Modular hybrid propulsion system for underwater vehicles with vertical main engine and horizontal rotors

Abstract

Underwater vehicle comprising a propulsion system with a central vertical main engine, the propeller of which is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the vehicle and enables vertical movements.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular propulsion system for underwater vehicles, in particular for tactical mini-submarines, autonomous diving platforms, and hybrid air-water systems. The system enables omnidirectional movement through the combination of a vertically oriented main motor with several horizontal rotors and is optimized for use in saline seawater.

[0002] The invention further comprises an embodiment in the form of an unmanned torpedo or mine clearance vehicle with improved maneuverability. This compact underwater vehicle is designed for precise navigation maneuvers in confined or hazardous environments and can be used for reconnaissance, target tracking, or clearing underwater obstacles. Due to its omnidirectional control and modular propulsion configuration, the vehicle is particularly suitable for tactical operations requiring high mobility and reaction speed. State of the art

[0003] Conventional submarines typically use a main propeller with control surfaces for directional and depth control. Modern systems integrate pump-jet drives or lateral thrusters, but a fully integrated, scalable system for simultaneous control in all spatial directions with high reaction speed and modular expandability is lacking. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a highly flexible drive system that enables precise, fast, and energy-efficient movement in all three dimensions. The system is intended to be suitable for both military and civilian applications, including research, reconnaissance, rescue, and tactical operations. Solution

[0005] The invention comprises: • A central vertical main engine whose propeller is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and enables vertical movements. • Three to six horizontally arranged rotors positioned around the fuselage at individually adjusted angles. These rotors can be moved from a vertical starting position to a horizontal operating position under control and can be flexibly folded and unfolded as needed. • A control unit that regulates the combined activation of the rotors and the main motor in real time. • An integrated sensor system that detects obstacles, threats and seabed structures, enabling automatic avoidance maneuvers and geophysical mapping. • A coupling device that allows the vehicle to dock with larger carrier platforms or motherships. • A carrying unit for payloads, especially for the attachment and transport of explosive devices, sensor packages or scientific modules. • Optimized for use in saline water, with corrosion-resistant materials and sealing systems. • Possibility of integrating AI-driven navigation algorithms, real-time diagnostics, and autonomous mission control. • The horizontal motors are mechanically or electronically coupled via a common drive system and, through differentiated activation, enable movement in any horizontal direction as well as rotations. • The vertical main motor is arranged normal to the plane of the horizontal motors and forms the center of the drive system. • A control unit that regulates the direction of movement in real time by combined activation of the horizontal motors and the vertical main motor. • Optional: An integrated sensor system for detecting obstacles or threats (e.g., torpedoes, mines) and for automatically initiating evasive maneuvers. Advantages of the invention • Full three-dimensional mobility without external control surfaces • Rapid changes of direction and high tactical responsiveness • Scalability through modular rotor arrangement • Quiet operation and improved camouflage • Suitable for use in salty seawater • Coupling to larger carrier systems • Payload integration for military or scientific purposes • Underwater radar and bottom detection • AI-based navigation and autonomous mission control Application areas • Tactical mini-submarines with evasive maneuvers and payload carriers • Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for research, inspection and rescue • Military reconnaissance drones with stealth capability and explosive payload • Underwater platforms for geophysical mapping and soil analysis • Coupling units for modular fleet operations Modular hybrid propulsion system for underwater vehicles with vertical main engine and horizontal rotors. Description of Figures 1-5. Description of Figures 1 and 2. Spatial positioning of the propulsion unit.

[0006] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the spatial arrangement of the drive components of an underwater vehicle according to version 1 of the invention. A central, vertically oriented drive element at the rear of the vehicle is shown, which is responsible for vertical movements such as ascent and descent.

[0007] Three additional drive units are arranged horizontally around the vehicle's hull. These are evenly spaced and spaced 120° apart. This horizontal arrangement allows for precise control in the plane as well as rotational movements around the vertical axis.

[0008] The rotors are permanently attached to the vehicle and can be moved from a vertical resting position to a horizontal operating position under control. Additionally, they are designed to be flexibly folded and unfolded as needed to improve their usability in different environments.

[0009] This configuration forms the basic version of the modular hybrid drive and serves as the basis for further variants with four or six horizontal drive units. Description for Figure 3: Minijaturnes underwater vehicle with three views

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows a compact embodiment of the drive system according to the invention in the form of a miniature, autonomously operating underwater vehicle. The illustration includes three views: a top view, a side view, and a perspective view to fully illustrate the spatial structure and the positioning of the drive components.

