Articulating Moored Profiler System for Strong Currents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moored profiler systems face challenges in maintaining reliability and endurance in strong ocean currents, often resulting in incomplete profiles and premature battery depletion, which limits their ability to provide long-term, high-quality data.
Innovation Solution
The Articulating Moored Profiler System (AMP) is designed to address these challenges by incorporating an articulating mechanism that allows the vessel body to align with the three-dimensional incident flow, a lift assist system to harness environmental energy, and a robust braking system, thereby improving profiling reliability and endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional moored profilers are used in strong ocean currents, then they can remain on station, but their profiling reliability deteriorates due to incomplete profiles and premature battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The profiler transitions from a static moored position to a dynamic free-falling and bottom-following mode. The articulating mechanism allows the profiler to dynamically adjust its orientation and position, enabling it to follow the seafloor topography while maintaining profiling capability in strong currents that would otherwise prevent stationary operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An articulating mechanism serves as an intermediary between the mooring line and the profiler body. This mechanism includes articulating joints that allow the profiler to pivot and adjust its orientation relative to the mooring line, enabling it to counteract current forces and maintain stable profiling operation in strong flows.
2Productivity
If traditional profilers are deployed to span full depth range, then complete profiling coverage is achieved, but battery consumption increases leading to premature depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The profiler operates in periodic cycles, alternating between free-falling to the bottom and returning upward. This periodic motion allows the system to cover the full depth range efficiently, using the natural gravitational force during descent and controlled propulsion during ascent, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous active propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of strong currents into a beneficial force by allowing the profiler to free-fall with the current during descent. This eliminates the need for active propulsion during the downward journey, significantly reducing battery consumption while still achieving full depth coverage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If profilers are moored at fixed locations, then long-term observations are possible, but they cannot adapt to strong varying ocean currents
Solution Approach 1:
The profiler incorporates articulating joints and movable components that allow it to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to varying current conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain stable operation and continue long-term deployments even in environments with strong and variable currents that would incapacitate fixed moored systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AMP system enhances profiling reliability and endurance, allowing it to operate effectively in strong currents and maintain high-quality data collection over extended periods, with a profiling endurance of up to 2 million meters.
Implementation Method 1
a lift assist system to harness environmental energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to profiler systems and methods for observing and sensing aspects of a body of water at a plurality of depths. A water profiler is disclosed comprising, generally, a vessel body connected to an external mooring mechanism via an attachment mechanism, a drive mechanism for maneuvering the vessel body longitudinally about the mooring mechanism; an articulating mechanism; and a sensor array capable of measuring a parameter for study wherein the vessel body is capable of articulating about the mooring mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the articulation allows the vessel body to be placed in relation with the three dimensional current such that at least one sensor is positioned into the current so as to sample or measure undisturbed water. In alternate embodiments, hydrofoils or wings are mounted to the vessel body that can be manipulated to harness the current force and maneuver the vessel body.