Self-isolated high-bandwidth external media storage device

Abstract

The underwater data storage system of the present disclosure includes a docking station and an external data storage device dockable to the docking station. The external data storage device includes a housing, a memory for storing data disposed within the housing, and a connector assembly provided on the housing. The connector assembly includes at least one optical transmitter configured to transfer data from the memory to a corresponding optical receiver in the docking station. The connector assembly further includes self-passivating electrical contacts configured to transmit power from corresponding power contacts in the docking station to the external data storage device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical connectors and electrical components for use in hostile environments. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional methods for offloading data from underwater platforms include direct data transfer through waterproof data cables, recovering and disassembling the host platform to physically remove the storage media, and externally mounting removable waterproof storage devices. Waterproof data cables used to directly transfer data from the host platform require the user to physically connect the cable and wait for the data to be transferred through the cable. Wet-mate connectors that can be mated underwater are commonly used to connect cables in underwater environments. However, wet-mate connectors cannot maintain a controlled impedance through the signal lines, which limits the data transfer rate through the cable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] According to the present disclosure, an underwater data storage system is provided. In an exemplary configuration, the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure includes a docking station and an external data storage device dockable to the docking station. The external data storage device includes a housing, a memory for storing data disposed within the housing, and a connector assembly provided on the housing. The connector assembly includes at least one optical transmitter configured to transfer data from the memory to a corresponding optical receiver in the docking station. The connector assembly further includes self-passivating electrical contacts configured to transmit power from corresponding power contacts in the docking station to the external data storage device.

[0004] In one aspect, the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure further comprises at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator for indicating a successful docking operation between the external data storage device and the docking station.

[0005] In one aspect, the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the external data storage device to the docking station.

[0006] In one aspect, the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure further comprises a data processor configured to adapt the data stored in the memory to a communication protocol associated with the docking station.

[0007] In one aspect, in the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure, the self-passivating electrical contacts include a conductive material that forms an electrically insulating passivating layer when exposed to an underwater environment.

[0008] In one aspect, in the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure, the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

[0009] In one aspect, in the underwater data storage system of the present disclosure, at least one optical transmitter is configured to transfer data through the underwater environment to a corresponding optical receiver.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an external data storage device comprising a housing configured for operation in an underwater environment, a memory for storing data disposed within the housing, and a connector assembly on the housing, the connector assembly including at least one optical transmitter configured to transfer data from the memory to a corresponding optical receiver in a docking station, and self-passivating electrical contacts configured to transfer power from corresponding power contacts in the docking station to the external data storage device.

[0011] In one aspect, the external data storage device of the present disclosure further comprises at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator for indicating a successful docking operation between the external data storage device and the docking station.

[0012] In one aspect, the external data storage device of the present disclosure further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the external data storage device to the docking station.

[0013] In one aspect, the external data storage device of the present disclosure further comprises a data processor configured to adapt the data stored in the memory to a communication protocol associated with the docking station.

[0014] In one aspect, in the external data storage device of the present disclosure, the self-passivating electrical contacts include a conductive material that forms an electrically insulating passivating layer when exposed to an aqueous environment.

[0015] In one aspect, in the external data storage device of the present disclosure, the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

[0016] In one aspect, in the external data storage device of the present disclosure, at least one optical transmitter is configured to transfer data through the underwater environment to a corresponding optical receiver.

[0017] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method that includes docking an external data storage device to a host docking station in an underwater environment; providing power from the host docking station to the external data storage device via self-passivating electrical contacts; and transferring data from the host docking station to the external data storage device via an optical transceiver.

[0018] In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure further includes confirming successful docking of the external data storage device with the host docking station using at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator.

[0019] In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure further includes securing the external data storage device to the host docking station using a locking mechanism.

[0020] In one aspect, the disclosed method further includes adapting data stored in the memory of the external data storage device to a communication protocol associated with the host docking station.

[0021] In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure further includes undocking the external data storage device from the host docking station and docking the external data storage device to the user docking station in the underwater environment.

[0022] In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure further includes the steps of undocking the external data storage device from the host docking station and docking another external data storage device to the host docking station in the underwater environment.

[0023] In one aspect, the disclosed method further includes transferring additional data from the host docking station to an external data storage device by superimposing a data signal on the power provided through the self-passivating electrical contacts.