[0011] The vehicle is designed for use in confined or difficult-to-access environments, such as inspections, geophysical measurements, or tactical reconnaissance missions.

[0012] The vehicle features: • A central, vertically oriented main engine at the rear, enabling vertical movements. • Three horizontally arranged rotors, positioned around the fuselage at an angle of 120° each, allowing precise control in the horizontal plane as well as rotational movements. • A compact, streamlined design with a reduced cross-section to minimize flow resistance. • Optional: Sensor modules for soil analysis, obstacle detection or data transmission.

[0013] This variant is particularly suitable for: • Research missions in confined underwater structures • Minimal signature military reconnaissance • Inspection of port facilities, pipelines or ship hulls • Carrier unit for modular payloads on a small scale Description for Figure 4

[0014] This illustration depicts a specialized military version of the underwater vehicle.

[0015] Fig. The image shows a modern, modular underwater vehicle with a central main engine and four adjustable auxiliary engines. The main engine is fixed at the stern of the vehicle and provides longitudinal propulsion. The four additional drive units are positioned at 90° intervals around the hull, enabling precise control in the horizontal plane as well as rotational movements.

[0016] The auxiliary motors are designed to switch between vertical and horizontal operating modes under control. This feature allows the vehicle to adapt flexibly to different movement requirements and operational scenarios. Furthermore, the auxiliary motors are foldable, allowing them to be stored compactly against the hull when not in use and automatically deployed when needed.

[0017] This configuration is particularly suitable for tactical submarines that require high maneuverability, reduced hydrodynamic signature and modular control. Description of Figure 5: Unmanned torpedo mini-submarine as an interceptor and reconnaissance unit

[0018] Fig. This shows an embodiment of an unmanned, torpedo-like mini-underwater vehicle specifically designed for interception, reconnaissance, and jamming missions. The vehicle is compact, streamlined, and optimized for high speed and covert operations.

[0019] It features: • A torpedo-like design with a reduced cross-section to minimize flow resistance. • An integrated drive with high thrust for rapid forward movement. • Control surfaces or micro-drives for changing direction and stabilization. • Sensor modules for target detection, environmental analysis and real-time data transmission. • Optional: Payload capacity for electronic jamming systems or tactical modules.

[0020] This unit is particularly suitable for: • Precise interception maneuvers against enemy underwater vehicles • Reconnaissance in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas • Support for larger platforms through autonomous pre-exploration • Deployment in swarms for coordinated tactical operations

Claims

[1] Underwater vehicle comprising a propulsion system with a central vertical main engine, the propeller of which is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the vehicle and enables vertical movements. [2] Underwater vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system additionally comprises several horizontally arranged auxiliary motors positioned in a common plane at defined angles to each other. [3] Underwater vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, with three to six horizontally arranged rotors positioned around the hull of the vehicle at adapted angles, which can be moved from a vertical starting position to a horizontal operating position under control and can be flexibly folded and unfolded as required. [4] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontally arranged rotors can be moved from a vertical starting position to a horizontal operating position under control. [5] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are arranged in a configuration of three motors spaced 120° apart from each other. [6] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are arranged in a configuration of four motors spaced 90° apart from each other. [7] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are arranged in a configuration of six motors spaced 60° apart from each other. [8] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are mechanically or electronically coupled via a common drive system. [9] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the combined activation of the horizontal auxiliary motors and the vertical main motor enables omnidirectional movement of the vehicle in three dimensions. [10] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion system is equipped with a control unit that regulates the direction of movement in real time. [11] Underwater vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle is equipped with an integrated sensor system that detects obstacles or threats and initiates automatic evasive maneuvers. [12] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motors and control units are modular and allow scalable adaptation to different vehicle sizes. [13] Underwater vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion system is optimized for low-noise operation and is suitable for military or civilian applications. [14] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is equipped with an AI-based navigation system that analyzes environmental data and makes autonomous movement decisions. [15] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system additionally enables real-time diagnostics of the engine functions and structural integrity of the vehicle. [16] . Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are installed in modular units which can be replaced or serviced independently of each other. [17] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion system is equipped with a redundant power supply system which maintains operation in the event of failure of individual components. [18] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a manual and an automatic operating mode which can be switched depending on the operational scenario. [19] Underwater vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, designed as an unmanned torpedo vehicle with enhanced maneuverability for target tracking and interception operations. [20] ; Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a mine clearance vehicle with omnidirectional control for safe navigation and clearance of underwater obstacles. [21] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is programmed for precise movement patterns in narrow or mined waters. [22] Underwater vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal auxiliary motors are switchable between a vertical and a horizontal operating mode.

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