Unmanned underwater vehicle having monocoque body

Abstract

To provide an unmanned underwater vehicle having a suitable monocoque body.SOLUTION: A monocoque body 110 for an unmanned underwater vehicle ("UUV") includes a front portion 120, a tail portion 130, a body interior surface 115, and a body exterior surface 112. The monocoque body 110 may be an integral-type structure shell made by fiber reinforcement polymer. The UUV 100 may further include transverse structural members 140A and 140B. A fiber reinforced sheet is polymer reinforced by carbon fiber, and the monocoque body 110 forms a part of the UUV 100 which is free submerged type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 589,055, filed on January 31, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field) The present disclosure generally relates to unmanned underwater or submersible vehicles.

Background Art

[0003] Unmanned underwater vehicles ("UUVs") have many useful applications in various industries, such as exploring underwater areas, collecting data, performing inspections, monitoring specific underwater regions, etc. For example, UUVs can be used to conduct underwater exploration for mining or oil drilling, inspect underwater cables, monitor areas for national defense purposes, and collect data in previously unexplored areas, all without the need for a human operator to be present on the vehicle. Known UUVs may have drawbacks or may be benefited from improvements to their performance. For example, conventional UUVs may not be suitable for deep - sea missions that can subject the UUV to high pressures and other harmful conditions. Such missions may require a UUV that is powerful but lightweight. Conventional heavy UUVs may be limited in the amount of payload they can carry, which can limit the type and length of missions they can perform. Therefore, it is desirable to have a more powerful and lighter UUV that can handle a larger payload to expand the range of UUVs, perform deep - sea missions, and obtain other advantages.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] On one side, the disclosed technology relates to a monocoque body for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), the monocoque body including a front portion, a tail portion, an inner body surface, and an outer body surface. The monocoque body can be an integral structure shell made of a fiber-reinforced sheet.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced sheet can be a polymer reinforced by carbon fibers. The monocoque body can form part of a free-flooding type UUV. The monocoque body can further include an acoustic transmission window. The acoustic transmission window can be integrally formed from the fiber-reinforced sheet and is configured to allow acoustic signals to travel through the monocoque body.

[0006] The inner body surface can form a cavity, and the monocoque body can further include a plurality of lateral structural members integrally formed with the monocoque body. The lateral structural members can separate the cavity into a plurality of payload areas, and the plurality of payload areas can be configured to receive a payload for attachment to the monocoque body. The payload can be at least one of a battery, a motor, a pressure vessel, or a sensor. The monocoque body can further include one or more longitudinal support portions extending axially along the underbody between the tail portion and the front portion. The longitudinal support portions can form mounting rails. The mounting rails can be configured to receive a payload. The monocoque body can further include an opening, the opening being an opening extending through the outer body surface and configured to receive the face of a sensor connected to the monocoque body.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide an unmanned underwater vehicle (“UUV”) that includes a monocoque underbody, the monocoque underbody providing structural support for the UUV, being adapted to receive a payload, the monocoque underbody comprising a front portion, a tail portion, an inner body surface forming a cavity, an outer body surface, and a plurality of lateral structural members integrally formed with the underbody. The underbody can be constructed from a polymer reinforced by carbon fiber. The UUV can be of the free flooding type. The UUV can further include a cover extending from the front portion to the tail portion. The cover can include an inner cover surface and an outer cover surface. The cover can be attached to the underbody such that the inner cover surface faces the inner body surface and the outer cover surface and the outer body surface together form the outer surface of the UUV. The cover can be removably attached to allow access to the cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the outer body surface can form 30% to 70% of the total outer surface of the UUV. The underbody can be constructed from a first material and the cover can be constructed from a second material. The second material can have a relatively lower material strength or weight than that of the first material. The underbody can further include one or more longitudinal supports extending longitudinally along the underbody between the tail portion and the front portion and forming attachment rails.

