Water vehicle system

Abstract

A water vehicle system, and in particular, to such a vehicle that may be autonomously and / or remotely controlled that features a universal coupling bay to receive and / or couple modular functional units.

Description

[0001] WATER VEHICLE SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a water bound vehicle system, and network in particular, to such a vehicle that may be autonomously and / or remotely controlled while having a modular functional units.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Autonomously controlled vehicles, remotely controlled vehicles and robotic vehicles may be used for various purposes such as a toy, as recreational modelling and / or building hobby, as a recreational racing vehicle, or as a functional tool meant to perform a task in various conditions and / or environments that are generally for above surface or on surface applications.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have, such a vehicle and / or vehicle system that is modular in nature and is configurable to perform various environments particularly submerged and / or underwater environments for various tasks and as is required by a user and / or owner. For example, uses such as for example such as in a water farming environment, underwater sea or ocean exploration environment, water or sewage pipe network system environment, underwater environment, oceans, fish farming, desalination applications, ocean bound energy harvesting applications, the like or combination thereof.

[0008] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0009] Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary water vehicle and vehicle system according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrative diagram of an exemplary water vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrative diagram of an exemplary water vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0018] The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow.

[0019] 50 MESH network of Water Vehicles

[0020] 100 water vehicle System;

[0021] 102 Vehicle Body;

[0022] 105 remote control module;

[0023] 106 Motor Module;

[0024] 110 Electronics Module ;

[0025] 120 Sensor Module;

[0026] 121 camera;

[0027] 122 terrain sensor;

[0028] 123 temperature sensor;

[0029] 124 pressure sensor;

[0030] 125 location sensor and / or GPS sensor;

[0031] 126 gas sensor; 127 sound sensor and / or microphone;

[0032] 128 seismic sensor;

[0033] 129 noise cancellation sensor;

[0034] 130 optical and / or IR sensor;

[0035] 131 water sensor;

[0036] 140 universal connector bay;

[0037] 150 Universal Connector Auxiliar Device Module;

[0038] 151 tooling module;

[0039] 152 drone module;

[0040] 154 distribution module;

[0041] 155 imaging module;

[0042] 156 mapping module;

[0043] 158 Robotic arm(s) module;

[0044] 160 Augmented Reality Module;

[0045] 162 AR camera module;

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary water vehicle system 100 according to the present invention. System 100 provides for a configurable modular vehicle that may be configured to be an autonomously controlled vehicle and / or a robotic vehicle and / or a remotely controlled water vehicle that may perform various functions. Optionally and preferably vehicle system may be deployed in various environments for example including but not limited to water farming environment, fish farming environment, underwater environment, pipe network system environment, underwater environment, fresh water environment, saline water environment, corrosive fluid environment, ocean environment, any combination thereof or the like.

[0047] In embodiments vehicle 100 may function individually and / or in a network 50 of water vehicles 100a..n that function in unison as a system of water vehicles to achieve a common goal within a MESH network environment. In embodiment water vehicle 100 may be deploy a plurality of vehicles 100 that may be utilized as a network 50 of water vehicles that function in unison so as to work together to overcome a common obstacle and / or objective and / or goal. Optionally and preferably the plurality of vehicles 100 are in communication with one another, preferably in a MESH network configuration, for example utilizing circuitry module 110 and in particular communication module 116 to communicate with one another.

[0048] Optionally, electronics module 110 may be configured to so as to coordinate the united functioning of the plurality of vehicles 100 forming network 50 or any portion thereof, for example a robotic arm or the like auxiliary tool described herein, so as to overcome and / or achieve a common objective and / or goal and / or overcome an obstacle.

[0049] In embodiments water vehicle 100 comprises a body 102, a motor module 106, an electronics circuitry and control module 110, a sensor module 120 and universal connector bay 140.

[0050] In embodiments the motor module 106 comprises at least one or more motors configured to allow vehicle 100 to maneuver within a fluid environment most preferably water. Optionally and preferably motor module 106 is an electrically controlled motor controller with electronics module 110. Preferably motor module 106 provides sufficient power for allowing vehicle 100 to dive to a depth of up to 20 meters and for withstanding up to about 3 bar.