[0024] The disclosed technology provides the advantage of being able to retrieve data from an underwater platform during underwater operations. The disclosed technology allows for rapid retrieval of large amounts of data without the user having to remain on-site to transfer the data via a direct cable connection. In addition, the disclosed technology provides replaceable, sealed data storage to allow for near continuous operation of the host platform. Furthermore, the disclosed external data storage provides active management of sensitive data collected by the host platform. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an underwater data storage system, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a connection between an underwater docking station and an external data storage device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of mating of power connectors to enable data transfer in an underwater data storage system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a docking operation of an underwater data storage system, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Conventional wet-mate external storage devices are used on underwater platforms to facilitate the data offloading process. When processing large amounts of data, users may find it more convenient to remove and retrieve the wet-mate external storage device containing the data from the underwater platform rather than offloading the data via a direct communication link. However, conventional wet-mate waterproof storage devices generally have limited data transfer rates (e.g., below 1 Gbps), limited mating cycles (e.g., due to seal destruction), and limited protocols used to transfer data between the wet-mate external storage device and the host platform.

[0027] As underwater systems become more technologically advanced and generate larger amounts of data in shorter periods of time, data rate constraints limit the usefulness of storage devices. For host platforms that generate large amounts of data (e.g., sonar systems), the time it takes to transfer data over a typical 1Gbps data rate undersea cable is roughly the same as the time it takes to record the data. In other words, 5 hours of recorded data would take 5 hours to transfer over a typical cable with wet-mate connectors.

[0028] In addition, the limited mating cycles (connector insertion and removal times) shorten the operational lifespan, further limiting the usefulness of the storage device. Furthermore, the fixed transfer protocol forces users to adapt their platform to meet the requirements of a common storage device.

[0029] The disclosed technology provides a data storage device designed to operate indefinitely in underwater domains. The disclosed data storage device combines self-passivating power contacts with optical data transmission to enable high speed transfer of large data sets between a host platform and the data storage device with nearly unlimited wet-mate mating times. The disclosed data storage device also includes a low power embedded processor capable of emulating communication protocols such as Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and / or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express.

[0030] In one example, a user can use the user docking station and computing device to configure the operational mode of the data storage device, including the selection of the protocol used by the host platform. After programming the data storage device, the data storage device can be docked to a host platform with a host docking station and the host platform can be deployed. Once the host platform's mission is complete, the data storage device can be physically undocked from the host platform and the user docking station and computing device can cause data stored on the data storage device to be rapidly transferred from the data storage device.

[0031] The modular and programmable nature of the data storage device allows the user to use the same data storage device for different missions on different host platforms. In addition, multiple data storage devices may be programmed for use on the same host platform. For example, when the storage capacity of one data storage device is reached, another data storage device can be swapped in on the host platform to continue recording data without terminating the host platform's mission.

[0032] The data storage device of the present disclosure is capable of transferring large amounts of data quickly, is rated for nearly unlimited mating times, and can emulate various high-speed data transfer communication protocols as needed. As an example, the data storage device of the present disclosure can address the growing need for high-speed, high-capacity underwater storage devices to accommodate the large amounts of data generated as technological advances in underwater systems progress. The data storage device (underwater data storage system) of the present disclosure includes an external data storage device, a host docking station, and a user docking station with user software.

[0033] 1, an example of an underwater data storage system 100 in an underwater environment 105 is shown. The underwater data storage system 100 includes a host docking station 115, a user docking station 135, and an external data storage device 120 dockable to the host docking station 115. The host docking station 115 is configured to couple with a host device 110 operating in the underwater environment 105 and connect the host device 110 to the external data storage device 120. In one example, the host docking station 115 may be an integral part of the host device 110. For example, the host docking station 115 may be welded, bonded, or formed to the host device 110. Alternatively, the host docking station 115 may be configured to be removable, for example, bolted or latched to the host device 110, such that it can be removed in a dry, protected environment to prevent corrosion of electrical connectors due to the underwater environment. In one example, host device 110 may be a sonar recorder, an autonomous vehicle, a scientific data recorder, or other data collection device that operates in an underwater environment.

