waterproof performance but also makes it more stable in underwater environments. Two electrodes inserted inside the end cap 10 serve as the interface between the beacon and the external environment, enabling the control circuit to connect with the surrounding seawater. When the beacon is underwater, dissolved electrolytes in the water generate free charged ions. These charged ions move directionally, becoming conductive, which connects the electrodes to the control circuit, allowing the beacon to enter a low-power or sleep state. When the beacon surfaces, the electrode state changes, the control circuit is activated, and the beacon begins normal operation and signal transmission. This design significantly reduces the energy consumption of the beacon during prolonged underwater operation, extends its working time after surfacing, and reduces its reliance on pressure sensors, thereby lowering costs and improving the beacon's practicality and reliability.

[0035] Specifically, the low-power marine beacon in this embodiment has a casing made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials to ensure long-term stable operation in harsh marine environments. The casing, from bottom to top, includes a power compartment 1, a motherboard compartment 2, and an antenna compartment 3. The power compartment 1 houses a power source, such as a lithium battery pack, to provide the beacon with the necessary power. The motherboard compartment 2 houses a motherboard with integrated control circuitry. The control circuitry is electrically connected to the power source via wires to supply power and transmit control signals. The antenna compartment 3 houses an antenna used to transmit the beacon's position signal. The antenna is also electrically connected to the control circuitry via wires to ensure the control circuitry can control the antenna's signal transmission. An end cap 10 is located on the top of the casing. The upper half of the end cap 10 is a hemispherical shell, a design that enhances the beacon's waterproof performance and makes it more stable underwater. Two electrodes are inserted inside the end cap 10, spaced apart in two receiving holes 12. One end of the electrode protrudes from the outside of the end cap 10 and can be interconnected by the directional movement of charged ions in the external seawater; the other end of the electrode is located inside the end cap 10 and is electrically connected to the control circuit through a wire.

[0036] In practical applications, when the beacon is deployed underwater, its electrodes are electrically connected via seawater. Signals are transmitted through these electrodes to the control circuit, which then controls the beacon to enter a low-power or sleep state to reduce energy consumption. When the beacon rises to the surface with the observation system, an external triggering device detects a drop in water pressure and again transmits a signal to the control circuit via the electrodes. The control circuit is then activated, and the beacon begins normal operation, transmitting its position signal via its antenna. Therefore, it can be understood that the beacon uses two electrodes. When the electrodes are submerged in water, dissolved electrolytes generate free charged ions, which then move directionally and become conductive. When the beacon's head surfaces, the electrical loop is broken, triggering the signal transmission circuit. Power is switched on and off via a water switch circuit connected to the electrodes, achieving the beacon's low-power operation.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the outer shell includes a first housing 20, a main board compartment 2 is provided inside the first housing 20, the first housing 20 has a first fixing through hole 21 evenly distributed, and the end cover 10 has a first fastening hole 11 at the corresponding position. The first housing 20 is connected to the first fastening hole 11 on the end cover 10 by a number of first fasteners (not shown in the figure) passing through the first fixing through hole 21.

[0038] In the low-power marine beacon of this invention, the design of the housing has been further optimized. Specifically, the housing includes a first shell 20, which houses a motherboard compartment 2 for accommodating and protecting the motherboard and its control circuitry. To ensure a secure connection between the first shell 20 and the end cap 10, multiple first fixing through holes 21 are evenly distributed on the surface of the first shell 20. The design of these through holes not only considers the stability of the connection but also the overall aesthetics and practicality of the housing. Correspondingly, first fastening holes 11 are provided at corresponding positions on the end cap 10. These fastening holes cooperate with the fixing through holes on the first shell 20, and the first shell 20 and the end cap 10 are tightly connected together by several first fasteners (such as fastening screws or bolts). This connection method is not only simple and easy to implement but also ensures that the beacon maintains its structural integrity in harsh marine environments, effectively preventing the intrusion of moisture and other harmful substances.

[0039] During actual assembly, workers only need to pass the first fastener through the fixing through hole on the first housing 20 and then screw it into the fastening hole on the end cover 10 to easily complete the connection between the first housing 20 and the end cover 10. This design not only improves assembly efficiency but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and upgrades. In summary, through this robust connection between the first housing 20 and the end cover 10, the low-power marine beacon of this invention is structurally more stable and reliable, providing a strong guarantee for its long-term stable operation in the marine environment.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, a first flange 22 is provided at one end of the first housing 20, and a plurality of first sealing grooves 221 are provided on the outer periphery of the first flange 22. A first sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is provided in the first sealing groove 221, and the outer periphery of the first sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the first sealing groove 221 and the inner wall of the end cover 10.