[0009] In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide an unmanned underwater vehicle (“UUV”) comprising a monocoque underbody, the monocoque underbody preferably extending from the front to the tail of the UUV and can be made of a fiber-reinforced multi-layer epoxy bonded sheet, the sheet being (a) providing the shape of the outer hydrodynamic shell of the UUV and (b) adapted to be a UUV payload support frame that supports a desired payload within the UUV during operation, the monocoque underbody being adapted to receive an upper removable UUV cover positioned to cover over the underbody. The present invention further provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A monocoque body for an unmanned underwater vehicle (“UUV”), the monocoque body comprising: a front portion, a tail portion, a body inner surface, and a body outer surface and, the monocoque body is a monocoque body that is an integral structure shell made of a fiber-reinforced sheet. (Item 2) The monocoque body according to item 1, wherein the fiber-reinforced sheet is a polymer reinforced with carbon fibers. (Item 3) The monocoque body according to item 1, which forms part of a UUV that is free-flooding. (Item 4) The monocoque body according to item 1, further comprising an acoustic transmission window. (Item 5) The monocoque body according to item 4, wherein the acoustic transmission window is integrally formed from the fiber-reinforced sheet and is configured to allow an acoustic signal to travel through the monocoque body. (Item 6) The monocoque body according to item 1, wherein the body inner surface forms a cavity, and the monocoque body further comprises a plurality of transverse structural members integrally formed with the monocoque body. (Item 7) The monocoque body according to item 6, wherein the transverse structural members separate the cavity into a plurality of payload areas, and the plurality of payload areas are configured to receive a payload for attachment to the monocoque body. (Item 8) The monocoque body according to item 7, wherein the payload comprises at least one of a battery, a motor, a pressure vessel, or a sensor. (Item 9) The monocoque body according to item 1, further comprising one or more longitudinal support portions extending axially along the monocoque body between the tail portion and the front portion. (Item 10) The monocoque body according to item 9, wherein the longitudinal support portion forms a mounting rail. (Item 11) The monocoque body according to item 10, wherein the mounting rail is configured to removably receive a payload. (Item 12) The monocoque body according to item 1, further comprising an opening extending through the outer surface of the body, the opening being configured to receive a surface of a sensor connected to the monocoque body. (Item 13) An unmanned underwater vehicle ("UUV"), the UUV comprising a monocoque underbody that provides structural support for the UUV and is adapted to receive a payload, The monocoque underbody, a front portion, a tail portion, a body inner surface forming a cavity, a body outer surface, and a plurality of lateral structural members integrally formed with the underbody The UUV. (Item 14) The UUV according to item 13, wherein the underbody is constructed of a polymer reinforced with carbon fiber. (Item 15) The UUV according to item 13, wherein the UUV is of the free flooding type. (Item 16) The UUV further comprises a cover extending from the front portion to the tail portion, The cover, a cover inner surface, and a cover outer surface and comprises, The cover is attached to the underbody such that the inner surface of the cover faces the inner surface of the body, and the outer surface of the cover and the outer surface of the body together form the outer surface of the UUV. The UUV according to item 13, wherein the cover is removably attached so as to enable access to the cavity. (Item 17) The UUV according to item 16, wherein the outer surface of the body forms 30% to 70% of the total outer surface of the UUV. (Item 18) The UUV according to item 16, wherein the cover is adapted to have a relatively lower strength or weight than that of the underbody. (Item 19) The UUV according to item 13, wherein the underbody further comprises one or more longitudinal supports that extend longitudinally along the underbody between the tail portion and the front portion and form mounting rails. (Item 20) An unmanned underwater vehicle ("UUV") comprising a monocoque underbody, wherein the monocoque underbody extends from the front to the tail of the UUV and is made of a fiber-reinforced multi-layer epoxy bonded sheet, wherein the sheet is adapted to (a) form the outer hydrodynamic shell of the UUV and (b) be the UUV payload support frame that supports a desired payload within the UUV. The UUV is adapted to receive an upper removable UUV cover that is positioned to cover the underbody.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the description in the following detailed description.

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of the disclosed technology that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. References to various embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, any examples described herein are intended to be non-limiting and merely describe some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims. Further, the specific features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of various possible combinations and permutations and in combination with other features not specifically disclosed herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will grasp the methods for using the present invention to achieve other results not specifically disclosed in the examples or embodiments in combination with routine experimentation.

[0026] Unless specifically defined otherwise herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including any meaning implied from the specification and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology belongs. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and the terms "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the disclosed technology.

[0027] The devices of the present disclosure can be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. References to particular numerical values include at least that particular value unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent "about", it is to be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also to be understood that all spatial designations, such as for example proximal, distal, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, and right, are for purposes of illustration only and can vary within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designations "upper" and "lower" are relative and are used herein only with respect to others and are not necessarily "superior" and "inferior". The words "can" or "may" are used to convey that this is one embodiment and that others are contemplated.