[0034] To retrieve data from the external data storage device 120, a user 130 (e.g., on board a submersible) takes the user docking station 135 to the host device 110. The user 130 removes the external data storage device 120 from the host docking station 115 on the host device 110 and attaches the external data storage device 120 to the user docking station 135. The user docking station 135 can be attached to a connector on the external data storage device 120 intended for the user docking station 135. Alternatively, the external data storage device 120 can include different sets of connectors for the user docking station 135 and the host docking station 115.

[0035] In one example, the user 130 may transfer data from the external data storage device 120 to another storage medium, such as another storage medium in the underwater vehicle, via the user docking station 135, and then return the external data storage device 120 to the host docking station 115. Alternatively, the user 130 may bring a replacement external data storage device 140 and exchange the external data storage device 120 for the replacement external data storage device 140. In one example, the replacement external data storage device 140 may include the same or substantially the same components as the external data storage device 120. In another example, the configuration of one or more components of the replacement external data storage device 140 may differ from the components of the external data storage device 120. For example, the replacement external data storage device 140 may include a different housing, a different processor, a different memory, and / or different protocol logic than the external data storage device 120.

[0036] In one example, the external data storage device 120 may include a self-passivating power connector, a high-bandwidth data connector, a low-power embedded processor, and one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., solid-state drives). The self-passivating power connector and the high-bandwidth data connector may replace traditional bulky wet-mate type connectors that have limited mating times and data transfer rates. In one example, the self-passivating power connector on the external data storage device 120 may be configured to make a mating connection with corresponding contacts on the host docking station 115 and / or the user docking station 135 (see, e.g., FIG. 3).

[0037] The high bandwidth data connector may be an optical data connector configured to communicate data via wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). Optical data transmission can replace traditional conductive data connectors to enable free space optics (FSO) through underwater environments. Free space optics (FSO) allows data connectors to be more resistant to dirt, dust, particles, and / or misalignment than fiber communications. Using an FSO method for data transmission can avoid signal integrity issues as with traditional underwater connectors and provide a higher performance data channel than the transfer of electrical signals via conduction through connector pins. Light transmitted in free space optics (FSO) passes through underwater media in underwater environments including water, fuel, oil, air, and other natural or manmade contaminants.

[0038] The low power embedded processor in the external data storage device 120 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, and / or electronic circuitry configured to process software instructions and / or data. The low power embedded processor draws a low current, allowing the embedded processor to be powered by a battery or other on-board power source (e.g., a fuel cell) connected to the external data storage device 120. The battery or power source may be directly on the external data storage device 120 or may be on the host docking station 115, the host device 110, the user docking station 135, or a device onboard the user 130.

[0039] In another example, power may be transferred between the external data storage device 120 and the host docking station 115 or user docking station 135 using power connectors constructed using self-passivating corrosion-resistant transition metals. A small amount of scraping (e.g., at the atomic level) overcomes the electrically insulating passivation layer, allowing electrical contact to be made to provide power to the external data storage device 120. Such a small amount of scraping (scraping), coupled with the use of non-contact optics, allows for nearly unlimited mating cycles. Power from the host device 110 is transferred through the self-passivating contacts to the low power embedded processor and data storage hardware in the external data storage device 120.

[0040] The contacts of the power connector may be composed entirely of a self-passivating transition metal or may be composed of other materials coated with a self-passivating transition metal (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,868,384, incorporated herein by reference). Examples of materials that are self-passivating in water include niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium. Each of these materials reacts with water to form an electrically insulating passivating layer when exposed to an aqueous environment. The material that forms the passivating layer may be an oxide, hydroxide, or other compound formed by reacting the self-passivating material with the adverse environment. Because self-passivating materials are more expensive than other materials, such as copper, that are typically used for electrical contacts, one contact may be constructed using a self-passivating material and the other contact may be constructed using a less expensive material, such as copper (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,069,995, incorporated herein by reference).

[0041] 2, a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of a connection between the external data storage device 120 and the host docking station 115 is shown. The user docking station 135 may include similar features to the host docking station 115 and may connect to the external data storage device 120 using connections similar to those shown in FIG. 2. The external data storage device 120 includes a housing 205, a memory 210, a processor 220, and a protocol logic 230 disposed within the housing, and a connector assembly 240 disposed on the housing. The housing 205 is preferably watertight and configured to withstand water pressures at the depths at which the external data storage device 120 is intended to operate (e.g., the continental shelf or the ocean floor). The memory 210, the processor 220, and the protocol logic 230 may communicate with each other and / or with components of the connector assembly 240 via connections (e.g., wire traces, one or more communication buses) within the external data storage device 120.

