Autonomous Submersible Sensor with Piston Dive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocean profiling technologies are expensive, use proprietary software, and have high training requirements, limiting accessibility and accuracy of sub-surface ocean data collection, especially in terms of spatial and temporal resolutions.
Innovation Solution
A programmable, autonomous, sub-surface water data profiler with a low-cost design, featuring a low-cost depth control system, Android graphical interface for Bluetooth programming, and deployable antenna, allowing easy deployment and data collection using open-source software, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive proprietary ocean profiling technologies are used, then measurement precision and data collection capability are improved, but device cost and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable expendable probe design that can be easily deployed and replaced, eliminating the need for expensive maintenance and complex recovery systems. The probe is designed to be inexpensive enough for widespread deployment while maintaining adequate measurement precision for ocean profiling applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic control systems with a simpler piston-based buoyancy control mechanism. This mechanical substitution reduces the complexity of depth control systems while maintaining the ability to achieve precise depth profiles through physical principles rather than complex electronic controls.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution ocean profiling is implemented, then spatial and temporal resolution of ocean data are improved, but deployment cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous profiler performs self-navigation and self-positioning using its own sensors and processors, eliminating the need for external support vessels and complex deployment infrastructure. The device independently manages its own profiling operations, transmitting data back to shore without requiring active maintenance or control from operators during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the profiling function into modular components including separate sensors for temperature, salinity, and depth, with each component optimized for its specific measurement task. This segmentation allows for independent calibration and maintenance of individual sensors while maintaining overall system functionality.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous profiling is implemented, then operational independence and data collection capability are improved, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous profiler uses feedback from its own sensors to automatically adjust its profiling operations. The system continuously monitors its depth, temperature, and other parameters, and autonomously modifies its behavior to maintain optimal profiling conditions, reducing the need for complex external programming and control 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 solution provides a cost-effective, user-friendly method for collecting sub-surface ocean data, increasing accessibility and reducing training requirements, enabling more accurate and widespread monitoring of ocean conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is displaced within the dive control tube to draw water into and out of a the cylinder to produce and overall total density change of the water data profiler which in turn allows the water data profiler to sink or rise
Implementation Method 2
A threaded rod positioned within the guide rail is driven in a rotational manner by the stepper motor, which in turn engages with threads in the setscrew end stop trigger causing the setscrew end stop trigger to advance or retract along the guide rail
Implementation Method 3
An O-ring or other suitable gasket is installed in a groove about the piston to form a watertight seal between the piston and the dive control tube as the piston is displaced therein
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight, efficient, autonomous sub-surface water data profiler (10) that can be easily programmed and deployed to collect sample data at a variety of water depths is disclosed. The profiler is a unique, simple-to-use, low-cost design with a low-cost depth control system that allows several dive/surface trips, an Android graphical interface for Bluetooth programming and a deployable antenna for retrieval after completing its mission. The collected data is achieved using an open-source Android interface and Bluetooth programming using Android and longer-range radio communications with a deployable antenna. The profiler is usable by anyone with a deep pond, lake, ocean or even a pool that they would like to monitor.