[0041] In the low-power marine beacon unit of this embodiment, to further enhance the sealing between the first housing 20 and the end cap 10, a first flange 22 is provided at one end of the first housing 20. This first flange 22 not only serves as a structural connection but also provides a basis for sealing. Specifically, a plurality of first sealing grooves 221 are provided on the outer periphery of the first flange 22. These sealing grooves are finely and uniformly designed to accommodate the first sealing ring. The first sealing ring is an elastic sealing material that can fit tightly into the sealing groove to form an effective sealing layer.

[0042] During assembly, the first sealing ring is placed in the first sealing groove 221, ensuring that the outer periphery of the sealing ring simultaneously abuts against both the groove wall and the inner wall of the end cap 10. Thus, when the first housing 20 and the end cap 10 are connected by fasteners, the first sealing ring is compressed between them, forming a tight seal. This sealing design not only effectively prevents the intrusion of moisture and other harmful substances but also improves the beacon's waterproof performance and overall durability. Especially in harsh marine environments, this sealing structure ensures that the electronic components and circuits inside the beacon are not damaged, guaranteeing the long-term stable operation of the beacon.

[0043] In some embodiments of this invention, the end cap 10 is made of polyoxymethylene resin. As an important component of the beacon unit, polyoxymethylene resin can be selected as the material for the end cap 10. Polyoxymethylene resin is an engineering plastic with excellent properties, including good wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength and rigidity, and good processing performance. These characteristics make polyoxymethylene resin an ideal choice for manufacturing the end cap 10. Specifically, the end cap 10 is made of polyoxymethylene resin, which not only ensures the strength and rigidity of the end cap 10, enabling it to withstand various pressures and impacts in the marine environment, but also provides good corrosion resistance, resisting seawater erosion and corrosion from other chemicals. Simultaneously, the excellent processing performance of polyoxymethylene resin allows the end cap 10 to be easily processed into various shapes and sizes to meet the design requirements of the beacon unit. Furthermore, polyoxymethylene resin also has good wear resistance, ensuring that the end cap 10 is not easily worn during long-term use, extending the service life of the beacon unit.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the outer shell also includes a second shell 30, an energy compartment 1 is provided inside the second shell 30, the other end of the first shell 20 is sleeved on one end of the second shell 30, and a bottom cover 40 is provided at the other end of the second shell 30.

[0045] In the low-power marine beacon of this invention, in addition to the first housing 20, the outer shell also includes a second housing 30. Specifically, the second housing 30 houses an energy compartment 1 for accommodating and protecting energy components, such as a lithium battery pack, to provide a stable power supply for the beacon. To ensure a secure connection between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, one end of the first housing 20 is fitted over one end of the second housing 30. This fitted connection method is not only simple and easy to implement, but also ensures a tight fit between the two housings, effectively preventing the intrusion of moisture and other harmful substances. Simultaneously, a bottom cover 40 is provided at the other end of the second housing 30. The design of the bottom cover 40 further enhances the beacon's sealing and overall stability. The bottom cover 40 can be fixed to the second housing 30 using fasteners or other connection methods, ensuring the safety and stability of the energy compartment 1 and other internal components.

[0046] During assembly, workers can first place the energy component into the energy compartment 1 of the second housing 30, then slip the first housing 20 onto one end of the second housing 30 and secure them together using fasteners or other connection methods. Finally, the bottom cover 40 is fixed to the other end of the second housing 30, completing the assembly of the entire housing. This housing design not only makes the beacon's structure more rational and compact but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and upgrades. Furthermore, through the slip-fitting connection between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, and the placement of the bottom cover 40, the low-power marine beacon exhibits superior sealing performance and overall stability.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30 are sealed together. The bottom cover 40 has a second fixing through hole 41 evenly distributed. The second housing 30 has a second fastening hole 31 at the corresponding position. The bottom cover 40 is connected to the second fastening hole 31 on the second housing 30 by a number of second fasteners (not shown in the figure) passing through the second fixing through hole 41.

[0048] In the low-power marine beacon unit of this utility model embodiment, to ensure a tight fit and effective seal between the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30, a specific connection structure and sealing measures are adopted in the connection design. Specifically, a sealed connection is achieved between the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30. This sealing design can effectively prevent the intrusion of moisture and other harmful substances, protecting the electronic components and circuits inside the beacon unit from damage. To achieve this sealing effect, several second fixing through holes 41 are evenly distributed on the bottom cover 40 to ensure the stability of the connection and the reliability of the seal. At the same time, second fastening holes 31 are provided at corresponding positions on the second housing 30. These fastening holes cooperate with the fixing through holes on the bottom cover 40 for inserting second fasteners. The second fasteners can be common connecting elements such as screws and bolts, which can firmly fix the bottom cover 40 to the second housing 30. During assembly, the operator only needs to pass the second fastener through the fixing through hole on the bottom cover 40, then screw it into the fastening hole on the second housing 30, and tighten it appropriately. This connection method is not only easy to operate, but also ensures a tight fit between the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30, forming an effective sealing structure.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom cover 40 is provided with a second flange 42, which is disposed in the second housing 30. The outer periphery of the second flange 42 is provided with a plurality of second sealing grooves 421, and a second sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is disposed in the second sealing groove 421. The outer periphery of the second sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the second sealing groove 421 and the inner wall of the second housing 30.

