Autonomous Sailboat Self-Righting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for oceanographic monitoring are costly, limited in range and area, and often hazardous for manned vessels and aircraft, with satellite imaging providing limited insights into underwater conditions, necessitating a more efficient and robust monitoring solution.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of autonomous sailing vessels equipped with monitoring and communication equipment, utilizing multi-hulled catamaran designs with self-righting and auto-sailtrim capabilities, powered by solar energy, and capable of satellite communication, to collect and transmit environmental data without personnel in hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manned monitoring vessels are deployed in remote ocean areas, then monitoring capability is provided, but operational cost increases significantly and personnel safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous sailboat performs oceanographic monitoring independently without human intervention. The vessel autonomously navigates, collects environmental data using onboard sensors, and transmits information via satellite communication, eliminating the need for personnel to be present in hazardous conditions while maintaining reliable monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manned vessels with an autonomous robotic system. The sailboat uses solar panels for power, automated sail trim mechanisms, and computer-controlled navigation to perform monitoring tasks that previously required human operators, thereby eliminating personnel safety risks while preserving monitoring functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If solar power is used to power communication and monitoring equipment, then operational cost is reduced, but energy availability is limited by weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid power system that dynamically adjusts between solar power and battery power based on energy availability. When solar energy is insufficient due to weather conditions, the system automatically switches to stored battery energy to maintain operation of communication and monitoring equipment, ensuring continuous functionality while maintaining low operational costs
3Stability of the object's composition
If multi-hulled catamaran design is used, then stability and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a catamaran design with two separate hulls instead of a single hull. This segmentation provides inherent stability through the wide beam and distributed weight, while each hull can be constructed as a standardized module, reducing overall structural complexity despite the multi-component design
4Reliability
If self-righting capability is implemented, then vessel survivability in hazardous conditions is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-righting capability by positioning the wingsail structure as a buoyant counterweight above the waterline. When the vessel capsizes, the buoyant force on the wingsail creates a righting moment that automatically rotates the vessel back to its stable orientation, enhancing survivability without requiring complex active control mechanisms
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 cost-effective, extensive, and reliable oceanographic monitoring, enhancing environmental surveillance, marine safety, and search and rescue operations while reducing risks associated with manned monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
powered by solar energy
Implementation Method 2
a wingsail structure that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation that is orthogonal to a plane of the hulls
Implementation Method 3
an auto-righting system that is configured to rotate the wingsail structure about the second axis of rotation when a capsize of the sailboat is detected. The righting of the capsized sailboat may be performed by rotating a buoyant mast structure about an axis that is parallel to a surface of the body of water, so as to move the center of buoyancy of the capsized sailboat beyond a center of gravity of the capsized sailboat
Data Source
AI summary
A fleet of autonomous sailing vessels that are equipped with monitoring and communication equipment for reporting environmental and other conditions. For optimal stability, the autonomous sailing vessels are multi-hulled vessels (catamarans) with self-righting capabilities. Each sailing vessel sends and receives information via one or more satellite links, using solar power to power the communications equipment as well as the monitoring equipment. Each sailing vessel includes an auto-sailtrim system to maintain a desired attack angle with the wind, and electric propulsion for use as required to maintain a desired heading. A modular design is used to support mission-specific payloads.