[0051] In embodiments universal connector bay 140 provides for and facilitates coupling and / or functionally coupling at least one or more optional auxiliary functional units 150 with water vehicle 100 so as to allow for configuring the vehicle as is desired by a user and / or owner (not shown). For example, connector bay 140 may comprise a mechanical and / or magnetic coupling bay for example in the form of a male to female connector to allow coupling vehicle 100 with additional auxiliary functional units and / or modules 150. In embodiments auxiliary functional units and / or module 150 may for example include but is not limited to at least one or more selected from the groups consisting of drone 152; distributing module 154 configured for facilitating laying cables and / or pipes and / or thread and / or optic fibers or the like; robotic arm module 158 for example comprising at least one or more controllable robotic arm; imaging module 155 for example including but not limited to a camera, a thermal camera, an IR camera, radio wave camera, radar, LiDAR or the like imaging device; tooling module 151 for example in the form of a tool such as a screwdriver, drill, sanding belt, saw or the like tool; mapping module 156. In embodiments vehicle body 102 further comprises at least one or more universal connector bay(s) 140, for example as best seen in FIG. 2. Optionally universal connector bay 140 may be disposed along any portion or surface of body 102.

[0052] In embodiments vehicle body 102 may take any geometric form and / or shape for example in the form of a vehicle body, submarine body, an tapered shape, teardrop shape, hydrodynamic shape, a streamline shape, hull, boat, the like or any combination thereof.

[0053] In embodiments vehicle body 102 may be configured to have a stealth geometric architecture.

[0054] In embodiments vehicle body 102 may be configured to be from smart materials. For example, such smart material may for example include but not is limited to shape memory materials plastic, shape memory alloys, shape memory composites, nitinol or the like.

[0055] In embodiments vehicle body 102 or any portion thereof may be configured to be from or optionally configured to incorporate optional functional materials for example including but not limited to KEVLAR™, carbon fiber, carbon fiber composites, graphene, graphene tubules, thermoplastics, LEXAN™, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (also referred to as “UHMWPE”), the like or any combination thereof.

[0056] In embodiments vehicle body 102 may be configured to be bullet proof.

[0057] In embodiments vehicle 100 may configured to include maneuvering tool disposed about any portion of body 102. Optionally climbing tool may be integrated with body 102 and / or an auxiliary tool that may be functionally associated with body 102 about universal coupling bay 140. For example, a maneuvering tool may be extended from two opposing edges and / or sides of body 120 so as to engage a fixture, a wall and / or sidewall allowing vehicle 100 to maneuver along the surface of the wall. A non-limiting example is the ability of vehicle 100 to climb within a pipe or tube like and / or tunnel like environment, wherein a maneuvering tool may be extended from opposing the edges and / or sides of body 102 to engage a wall and so as to maneuver along the wall of a closed space.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle 100 comprises an electronics circuitry module 110 configured to render vehicle 100 operational. Preferably electronics circuitry modulel 10 may comprise a plurality of optional sub-modules for example including but not limited to a power supply module 112, controller and / or processor module 114, user interface module 111, and memory module 118, a communication module 116.

[0059] In embodiments electronics module 110 may further be functionally associated with a sensor module 120, to further allow vehicle 100 to be operational and controllable.

[0060] In embodiments processor module 114 provides the necessary processing hardware and / or software necessary to render vehicle 100 functional. In embodiments controller and / or processor module 114 may provide for controlling any portion of vehicle 100. For example, processor 114 may be utilized to determine vehicular parameters and analysis based on a sensed event in the vicinity of vehicle 100.

[0061] In some embodiments vehicle 100 may be configured to be an autonomously controlled water vehicle wherein the autonomous control functions may be provided by processing module 114.

[0062] In embodiments power module 112 provides the necessary hardware and / or software to power vehicle 100 rendering vehicle 100 operational. Power supply 112 may for example be provided in optional forms for example including but not limited to battery, rechargeable induction battery, induction coil, capacitors, super capacitors, the like power source or any combination thereof.

[0063] In embodiments communication module 116 provides the necessary hardware and / or software to facilitate communication to and from vehicle 100.

[0064] In some embodiments communications module 116 may be utilized to provide vehicle 100 with communication capabilities. For example, communication sub-module 116 may provide for communication with devices and or systems by utilizing various communication protocols for example including but not limited to wireless communication protocols, cellular communication, wired communication, near field communication, RF communication, Bluetooth, optical communication, laser based communication, network communication, MESH network communication the like and / or any combination thereof.