[0050] In the low-power marine beacon unit of this embodiment, similar to the first flange 22, a second flange 42 is provided on the bottom cover 40 to further enhance the sealing between the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30. This second flange 42 not only serves a structural positioning function but also provides a reliable foundation for sealing.

[0051] Specifically, the second flange 42 is disposed on the bottom cover 40 and embedded in the second housing 30. This design makes the connection between the bottom cover 40 and the second housing 30 tighter and more secure. Several second sealing grooves 421 are provided on the outer periphery of the second flange 42 to ensure maximum sealing effect. A second sealing ring is installed in the second sealing groove 421. The second sealing ring is a highly elastic sealing material that can fit tightly into the sealing groove, forming an effective sealing barrier. When the bottom cover 40 is fixed to the second housing 30, the second sealing ring is compressed between the second flange 42 and the second housing 30, with its outer periphery simultaneously abutting against the groove wall of the sealing groove and the inner wall of the second housing 30. This sealing design not only effectively prevents the intrusion of moisture and other harmful substances but also improves the beacon's waterproof performance and overall durability. Especially in marine environments, this sealing structure ensures that the electronic components and circuits inside the beacon are not corroded by seawater, guaranteeing the long-term stable operation of the beacon.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are cylindrical. The cylindrical design of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 provides greater structural stability and uniformity, enabling them to withstand pressure and impacts from all directions. In marine environments, beacon units may be subjected to external forces such as waves and currents; the cylindrical design effectively disperses these forces, protecting internal electronic components and circuits from damage. Furthermore, the cylindrical structure facilitates the beacon unit's sealing design. Due to the uniform surface curvature of the cylindrical housings, uniform compression and fit of the sealing rings are more easily achieved, thereby improving the sealing effect. This is crucial for preventing the intrusion of seawater and other harmful substances, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the beacon unit in harsh marine environments. Simultaneously, the cylindrical design makes assembly and maintenance of the beacon unit more convenient. The cylindrical housings can be easily fitted together and fixed using fasteners or other connection methods, simplifying the assembly process. Moreover, when maintenance or upgrades are required, the housings can be easily disassembled for inspection or replacement of internal components.

[0053] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0054] Of course, this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A low power consumption marine beacon, characterized by The shell comprises, from bottom to top, in sequence: an energy bin, in which an energy piece is arranged, the energy piece being used to provide energy; a mainboard bin, in which a mainboard is arranged, the mainboard being provided with a control circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected with the energy piece; and an antenna bin, in which an antenna is arranged, the antenna being used for signal emission, the antenna being electrically connected with the control circuit; The shell further comprises an end cover, which is arranged on the antenna bin, the upper half of the end cover being a hemispherical shell, two electrodes being arranged inside the end cover, the two electrodes being arranged in two accommodating holes of the end cover in a spaced manner, one end of the two electrodes being arranged on the outer side of the end cover, and the other end of the two electrodes being arranged on the inner side of the end cover and being electrically connected with the control circuit.

2. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 1, wherein, The shell comprises a first shell, in which the mainboard bin is arranged, the first shell being uniformly provided with first fixing through holes, the end cover being provided with first fastening holes at corresponding positions, and the first shell being connected with the first fastening holes of the end cover through a plurality of first fasteners arranged in the first fixing through holes.

3. A low power consumption oceanic beacon according to claim 2, characterised in that, The fastener is a fastening screw.

4. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 2, wherein, One end of the first shell is provided with a first flange, the outer circumferential side of the first flange is provided with a plurality of first sealing grooves, a first sealing ring is arranged in each first sealing groove, and the outer circumferential side of the first sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the first sealing groove and the inner wall of the end cover.

5. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 1, wherein, The end cover is made of polyoxymethylene resin material.

6. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 2, wherein, The shell further comprises a second shell, in which the energy bin is arranged, the other end of the first shell is sleeved on one end of the second shell, and the other end of the second shell is provided with a bottom cover.

7. A low power consumption oceanic beacon according to claim 6, characterised in that, The bottom cover is sealingly connected with the second shell, the bottom cover is uniformly provided with second fixing through holes, the second shell is provided with second fastening holes at corresponding positions, and the bottom cover is connected with the second fastening holes of the second shell through a plurality of second fasteners arranged in the second fixing through holes.

8. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 6, wherein, The bottom cover is provided with a second flange, the second flange is arranged in the second shell, the outer circumferential side of the second flange is provided with a plurality of second sealing grooves, a second sealing ring is arranged in each second sealing groove, and the outer circumferential side of the second sealing ring abuts against the groove wall of the second sealing groove and the inner wall of the second shell.

9. The low power consumption oceanic beacon of claim 6, wherein, The first shell and the second shell are in a cylindrical shape.

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