Artificial Muscle Paddle Propulsion for Silent Miniature Submarines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned submarines face limitations in miniaturization and noise generation due to mechanical motor-based devices, making them detectable by enemies during underwater operations.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion device for subminiature unmanned submarines using an artificial muscle and a paddle, comprising an artificial muscle motor part, return part, insulating member, paddle, counter electrode, and battery, which generates rotational force through twisting and untwisting, and is controlled by voltage application to manage direction and propulsive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If mechanical motor-based devices are used for propulsion, then propulsive force is generated effectively, but device size cannot be miniaturized and operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical motors with an artificial muscle-based electrochemical propulsion system. The artificial muscle fibers respond to electrical signals by contracting and expanding, driving the paddle directly without mechanical motors, thereby eliminating motor noise and enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical rotation to electrochemical actuation. By applying voltage to the artificial muscle fibers, the system transforms electrical energy directly into mechanical motion through material property changes, enabling silent operation and compact size.
2Length of moving object
If mechanical motors are used for propulsion, then reliable propulsive force is generated, but miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical motors with artificial muscle fibers that generate force through electrochemical reactions. This replacement maintains reliable propulsive force generation while enabling miniaturization, as the artificial muscles can be scaled down without losing functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite artificial muscle structures combining conductive materials, polymer fibers, and electrolyte components. These composite materials provide both the mechanical integrity needed for reliable propulsion and the electrochemical responsiveness for miniaturized operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional propulsion devices are used, then operational functionality is maintained, but stealth capability is compromised due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical motors that generate detectable noise by using an electrochemical artificial muscle system. The propulsion is achieved through direct electrical actuation of the artificial muscles, creating a silent operation profile that enhances stealth capability for underwater missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial muscle fibers are directly actuated by electrical signals from the control system, eliminating the need for separate mechanical drive trains. This self-service actuation mechanism removes the noise sources associated with conventional motor-driven systems while maintaining full propulsion functionality.
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
Enables miniaturization and reduces operational noise, allowing stealthy underwater operations by using an artificial muscle-based propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
an artificial muscle motor part disposed in the seawater inflow space, having one end portion fixed by one of the fixing members, and configured to generate a rotational force by repeated twisting and untwisting
Implementation Method 2
The artificial muscle motor part may include a conductive material yarn. The conductive material yarn may include a carbon nanotube yarn.
Implementation Method 3
a battery part electrically connected to the artificial muscle motor part and the counter electrode
Implementation Method 4
a paddle coupled to the insulating member and configured to perform a paddling function of pushing water by receiving rotational forces from the artificial muscle motor part and the artificial muscle return part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a propulsion device and a propulsion method of a subminiature unmanned submarine using an artificial muscle and a paddle. The propulsion device of the subminiature unmanned submarine may be actively utilized to implement a subminiature unmanned submarine by driving a paddle coupled to a rotary-type artificial muscle that generates a rotational force through repeated twisting and untwisting depending on whether a voltage is applied, and may reduce noise generation, thereby minimizing the likelihood of detection.