[0028] Various examples of the disclosed technology are provided throughout the present disclosure. The use of these examples is for illustration only and is not intended to limit in any way the scope and spirit of the invention or any of the illustrated forms. Similarly, the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiment described herein. Indeed, modifications and variations of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of this specification and may be made without departing from its spirit and scope. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only by the terms of the claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to an unmanned underwater vehicle ("UUV") having a monocoque outer shell structure. UUVs have many useful applications in various industries, such as exploring underwater areas, collecting data, performing inspections, monitoring specific underwater regions, and the like. For example, UUVs can be used to perform underwater exploration for mining or oil drilling, inspect underwater cables, monitor areas for national defense purposes, and collect data in previously unexplored areas, all without the need for a human operator to be present on the vehicle. Deep-sea underwater missions (e.g., missions conducted at locations approximately 1,500 meters or more below the sea surface, approximately 4,000 meters or more below the sea surface, or approximately 6,000 meters or more below the sea surface) can subject UUVs to high pressures and other adverse conditions and may require a UUV that is strong but lightweight. As used herein, "monocoque" refers to a structural shell or exoskeleton constructed as a structure in which the vehicle's structural frame and outer shell structure are integrated.

[0030] Therefore, the UUV can have a monocoque body or a canoe-shaped body that forms an integrated shell and support structure for the UUV. The internal area of the monocoque body can house lateral structural members, pressure vessels, and other payloads (such as sensors, navigation equipment, propulsion equipment, etc.). In some embodiments, the UUV cover can include a cover that forms part of the outer shell of the UUV. The cover can be a streamlined covering that improves the hydrodynamic performance of the UUV without providing any significant structural support.

[0031] Conventional UUV designs typically include metal rings welded together to form the outer hull structure of the UUV and a separate internal support structure (such as a welded metal skeleton). Such designs are very heavy and have a high density, thus presenting limitations in terms of size, depth, speed, range, and the capacity to support payloads. The disclosed technique of implementing a monocoque body addresses these and other problems by providing a lighter and stronger UUV. Thus, the monocoque body can facilitate a relative increase in payload capacity, depth, range, etc. The disclosed embodiments include a monocoque underbody or canoe-shaped design with a non-structural cover (streamlined covering). Such a design not only significantly reduces the overall weight of the UUV but also lowers the center of gravity of the UUV in the vehicle, which helps to keep the vehicle upright and avoid roll when the UUV is in the water. In some embodiments, the construction of the underbody is adapted to be heavier at the bottom, which can gradually increase according to the shape of the underbody. This structure (for example, without payload) can be configured to have a center of gravity below the centerline of the underbody. For example, by varying the thickness or material of the monocoque body and positioning certain structural members, the center of gravity can be moved lower. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments including a cover, the structure of the underbody can be configured such that the center of gravity of the UUV (including the cover) is below the centerline of the UUV.

[0032] In addition, such a design allows for increased accessibility into the UUV and promotes modularity of attachments and payloads within the UUV. For example, by having a lightweight, easy-to-remove cover, a user can easily access all or nearly all of the UUV's payload from the top of the UUV. A user does not have to access the interior of the UUV through a small hatch or through one end of the UUV. Thus, the disclosed embodiments promote easy reconfiguration of the UUV (e.g., replacement of batteries, sensors, cameras, weights, or other equipment) so that it can be adapted for different missions or use cases.

[0033] 1, 2A-2B, and 3A-3D illustrate various views of a UUV 100 with an open top (without a cover). The UUV has a monocoque body 110. The monocoque body 110 can have a forward section 120 and an aft section 130. The forward section 120 and the aft section 130 can be integral with the monocoque body 110 (i.e., the monocoque body 110 can be a unitary body including the forward section 120 and the aft section 130). The monocoque body can also include a body exterior surface 112 and a body interior surface 115, both of which can include corresponding areas of the forward section 120 and the aft section 130. The body interior surface 112 can form a payload receiving area within the UUV's hull structure.

[0034] The monocoque body 110 can be constructed as an integral structure shell. The structure shell can be an outer hydrodynamic shell that forms the exterior of the UUV 100. A fiber-reinforced polymer bonded sheet material (e.g., a polymer epoxy reinforced by carbon fibers) can be used for the monocoque body 110. As used herein, the fiber-reinforced polymer bonded sheet material can refer to a cured structural epoxy and a fiber matrix. The monocoque body 110 can be constructed by layering the fiber-reinforced polymer and shaping it into the outer shell structure body shape. The use of various materials for the construction of the monocoque body 110 can include various relative strengths and relative weights. In some embodiments, multiple materials can be combined in a single laminate to achieve a desired strength-to-weight ratio.