[0042] The memory 210 is configured to store data, information, software, and / or instructions associated with the external data storage device 120 and / or logic configured for the memory 210. The memory 210 may store data / information in any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory items (e.g., magnetic hard disk drives, solid state hard drives, semiconductor storage devices, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), software, logic (fixed logic, hardware logic, programmable logic, analog logic, digital logic), hardware, and / or any other suitable components, devices, elements, and / or objects. Any memory items described herein should be construed as encompassed by the broad term "memory." The memory 210 may include non-transitory memory elements that store instructions that are executed to perform one or more of the techniques described herein. The data / information tracked and / or transmitted to one or more entities as described herein may be provided in any database, table, register, list, cache, storage, and / or memory structure, all of which may be referenced in any suitable time frame. Any such storage options may also be included in the broad term "memory" as used herein. "Memory" may include one or more memory devices of the types described herein.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the processor 220 includes at least one hardware processor configured to perform various tasks, operations, and / or functions for the external data storage device 120 as described herein according to software and / or instructions configured for the external data storage device 120. The processor 220 (e.g., a hardware processor) can execute any type of instructions related to data to accomplish the operations and functions detailed herein. In one example, the processor 220 can transform elements or articles (e.g., data, information) from one state to another. Any of the potential processing elements, microprocessors, digital signal processors, baseband signal processors, modems, PHYs, controllers, systems, managers, logic, and / or machines described herein can be construed to be encompassed by the broad term "processor." In one example, the processor 220 can encrypt / decrypt data or control different levels of a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) in the memory 210.

[0044] The protocol logic 230 is configured to enable the processor 220 to adapt data stored in the memory 210 to a protocol / format usable by an entity interfacing with the external data storage device 120 (e.g., the host device 110). The protocol logic 230 includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 220 to perform operations, including adapting data format protocols, interacting with other entities, maintaining and / or interacting with stored data, or other operations for the embodiments described herein. In one example, the protocol logic 230 may be firmware within the processor 220 that enables different forms (e.g., protocols) of communication with the host device 110. A particular protocol may be configured for the external data storage device 120 with the user docking station 135. Protocols supported by the protocol logic 230 include USB, network attached storage (NAS), PCI-Express, Serial AT Attachment (SATA), or other suitable protocols.

[0045] The housing 205 of the external data storage device 120 includes a connector assembly 240 having power contacts 242 and a data transceiver 244. The connector assembly 240 matingly connects with a complementary connector assembly 250 on the host docking station 115. The connector assembly 250 includes power contacts 252 and a data transceiver 254. In one example, the power contacts 242 include one or more self-passivating contacts that form a thin electrically insulating layer when exposed to an underwater environment. The data transceiver 244 communicates with a complementary data transceiver 254 on the host docking station 115. In one example, the data transceiver 244 and the complementary data transceiver 254 include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver that communicate through an underwater medium. The data transceiver 244 and the complementary data transceiver 254 do not require direct physical contact to communicate data between the host docking station 115 and the external data storage device 120.

[0046] The host docking station 115 includes a device interface 260 configured to interface with the host device 110 (not shown in FIG. 2). The device interface 260 can transmit power and / or data between the host device 110 and the host docking station 115. In one example, the device interface 260 has a water-tight seal between its housing and the host device 110 to prevent the underwater environment from entering the host device 110. The device interface 260 can include a low-power embedded processor for transferring data between the host device 110 and the data transceiver 254. Power from the host device 110 is transmitted to the power contacts 252 via the device interface 260.

[0047] The external data storage device 120 and / or the host docking station 115 include an alignment / locking mechanism 270 to aid in docking the external data storage device 120 to the host docking station 115. In one example, the alignment / locking mechanism 270 may include a pin, post, rod, or other structural feature on one device configured to mate with a channel, hole, groove, or other complementary structural feature on the other device when the external data storage device 120 is properly aligned with the host docking station 115. Such structural features aid in properly aligning the external data storage device 120 and the host docking station 115. For example, the alignment / locking mechanism 270 may align the connector assembly 240 directly across from its complementary connector assembly 250. In another example, the alignment / locking mechanism 270 includes a locking mechanism (e.g., a latch, a magnet) to ensure that the external data storage device 120 is firmly and securely attached to the host docking station 115 and cannot be removed without unlocking the alignment / locking mechanism 270.