[0065] Most preferably communications module 116 provides for communicating between at least two or more water vehicles 100 within a network 50 of water vehicles 100, 110a. . .n. Most preferably network 50 is a MESH communication network comprising a plurality of water vehicle 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] In embodiments, communication module 116 may provide for communicating with an optional remote control module 105 that may be operated remotely by a user and / or individual to control and / or operate water vehicle 100.

[0067] In embodiments memory module 118 provides the necessary hardware and / or software to facilitate operations of vehicle 100 by enabling storing and / or retrieving stored data and / or the like as is known in the art by way of interfacing with other sub-modules of vehicle 100 for example including but not limited to controller module 114.

[0068] Preferably vehicle 100 further comprises a sensor module 120 that may be rendered operational with electronics circuitry module 110. In some embodiments vehicle sensor module 120 may provide the necessary hardware and / or software to facilitate operations of at least one or more sensor(s) associated with any portion of vehicle 100. Preferably sensor module 120 enables sensing various events in and around user vehicle 100.

[0069] In embodiments sensor module 120 may comprise at least one or more sensor for example including but not limited to: camera 121, terrain sensor and / or haptic sensor 122, temperature sensor 123, pressure and / or barometric sensor 124, location sensor and / or GPS 125, gas sensor 126, sound sensor and / or microphone 127, seismic sensor 128, noise cancellation sensor 129, optic and / or infrared sensors 130, water sensor 131, the like or any combination thereof.

[0070] In embodiments terrain sensor 122 and / or location sensor 125 may be configured to function within a submerged environment where other navigational tools and / or units are not functional so as to allow water vehicle 100 to navigate within a aqueous environment utilizing celestial objects and / or by image analysis of shoreline picture analysis, either based on real-time data and / or images obtained from an imaging sensor and / or correlated off-line images.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, as shown in the dashed line in FIG. 1, vehicle 100 may further be in communication and / or functionally associated with an augmented reality module 160 that allows for interfacing with and / or controlling vehicle 100. Optionally such AR module 160 may comprise a camera 162.

[0072] In embodiments, the augmented reality (AR) module 160 may be provided in the form of a wearable device for example including but not limited to a visual display, glasses or the like. In embodiments, the AR module 160 may optionally be integrated with the head remote control module 105. In embodiments, the AR module 160 may be configured to display to a user guiding information related to operational performance of water vehicle 100 in real time.

[0073] Optionally distributing module 154, FIG.l, may be configured to facilitating laying cables and / or pipes and / or thread and / or optic fibers or the like, while associated with water vehicle 100. Such that while vehicle 100 is driven in optional terrain and / or environments a distributing module 154 may be utilized to lay and / or delivery a network of optic fibers and / or pipe and / or the like infrastructure to a remotely accessible area, that may be accessed reality with vehicle 100. For example, water vehicle 100 featuring module 154 may be utilized to facilitate laying a MESH network of fiber optic cables for forming a communications channel. In embodiments module 154 may be further configured to lay a preconfigured and / or predefined MESH network comprising a communication cables and processing nodes. In some embodiments, module 154 may be configured to form and / or lay an “ad-hoc” MESH network that is configured and defined substantially in real-time provided by delivering a communication channels for example including but not limited to fiber optic cables, wired cables, galvanic cables, or the like communication capable cables and / or means, and a plurality of communication and processing devices providing a plurality of MESH network communication nodes each node comprising the necessary circuitry and processing capabilities to form a MESH network communication node. For example, module 154, may be configured to deliver a processing and communication node at any interval, for example from 1 meter and up to 1km (kilometer), mor preferably notes are placed at intervals of less than 100 meters, or up to about 50 meters, and optionally every about 10-40 meters, further optionally every about 10 meters, 25 meters, 30 meters or the like. In this manner an ad-hoc MESH network may be configured such that any two nodes may be at variable distances from one another. Optionally the MESH network is defined is configured according to the terrain in which the MESH network is established.

[0074] In embodiments module 154 may be configured according to the underwater terrain and environment in which it is utilized for example the terrain may vary based on where the MESH network is deployed and vehicle 102 is deployed for example including but not limited to farming environment, underground environment, fresh water environment, corrosive fluid environment, saltwater environment, , pipe network system environment, underground pipe network system, tunnel system, underwater environment, any combination thereof or the like.

[0075] For example, module 154 may be provided in the form of an unwinding and / or de-spooling actuator and / or unit.