[0035] The UUV 100 is depicted in the figure as having a certain ratio, but other shapes and ratios are also possible. For example, the UUV 100 can be relatively longer or shorter compared to its current width. As another example, the tapered portions of the front portion 120 and the tail portion 130 can be longer (producing a thinner front portion 120 and tail portion 130) or shorter (producing a more rounded front portion 120 or tail portion 130).

[0036] The UUV 100 may also include one or more longitudinal supports 170. The longitudinal supports 170 may extend the length of the UUV 100 (i.e., from the forward section 120 to the tail section 130). In some embodiments, the longitudinal supports 170 may not extend the length of the UUV, but may extend along a portion of the monocoque body 110 between the forward section 120 and the tail section 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the UUV 100 may include two longitudinal supports 170A and 170B. The longitudinal supports 170 may form mounting rails to which a payload may be secured. For example, the longitudinal supports 170 may be of an L-shaped or T-shaped design, with a flat surface facing upward and providing an area for a payload to be placed and attached using fasteners, clamps, welding, adhesives, or suitable fastening methods. The longitudinal supports 170 may be integrally formed with the monocoque body 110.

[0037] The UUV 100 may include lateral structural members 140A, 140B. Although the figures illustrate two lateral structural members 140A, 140B, more or fewer lateral structural members may be used within the UUV 100. In some embodiments, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be formed as separate pieces from the monocoque body 110 and attached to the longitudinal support 170. For example, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may include cutouts or grooves at the bottom to receive corresponding portions of the longitudinal support 170. The attachment of the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be removable (e.g., using clamps or fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins, rivets, various suitable adhesives, etc.) or permanent (i.e., bonded to the material of the monocoque body 110). The lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be made of the same material type as the monocoque body 110. In some embodiments, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be integral with the monocoque body 110. In other words, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be formed together with the monocoque body 110 from the same continuous material instead of being formed separately and then attached to the monocoque body 110. The lateral structural members 140A, 140B may provide additional stiffening to the UUV 100. In some embodiments, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may provide additional support for a cover installed on the UUV 100 (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 5-8). The lateral structural members may separate the interior of the hull of the UUV 100 into multiple sections or payload areas.

[0038] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B may serve as mounting points for equipment (payload) installed within the UUV 100. The lateral structural members 140A, 140B can be of various shapes and forms. The lateral structural members 140A, 140B may be shaped to fit around a certain payload and provide additional fixation to the payload while within the UUV 100.

[0039] The UUV 100 may also include one or more payloads 160A, 160B. The payloads 160A, 160B may be encapsulated (e.g., to prevent water ingress, such as when the UUV is a free-submersible UUV) and may include navigation equipment (GPS, sonar, radar, etc.), sensors (pressure sensors, optical sensors, etc.), propulsion equipment (motors, jets, propellers, ballast tanks, etc.), power equipment (batteries, fuel cells, wires, etc.), communication equipment (transmitters, receivers, transceivers, etc.), weights, buoyancy foam, cameras, lights, data storage equipment, and other equipment. The payloads 160A, 160B may be attached to mounting rails formed by the longitudinal supports 170. Although depicted in the figures as generally rectangular boxes, the payloads 160A, 160B may take on a variety of shapes and forms (e.g., cubic, generally spherical, conical, cylindrical, or other).

[0040] 1, the UUV 100 can be an open-top, free-submerged design, meaning that water can flow freely everywhere, for example, between the payloads 160A, 160B. The monocoque body 110 provides structural support for the UUV 100 and secures the compartments, sensors, communication devices, propulsion systems, and other payloads to the UUV 100. The compartments 140A, 140B and payloads 160A, 160B can be secured to mounting rails 170.

[0041] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the bottom of the monocoque body 110 may include one or more windows 210A, 210B. The windows 210A, 210B may be open openings through a surface of the monocoque body 110. The windows 210A, 210B may provide areas for various payloads to interface with the exterior of the UUV 100. For example, a camera included with the payload may require a lens with access to the exterior surface of the UUV 100 to capture a photograph. The window 210A may be specifically sized and shaped for a camera lens that is mounted inside the UUV 100 but faces outward through the monocoque body 110 and forms a watertight seal with the monocoque body 110. As another example, a sonar system may have an exterior surface that is mounted within the window 210B, which may be appropriately sized to receive the exterior surface. The exterior surface of the sonar system may be mounted flush with the exterior body surface 115 of the monocoque body 110.