[0048] The host docking station 115 also includes a docking indicator 280 configured to inform a user of successful attachment or removal of the external data storage device 120. The docking indicator 280 allows a user to verify that the external data storage device 120 is docked to the host docking station 115. In one example, the docking indicator 280 can provide visual or acoustic feedback transmitted from the host docking station 115. For example, the docking indicator 280 can emit a visual signal (e.g., flashing a light) or an acoustic signal (e.g., generating an audio tone) through the underwater environment when the external data storage device 120 is successfully docked to the host docking station 115. In one example, the docking indicator 280 includes one or more light emitting elements (e.g., light emitting diodes) and / or acoustic transducers (e.g., piezoelectric elements) connected to a circuit configured to receive input regarding a docking status from the docking station and / or the external data storage device, and cause an optical element and / or an acoustic element to emit a signal when a predetermined docking status is achieved. The docking status can be determined by completing a circuit with a proximity sensor in the alignment / locking mechanism, by monitoring the voltage on the power contacts, by monitoring communications between the external data storage device and the docking station, or by other means.

[0049] In one example, the docking indicator 280 may encode simple information indicating different stages of the docking operation. For example, the docking indicator 280 may flash two times when the alignment / locking mechanism 270 latches, flash three times when the power contacts 252 on the host docking station 115 mate with the power contacts 242 on the external data storage device 120, and / or flash four times when the data transceiver 254 on the host docking station 115 completes a handshake with the data transceiver 244 on the external data storage device 120.

[0050] In another example, the docking indicator 280 may be used to guide a user to the host device 110 during an operation to retrieve data from the external data storage device 120. For example, the docking indicator 280 may periodically emit a visual or acoustic signal into the underwater environment to enable a user to locate the host docking station 115 coupled to the host device 110.

[0051] Once the external data storage device 120 is successfully docked to the host docking station 115, the docking indicator 280 may at least temporarily cease periodic emission of visual and / or audio signals to indicate a successful connection between the external data storage device 120 and the host docking station 115. Alternatively, the docking indicator 280 may display a predetermined sequence (e.g., blink four times in rapid succession) to indicate a successful docking operation before resuming periodic emission of visual / audio signals. In further examples, the external data storage device 120 may include a docking indicator instead of or in addition to the docking indicator 280 on the host docking station 115.

[0052] In one example, liquid (e.g., seawater) is tolerated between the connector of the host docking station 115 and the connector of the external data storage device 120 when the external storage device is docked to the host docking station and / or disconnected from the host docking station. This ability to operate in the wild eliminates the need for sealing devices to seal the connectors, which can fail if not properly maintained. Sealing devices such as gaskets and O-rings can fail over time or allow water to pass through if not installed correctly. With conventional connectors, the chances of a seal failure increase with each connection / disconnection of these sealing devices.

[0053] In another example, the user docking station 135 includes similar components to allow a user device (e.g., a user's computer) to connect to the external data storage device 120. The user device can provide power to the user docking station 135 via a data cable, thereby allowing the user docking station 135 to provide power to the external data storage device 120. An embedded processor within the user docking station 135 can coordinate the power supply and / or high speed connection (e.g., USB 3.0-4.0, Power over Ethernet, Thunderbolt™) between the user device and the external data storage device 120. In addition, the user docking station 135 can communicate with the external data storage device 120 via optical data transmission (e.g., data transceiver 244). Software on the user device can be used to transfer data to and from the external data storage device 120. In addition, the software on the user device can change the communication protocol of the external data storage device 120 to better suit the needs of the user device or the host device 110. This allows the external data storage device 120 to be used for a variety of user and host devices that use different communication protocols.

[0054] In yet another example, additional features such as RAID, encryption, tamper resistance, and / or overwrite permissions may be applied to the external data storage device 120. Additional mechanical features may also be added to the external data storage device 120, the host docking station 115, and / or the user docking station 135 to facilitate autonomous retrieval by the underwater platform. For example, a large handle may be added to the external data storage device 120 to assist an autonomous system in retrieving the external data storage device 120.

