Autonomous USV Fueling via Actuated Hose Capture
Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) face limitations in endurance due to fuel capacity and require frequent refueling, which restricts their mission duration and effectiveness, as they need to physically connect to a host vessel, limiting their operational flexibility and exposing them to risks during transit and refueling.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous dockside fueling system for USVs, comprising a dock-side fueling station with an actuated hose-capturing device and a fuel tank interface, allowing for self-sustaining fueling without human intervention, using a hose reel, mooring whip, actuated hose-capturing arm, whisker sensors, induction sensors, bolt locks, and electromagnets to secure and manage the fuel hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If USVs transit to host vessel for refueling, then fueling can be performed, but mission time is reduced due to transit and launch/recovery operations
Solution Approach 1:
The USV autonomously performs refueling operations without requiring host vessel intervention. The system includes an autonomous hose-capturing device with sensors and actuators that enable the USV to independently connect to the fuel hose, position itself at the fueling station, and complete refueling operations alone, eliminating the need for host vessel launch and recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel hose is pre-positioned at the fueling station with the nozzle suspended over water, ready for immediate connection. The hose-capturing device is pre-configured with sensors and actuators that automatically engage when the USV approaches, enabling rapid refueling without delays for hose deployment or positioning.
2Quantity of substance
If host vessel remains close to USV for refueling, then refueling can be performed, but host vessel maneuverability and other mission capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The USV independently handles all refueling operations including hose connection, positioning, and fuel transfer, eliminating the need for host vessel to maintain close proximity or provide active support. The host vessel can freely maneuver and conduct other missions while the USV autonomously manages its own refueling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous hose-capturing device acts as an intermediary between the USV and the fuel hose, enabling contactless or minimal-contact fuel transfer. The device includes sensors and actuators that facilitate automatic connection and disconnection, allowing the host vessel to maintain distance while still enabling effective fuel transfer.
3Quantity of substance
If host vessel launches and recovers multiple USVs sequentially, then fueling can be performed, but queue formation reduces overall mission effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Each USV independently manages its own refueling operations through the autonomous hose-capturing device, eliminating the need for host vessel to sequence and coordinate multiple USV fueling operations. Multiple USVs can simultaneously access the fueling station without forming queues, as each vehicle autonomously handles its own refueling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fueling infrastructure is pre-configured with multiple hose reels and positioning mechanisms that can simultaneously serve multiple USVs. The system includes pre-positioned hoses and automated positioning devices that enable concurrent fueling operations for multiple vehicles without requiring sequential host vessel intervention.
4Quantity of substance
If USV refuels at host vessel, then fueling is performed, but sensors and weapons become inoperable leaving vessel vulnerable to attack
Solution Approach 1:
The USV autonomously performs refueling operations independently from the host vessel, eliminating the need for the host vessel to maintain close proximity or provide active support during refueling. This independent operation allows the host vessel to maintain its operational status and sensor/weapon systems while the USV handles its own refueling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous hose-capturing device serves as an intermediary that enables fuel transfer without requiring direct contact or close proximity between the USV and host vessel. The device includes sensors and actuators that facilitate automatic connection and positioning, allowing refueling to occur while the host vessel maintains operational readiness and vulnerability reduction.
5Reliability
If USV transits to safe port during rough sea conditions, then safety is improved, but mission time is lost and refueling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The USV autonomously performs refueling operations at sea without requiring transit to safe port, eliminating the need to abandon missions during rough sea conditions. The autonomous hose-capturing device and fueling system enable safe refueling operations directly in operational environments, allowing the USV to maintain mission continuity and reduce time lost to port transits.
Solution Approach 2:
The fueling station and hose-capturing device are pre-configured for autonomous operation at sea, with hoses pre-positioned and systems pre-tested for marine environments. This preliminary preparation enables the USV to perform refueling operations directly in operational areas without requiring transit to safe port, maintaining mission time and operational flexibility.
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 continuous operation of USVs by allowing fueling at sea, reducing the need for host vessel proximity and human interaction, thereby enhancing mission duration and flexibility while minimizing risks associated with refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnets for holding and maintaining a ferrous metal disc section of a nozzle on the fuel hose
Implementation Method 2
an induction sensor for sensing a ferrous metal disc section of the nozzle on the fueling hose
Implementation Method 3
a spring-loaded flapper valve for sealing the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for autonomously fueling a surface water vessel such as an unmanned surface vehicles (USV). A fueling system is secured to the dockside of a land secured or waterborne fueling station. The fueling system has a hose reel, a hose pusher and mooring whip for extending the hose out of the water for access to the surface water vessel. The vessel is equipped with an actuated arm that pivots between a closed position and an open position to capture the hose and connect the nozzle of the hose to the fuel tank of the vessel. The fuel tank has an interface with a mounting plate, nozzle interface and electromagnets that pull, positively locate, and hold the nozzle into the nozzle interface to access the fuel tank and to fuel the vessel.