[0042] In some embodiments, the monocoque body 110 may include one or more acoustically transparent windows. The acoustically transparent windows may be portions of the monocoque body 110 that allow acoustic signals (i.e., sound waves from a sonar) to pass through. Thus, the UUV 100 may transmit and / or receive acoustic signals through the monocoque body 110 without the need for holes to be cut or otherwise formed in the monocoque body 110 to expose portions of the sonar device. Such acoustically transparent windows may allow the sonar device to be fully enclosed within the UUV 100 (and thus fully protected from water and other external elements) while still functioning properly. Additionally, by having acoustically transparent windows, the monocoque body 110 does not need to include separate cut-out windows (i.e., windows 210A, 210B) for the sonar system, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the UUV 100.

[0043] The acoustically transparent window can be formed through the particular construction of the laminates that make up the monocoque body 110. For example, the type and combination of resins, fibers, plastics, adhesives, etc. can change the density of the laminate materials and therefore affect how acoustic signals are transmitted through the material. The laminate construction of the monocoque body 110 can be constructed such that the density of the material that makes up the monocoque body 110 is close to that of water (which varies with temperature). Thus, the material can be constructed to have a specific gravity of approximately 1. Thus, the density of the material can be approximately 2.0 slugs per cubic foot (ft 3 ) or approximately 2.0 slugs / ft 3 By constructing the material of the monocoque body 110 to have a density close to that of water, acoustic signals can travel through the material in approximately the same manner as they travel through water (the intended medium in which waves travel). Because the density of water varies slightly with temperature, in some embodiments, the monocoque body 110 can be tuned or constructed to be acoustically transparent in water at certain temperatures (e.g., to ensure proper function in a particular geographic location or at a particular depth underwater). Additionally, the acoustically transparent window can be tuned for various specific wavelengths or frequencies of sound waves.

[0044] Thus, the acoustically transparent window may prevent the need for complete cutouts 210A, 210B while still allowing the sonar system to function properly. This could potentially protect the equipment from unwanted contact with environmental objects by eliminating cutouts and leakage around the equipment, providing a monocoque body surface to cover the equipment, providing a more streamlined UUV and increasing the structural integrity of the UUV's body by limiting the number of completely weakened cutout sections.

[0045] In some embodiments, the monocoque body 110 may include cable ports (not shown) for power cables, data cables, and the like. The cable ports may be open openings into the monocoque body 110 through the lateral structural members 140A, 140B or through the longitudinal supports 170. In some embodiments, the monocoque body 110 may include small cavities or channels with the thickness of the sidewalls of the monocoque body 110 into which cables may extend. Such cavities or channels may allow cables to extend between payloads within the monocoque body 110 with minimal exposure to the interior of the UUV 100. Each end of the cavities or channels may include a cable port for access to the cavities or channels such that cables may be installed inside. The cable ports may include covers or eyelets for sealing when not in use or while a cable is extending through the port. In some embodiments, the cable ports may include a covered or sealed plug receiver. The plug receivers may be constructed so that the cables can be plugged into one or both sides of the port, thus eliminating the need to physically run the cables through the port. This can ensure that the payloads 160A, 160B are properly sealed from water ingress, as well as facilitate easy and quick reconfiguration of the UUV 100. For example, in some cases, rather than rewiring equipment or running new cables through one or more portions of the UUV 100, a user may be able to pull out a short length of cable and plug in a new cable to replace a payload. When not in use, a user may install a watertight cover over the port to ensure that water does not enter the port.

[0046] FIG. 4 provides an alternative perspective view of the UUV 400 without extra payload for illustrative purposes. Rather, the UUV 400 shows the lateral structural members 140A, 140B within the interior of the monocoque body 110. The above description of the UUV 100 generally applies to the UUV 400 as well. FIG. 4 also provides an additional view of the longitudinal supports 170A, 170B that extend along the length of the monocoque body 110 (i.e., from at or near the end of the forward section 120 to at or near the end of the tail section 130). As described herein, the lateral structural members 140A, 140B can be attached to the longitudinal supports 170A, 170B. FIG. 4 additionally illustrates the cutouts 210A, 210B. As shown, the cutouts 210A, 210B can be installed between the longitudinal supports 170A, 170B.