[0055] 3, there is shown a simplified block diagram of an example of a connector assembly having power and data connections between an external data storage device 120 and a host docking station 115. The user docking station 135 has similar features as the host docking station 115, and similar connections can be established between the external data storage device 120 and the user docking station 135 using the configuration of FIG. 3. The host docking station 115 includes a power supply 310 that provides power to the external data storage device 120 via power contacts 242 and 252.

[0056] The power contacts 252 on the host docking station 115 include power pins 320 and 322. The power pins 320 are formed from a self-passivating material that forms an electrically insulating passivation layer 324 when exposed to an aqueous environment. The electrically insulating passivation layer 324 is generally non-reactive with the environment and protects most of the material of the power pins 320 from further reaction with the environment. The electrically insulating passivation layer 324 prevents the power source 310 from passing significant current between the power pins 320 and 322 in an electrolytic aqueous environment. In another example, both the power pins 320 and 322 may be constructed from a self-passivating material. The power pins may be formed entirely of the self-passivating material or may be coated with the self-passivating material on a substrate that is not a self-passivating material.

[0057] Examples of materials that self-passivate in water include niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium. Each of these materials reacts with water to form an electrically insulating passivation layer when exposed to an aqueous environment. The material that forms the passivation layer may be an oxide, hydroxide, or other compound formed by reacting the self-passivating material with the hostile environment. For example, the self-passivating power pin 320 may be niobium metal and the electrically insulating passivation layer 324 may be an oxide of niobium, such as Nb2O5.

[0058] The power contacts 242 in the external data storage device 120 include two power sockets 330 and 332 that mate with the power pins 320 and 322 of the host docking station 115. The power socket 330 is formed from a self-passivating material that forms an electrically insulating passivation layer 334 upon exposure to an underwater environment. In one example, both power sockets 330 and 332 may be constructed from a self-passivating material. The power socket may be formed entirely from the self-passivating material or may be formed by coating the self-passivating material onto a substrate that is not a self-passivating material.

[0059] In another example, power socket 330 is formed from the same self-passivating material used for power pins 320. More specifically, in one example, the self-passivating material used for power pins 320 and 322 may be the same material used for power sockets 330 and 332, respectively. Dissimilar metals may be used for power pins 320 and power socket 330 and / or power pins 322 and power socket 332 to reduce galling that may occur between like metals during a sliding connection.

[0060] In yet another example, power pin 320 may be an anode contact and power pin 322 may be a cathode contact (e.g., based on a sustained voltage between power pins 320 and 322). The anode contact (e.g., power pin 320) may be formed from a self-passivating material and the cathode contact (e.g., power pin 322) may be formed from a material different than the material from which the anode contact is formed. For example, the cathode contact may be formed from an inexpensive material such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0061] In another example, the act of mating power contact 252 with power contact 242 physically scrapes (scrapes) the electrically insulating passivation layers 324 and 334 off of power pin 320 and power socket 330, respectively, so that the electrodes are in good electrical contact. During the process of connecting the power contacts, the aqueous environment is evacuated from the narrowing space between the electrodes and between the connector bodies via vents (not shown). However, the aqueous environment need not be excluded so long as the geometry of power contacts 242 and 252, power pins 320 and 322, and / or power sockets 330 and 332 allows for sufficient electrical contact between the respective electrodes.

[0062] The external data storage device 120 includes a power module 340 that receives power from the power source 310 via the power contacts 242 and 252 and distributes the received power to the components of the external data storage device 120 (e.g., the memory 210, the processor 220, and the data transceiver 244). In one example, the power module 340 can adjust the characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, AC, or DC) of the power provided by the power source 310 to match the requirements of the components of the external data storage device 120. In one embodiment, a circuit for transmitting AC power through the contacts can be utilized, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,005,390, which is incorporated herein by reference. The power module 340 can include a battery or other type of power storage device (e.g., a supercapacitor) to allow the external data storage device 120 to operate for a limited time without being supplied with power via the power sockets 330 and 332. For example, if the memory 210 is volatile, the battery in the power module 340 can provide enough power to maintain the data in the memory 210. Additionally, power module 340 may include electrical components (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) separate from external data storage device 120. Alternatively, at least a portion of processor 220 and memory 210 may be used to perform the functions of power module 340.