[0076] In embodiments, robotic arm module 158 may comprise at least one or more controllable robotic arm wherein at least one of which is functionally associated with and / or coupled to vehicle body 102 most preferably via universal connector bay 140. In some embodiments at least two or more robotic arm may be associated and / or coupled that may be coupled to one another so as to form concatenated robotic arm comprising at least two or more individual robotic arms. For example, such a concatenated robotic arm configuration may be configured to have a longer reach, and / or be able to lift heavier materials, or the like functionality and / or capability. In some embodiments some robotic arms may be configured to have at least one end featuring a coupler configured to associate with the universal connector bay 140. In some embodiments a robotic arm may be configured to have at least two coupling members and / or zones a first coupling member / zone disposed at an end of the robotic arm and a second coupling member / zone disposed at any portion along the length of the body of the robotic arm. In embodiments robotic arm module 158 may form a concatenated robotic arm comprising a plurality of individual robotic arms that work in unison.

[0077] In embodiments, a robotic arm of robotic arm module 158 may comprise a proximal end having a coupling member configured to couple with universal connector bay 140 and a distal end having a functional grasping and / or clamping unit having at least two or more and optionally and more preferably at least three or more functional gripping members. In embodiments robotic arm distal end may feature at least one or more, tools, multipurpose clamps, a clamping unit featuring a tool, a multipurpose clamp unit having an internal surface that features a cutting tool, a clamping unit featuring a tool along its external surface, a clamping unit featuring a tool along its internal surface. In embodiments robotic arm may feature optional tools for example including but not limited to drivers, screw drivers, jackhammer, drill, drill bit, soldering iron, Brenner torch, gas torch, blow torch, burner torch, plasma torch, welding torch, piezoelectric ignitor, any combination thereof, or the like.

[0078] In embodiments robotic arm module 158 that comprises a plurality of robotic arms may deploy the plurality of robotic arms so that they may be utilized in unison so as to work together to overcome a common obstacle and / or objective and / or goal. Optionally and preferably vehicle 100 is configured to control module 158 so as to coordinate the united functioning of robotic module 158 so as to overcome the common objective and / or goal and / or obstacle.

[0079] In embodiments mapping module 156, may comprise a multidimensional mapping function so as to map in two dimensions (2D mapping) and optionally in three dimension providing a 3D mapping and / or 3D scanning functionality. Optionally and preferably mapping module 156 further provides for triangulation capabilities preferably to facilitate identification of objects in environment surrounding in and around vehicle 100. Optionally mapping module 156 may utilize and / or function in concert with at least one of or both of imaging sensor 121 and / or imaging module 155. In embodiments mapping module may be utilized with any imaging module for example utilizing LiDAR technology. In embodiments mapping module 156 may further comprise a radio wave camera. In embodiments mapping module 156 may further comprise a RADAR capabilities. In embodiments mapping module 156 may be configured to utilize celestial mapping for navigational purposes. In embodiments mapping module 156 may be configured to utilize shoreline images for on-line or off-line mapping and / or navigational purposes.

[0080] As used herein the term “about” refers to + / -10 %.

[0081] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”. The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0082] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0083] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict. As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0084] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0085] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

[0086] In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0087] As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.

[0088] There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. The present inventions are neither limited to any single aspect nor embodiment thereof, nor to any combinations and / or permutations of such aspects and / or embodiments. Moreover, each of the aspects of the present inventions, and / or embodiments thereof, may be employed alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the present inventions and / or embodiments thereof. For the sake of brevity, many of those permutations and combinations will not be discussed separately herein.

[0089] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0090] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0091] It should be noted that where reference numerals appear in the claims, such numerals are included solely or the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and are no way limiting on the scope of the claims.

[0092] Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.

[0093] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

[0094] Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0095] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

SAMPLE CLAIMSWhat is currently claimed is:1) A water vehicle 100 comprising an electronics circuitry module (110), motor module (106) vehicle body (102) wherein said body features at least one universal connector bay (140) configured for coupling at least one auxiliary functional unit (150) and wherein said motor module comprises at least one or more motor configured to submerge said water vehicle (100).2) The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a remote control module (105).3) The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motor module (106) comprises an electrically controlled motor controlled with said electronics module (110).4) The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a sensor module (120).5) The vehicle of claim 1 of claim 1 wherein said body (102) is configured to have a stealth geometric architecture.6) A vehicle (100) as is shown in the drawings.7) A vehicle (100) as is described in the specifications.8) A network (50) of water vehicles (100a. . .n) comprising a plurality of water vehicle s 100 according to claim 1 that are in communication with one another forming a MESH network.

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