[0047] 5-8 illustrate an example UUV 500 including a cover 510. The above description regarding UUVs 100 and 400 generally applies to UUV 500 as well. In some embodiments, cover 510 may include a cover forward portion 520 and a cover aft portion 530. Cover 510 may be installed on and attached to monocoque body 110. Cover forward portion 520 may be installed over forward portion 120 of monocoque body 110. Similarly, cover aft portion 530 may be installed over aft portion 130 of monocoque body 110. Cover 510 may include an outer surface 512 and an inner surface 515 (illustrated in FIG. 8). 8, which is a side cutaway view of the UUV 500, the cover 510 may be installed on the monocoque body 110 such that an inner surface 515 of the cover 510 faces the inner surface 115 of the monocoque body 110, thus forming the interior of the UUV 500. Together, the outer surface 512 of the cover 510 and the outer surface 112 of the monocoque body 110 may form the outer surface of the UUV 500. The interior of the UUV 500 may include one or more lateral structural members 140A, 140B and payloads 160A, 160B, substantially as described above.

[0048] The cover 510 can be removably attached to the monocoque body 110 in a variety of ways. For example, the attachment method can include clamps, fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, etc.), adhesives, or other suitable methods. As another example, the attachment method can include one or more hinges on one side of the cover 510 that connect the cover 510 to the monocoque body 110. The other side of the cover 510 or monocoque body 110 can then include a locking member to secure the cover 510. In some embodiments, the UUV 500 can be freely submerged, meaning that the cover 510 and the monocoque body 110 do not form a water seal between each other and water can flow through the interior of the UUV 500. In other embodiments, the UUV 500 may not be freely submerged and the cover 510 and the monocoque body 110 can form a seal such that water may not penetrate into the interior of the UUV 500.

[0049] The cover 510 can be constructed to be of lower relative weight compared to the monocoque body 110. Because the cover 510 can be non-structural (i.e., a streamlined covering that covers the interior of the UUV 500 and increases its hydrodynamics), for example, the monocoque body 110 can be about 70% heavier than the cover 510. In other embodiments, the monocoque body 110 can be about 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, or 75% or more heavier than the cover 510. Such weight differences can be achieved by varying the construction of the cover 510 from that of the monocoque underbody 110. For example, the cover 510 can be constructed from lighter materials. Because the cover 510 can be non-structural, the materials may not need to be as strong as those of the monocoque underbody 110. In some embodiments, the materials may be the same, but the thickness or total volume of the materials used to make the cover 510 can be less than that used for the monocoque underbody 110. As an example, the cover 510 may include fewer layers of fiber reinforced laminate than the monocoque underbody 110. As another example, the monocoque body 110 may include longitudinal supports 170 or other strength-increasing reinforcements that may provide a stronger exoskeleton for the UUV, while the cover 510 may not incorporate such reinforcements and therefore may be lighter.

[0050] 6A is a front end view of the UUV 500 showing the front portion 120 and the cover front portion 520 meeting at a seam 610. As shown, the seam 610 may be located above the midline of the UUV 500. In other words, the monocoque body 110 may form more than 50% of the outer surface of the UUV 500 and the cover 510 may form less than 50% of the outer surface. In other embodiments, the monocoque body 110 may form about 30% or more, about 35% or more, about 40% or more, about 45% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, about 65% or more, about 70% or more, or about 75% or more of the outer surface of the UUV 500.

[0051] Similarly, Figure 6B is a view of the rear of the UUV 500 showing the tail section 120 and the covering tail section 530. The tail section 120 and the covering tail section 530 may meet at a seam 620 on the rear of the UUV 500. In addition, the tail section 120 and the covering tail section 530 may form an opening 630. The opening 630 may be provided for a propulsion system, such as a propeller, as illustrated by Figure 9, described in more detail below.