[0063] The data transceiver 244 on the external data storage device 120 includes an optical transmitter 350 and an optical receiver 352 that transmit and receive optical signals through an optical window 354 in the housing of the external data storage device 120. Similarly, the data transceiver 254 on the host docking station 115 includes an optical transmitter 360 and an optical receiver 362 that transmit and receive optical signals through an optical window 364 in the housing of the host docking station 115. In some examples, the optical transmitter 350 and the optical receiver 352 may be combined into a single module capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals.

[0064] When the external data storage device 120 is fully docked with the host docking station 115, the optical transmitter 350 is aligned with the optical receiver 362. Similarly, when the external data storage device 120 is fully docked with the host docking station 115, the optical transmitter 360 is aligned with the optical receiver 352.

[0065] Although the power contacts 252 are shown in FIG. 3 as a two-pin electrical connector configured to mate with the power contacts 242 (i.e., a two-socket electrical connector), other configurations of power contacts can be used with the techniques of this disclosure. For example, the power contacts may have three or more pins. In addition, the power contacts may include contacts of various shapes, such as blades, plates, blocks, posts, rungs, spades, clips, slots, coaxial connections, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the power contacts may include both protruding contacts (e.g., pins, blades) and receiving contacts (e.g., sockets, slots) within the same electrical connector. In general, the techniques described herein can be applied to electrical connectors having any combination of pin, hole, plate, slot, protruding, or receptacle power contacts.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow chart is shown illustrating an example process 400 for retrieving data from an external data storage device (e.g., external data storage device 120) in accordance with the techniques described herein. First, in step 410, a user docks the external data storage device to a host docking station in an underwater environment. In one example, the host docking station is part of a host device, such as a sonar recording station, that resides in the underwater environment. In another example, a user docks the external data storage device to the host docking station by aligning one or more connectors on the external data storage device with complementary connectors on the host docking station. Components of the connectors are fabricated with self-passivating materials and are exposed to the underwater environment during the docking process. In addition, the docking process may include locking the external data storage device to the host docking station to prevent the external data storage device from detaching from the host docking station.

[0067] Next, in step 420, the user determines whether or not the docking was successful. In one example, successful docking is indicated by an indicator on the host docking station or on the external data storage device. The indicator may provide visual or audio feedback to the user (e.g., a flashing light or an audio tone in an underwater environment). If the docking was not successful, return to step 410 and reattempt to dock the external data storage device to the host docking station.

[0068] If docking is successful, proceed to step 430 and provide power from the host docking station to the external data storage device. The host docking station provides power to the external data storage device via one or more self-passivating power contacts. In one example, the self-passivating power contacts form a passivation layer in an underwater environment, and the passivation layer is scraped off during the process of docking the external data storage device to the host docking station.

[0069] Then, in step 440, the host docking station transmits the data through the underwater environment to the external data storage device using an optical transceiver. In one example, the optical transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver that allows for bidirectional communication between the external data storage device and the host docking station. For example, the external data storage device can transmit instructions through the host docking station that inform the host device of parameters for a subsequent data collection sequence, and the host device can transmit data collected in a prior data collection sequence.

[0070] In another example, the host docking station may utilize the power provided to the external data storage device through the self-passivating contacts to transmit additional data. For example, the host docking station may superimpose a radio frequency (RF) signal onto the power provided through the self-passivating power contacts. The RF signal may be encoded to transmit the additional data to the external data storage device.

[0071] 4 illustrates an example of steps performed by a host docking station to dock with an external data storage device and transfer data. Similar processes may be used to dock an external data storage device with a user docking station and transfer data between the two devices. In addition, process 400 may be included as part of a longer process to obtain data collected by the host device and transfer the data to a user device that can further process the obtained data.

[0072] For example, after process 400 is completed and the external data storage device has stored the data collected by the host device (e.g., sonar data), the user can return to the host device and remove the external data storage device with the collected data from the host docking station. The external data storage device can be replaced on the host docking station with a new external data storage device for storing data in a subsequent data collection process of the host device. The user can dock the external data storage device with the collected data to the user docking station and transfer the data stored on the external data storage device to a user device configured to process the data.

[0073] In summary, the disclosed devices and techniques provide a self-passivating, high bandwidth, wet-mate connector that allows systems to overcome the data transfer limitations (e.g., 1 Gbps) imposed by conventional wet-mate connectors. Such high data transfer rates allow external data storage devices to keep up with the increasing data volumes required by the underwater community. In addition, the self-passivating contacts are rated for nearly infinite mating cycles, providing a significantly longer operational life than conventional wet-mate connectors. Furthermore, users can change the data transfer protocol of the external data storage device, allowing the data storage device to flexibly adapt to various host devices.