[0052] 7A and 7B respectively illustrate top and bottom views of the UUV 500. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the cover 510 may not cover the entire outer surface of the UUV 500, for example, the outer edge of the lateral structural member 140A may form part of the outer surface of the UUV 500 by being exposed by the cover 510. This may be useful, for example, for lifting and transporting the UUV 500. The lateral structural members 140A, 140B may include integrated rings, hooks, pins, or other attachments (e.g., rings 940A, 940B in FIG. 9) for lifting or moving the UUV 500. Additionally, the UUV 500 may include cutouts 210A, 210B, as described above with respect to the UUV 100.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a side view of an example UUV 900 with a cover and an external propulsion system consistent with disclosed embodiments. The UUV 900 can include a propulsion system 910. The propulsion system 910 can be disposed within the opening 630 (FIG. 6B) between the cover 510 (cover tail section 530) and the monocoque body 110 (tail section 130). As described herein, the propulsion system can include a propeller system (as depicted in FIG. 9), a jet system, or others. The propeller system can be driven, for example, by an electric motor included within the UUV 900. The UUV 900 can further include one or more fins 920 attached to the monocoque body 110 on the exterior surface 112. The fins 920 can help control the UUV 900 as it navigates through water. In some embodiments, the UUV 900 may include a larger cutout 930 (similar to cutouts 210A, 210B described above) that can receive a face of a sensor or other payload to be exposed to the outer surface of the UUV.

[0054] 9 depicts exposed lateral structural members 140A, 140B as having rings 940A, 940B, respectively, attached to the top of the partitions. Rings 940A, 940B may take other shapes, such as hooks, loops, straps, holes, pins, etc., for lifting or otherwise moving UUV 900 or for otherwise attaching objects to the outside of UUV 900.

[0055] Tests have shown that UUVs constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein provide significant performance improvements, such as with respect to operating range and depth.

[0056] For illustrative purposes, the dimensions of the UUV can range from 1 foot long to 575 feet long, the outer diameter of the monocoque body can range from 1 inch to 50 feet, and the wall thickness of the monocoque body can range from 1 / 16 inch to 5 feet.

[0057] The term "sheet" should be understood to include one or more layers. The layers or materials within the layers can be adhesively bonded together using a polymer. For the sake of clarity, the term "sheet" also derives from, but should not necessarily be limited to, common techniques for the application of additives to carbon fiber constructs.

[0058] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the present disclosure. None of the examples described herein are intended to be limiting, and merely describe some of the many possible embodiments with respect to the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that can be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

[0059] All references cited and / or discussed herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each reference were individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An unmanned underwater vehicle ("UUV"), comprising: the UUV comprises a monocoque underbody, the monocoque underbody providing structural support for the UUV and adapted to receive a payload; The monocoque underbody is A front portion, A tail portion; an interior surface of the body defining a cavity; A body exterior surface; a lateral structural member integrally formed with the underbody; A UUV equipped with:

2. The UUV described in claim 1, wherein the underbody is a one-piece structural shell made of fiber-reinforced sheets.

3. The UUV of claim 2, wherein the fiber-reinforced sheet is a polymer reinforced with carbon fibers.

4. A UUV as described in claim 2, further comprising an acoustically transparent window.

5. A UUV as described in claim 4, wherein the acoustically transparent window is integrally formed from the fiber reinforced sheet and configured to allow acoustic signals to travel through the monocoque underbody.

6. The UUV of claim 1, wherein the UUV is adapted to be freely submerged.

7. The UUV of claim 6, wherein the underbody is configured to support a pressure vessel.

8. A UUV as described in claim 1, wherein the lateral structural member is adapted to provide a partition for a payload area.

9. The UUV of claim 8, wherein the payload comprises a pressure vessel.

10. The UUV of claim 1, further comprising a mounting rail configured to removably receive a payload.

11. The UUV of claim 1, wherein the monocoque underbody further comprises an opening extending through the body exterior surface, the opening configured to receive a face of a sensor connected to the monocoque underbody.

12. The aircraft engine according to claim 1, further comprising a cover extending from said forward portion to said tail portion; The cover is A cover inner surface; Cover outer surface and Equipped with the cover is attached to the underbody such that the cover inner surface faces the body inner surface and the cover outer surface and the body outer surface together form an outer surface of the UUV; The UUV of claim 1 , wherein the cover is removably attached to allow access to the cavity.

13. A UUV as described in claim 12, wherein the body external surface forms 30% to 70% of the total external surface of the UUV.

14. The UUV of claim 13, wherein the cover is adapted to have at least one of lower strength or weight than the underbody.

15. A UUV as described in claim 1, wherein the underbody further includes one or more longitudinal supports extending axially along the underbody between the tail portion and the forward portion and forming mounting rails.

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