[0074] The disclosed method and system are disclosed herein with the aid of functional block diagrams illustrating functions, features, and relationships thereof. At least some of the boundaries of these functional block diagrams have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Although various embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that they are presented as examples. The scope of the claims should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0075] The above description is illustrative. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many more combinations and variations are possible. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to encompass all such changes, modifications, and variations that are within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. For example, while the docking station is described as having pins and the external data storage device as having a mating socket, it will be understood that the external data storage device may have pins and the docking station may have a mating socket. As used herein, the term "includes" means "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" means "based at least in part on." In addition, when the disclosure or claims refer to "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element or the equivalent thereof, it should be construed to include one or more such elements, rather than excluding two or more such elements.

Claims

1. 1. An underwater data storage system comprising: a docking station configured to operate in an underwater environment; an external data storage device dockable to the docking station, the external data storage device including a housing, a memory for storing data disposed within the housing, and a connector assembly provided on the housing; The connector assembly includes: at least one optical transmitter configured to transfer data from the memory to a corresponding optical receiver in the docking station; and self-passivating electrical contacts configured to transfer power from corresponding power contacts in the docking station to the external data storage device.

2. 2. The underwater data storage system of claim 1, The underwater data storage system further comprising at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator for indicating a successful docking operation between said external data storage device and said docking station.

3. 2. The underwater data storage system of claim 1, The underwater data storage system further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the external data storage device to the docking station.

4. 2. The underwater data storage system of claim 1, The underwater data storage system further comprising a data processor configured to adapt the data stored in the memory to a communication protocol associated with the docking station.

5. 2. The underwater data storage system of claim 1, The self-passivating electrical contacts include a conductive material that forms an electrically insulating passivating layer when exposed to an underwater environment.

6. 6. The underwater data storage system of claim 5, 10. An underwater data storage system, wherein the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

7. 2. The underwater data storage system of claim 1, The at least one optical transmitter is configured to transfer data through the underwater environment to the corresponding optical receiver.

8. 1. An external data storage device dockable to a docking station, comprising: a housing configured for operation in an underwater environment; a memory disposed within the housing for storing data; a connector assembly provided in the housing; The connector assembly includes: at least one optical transmitter configured to transfer data from the memory to a corresponding optical receiver in the docking station; and self-passivating electrical contacts configured to transfer power from corresponding power contacts in the docking station to the external data storage device.

9. 9. An external data storage device according to claim 8, The external data storage device, further comprising at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator, for indicating a successful docking operation between the external data storage device and the docking station.

10. 9. An external data storage device according to claim 8, The external data storage device further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the external data storage device to the docking station.

11. 9. An external data storage device according to claim 8, The external data storage device further comprising a data processor configured to adapt the data stored in the memory to a communication protocol associated with the docking station.

12. 9. An external data storage device according to claim 8, The self-passivating electrical contacts include a conductive material that forms an electrically insulating passivation layer when exposed to an aqueous environment.

13. 13. An external data storage device according to claim 12, comprising: The external data storage device, wherein the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

14. 9. An external data storage device according to claim 8, The at least one optical transmitter is configured to transfer data through the underwater environment to the corresponding optical receiver.

15. docking an external data storage device to a host docking station in an underwater environment; providing power from the host docking station to the external data storage device via self-passivating electrical contacts; transferring data from the host docking station to the external data storage device via an optical transceiver.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, The method further comprising confirming successful docking of the external data storage device with the host docking station using at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and an audio indicator.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, The method further comprising the step of securing the external data storage device to the host docking station using a locking mechanism.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, The method further comprising adapting data stored in a memory of the external data storage device to a communications protocol associated with the host docking station.

19. 16. The method of claim 15, undock the host docking station and the external data storage device; docking the external data storage device to a user docking station in an underwater environment.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, undock the host docking station and the external data storage device; docking another external data storage device to the host docking station in an underwater environment.

21. 16. The method of claim 15, The method further includes transferring additional data from the host docking station to the external data storage device by superimposing a data signal on the power provided through the self-passivating electrical contacts.

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