AUV Hull Suspension Layout for Extreme Surf Impact Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquatic utility vehicles (AUVs) face structural wear and potential catastrophic failure due to repetitive water impact forces during extreme surfing conditions, lacking sufficient resistance and robustness to withstand prolonged exposure.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system for AUVs that includes a front and rear tower type suspension mounted on the hulls, transferring wave impact forces upwards into a roll cage, enhancing hull strength and reducing cracking risks by distributing forces away from the hull's center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strength of the hulls is increased to withstand water impact forces, then the resistance to water impact forces is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A suspension system is introduced as an intermediary component between the hulls and the roll cage. The suspension system includes mounting arrangements on the hulls that connect to the roll cage, acting as a mediator to absorb and distribute water impact forces. This allows the hulls to be lighter while still protecting the roll cage from direct impact forces through the suspension mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system extracts the force-absorption function from the hulls themselves and relocates it to a separate suspension mechanism. By taking out the shock-absorbing function from the hull structure and placing it in the suspension system, the hulls can be designed with reduced strength requirements while maintaining overall vehicle protection.
2Reliability
If the strength of the hulls is increased to prevent cracking, then the reliability is improved, but the weight of the hulls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system serves as a mediator that protects the hulls from direct exposure to full water impact forces. By positioning the suspension mounting arrangements between the water impact and the hull structure, the forces are reduced before reaching the hulls, allowing for lighter hull construction while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dissipating water impact forces before they can cause damage to the hulls. The suspension mechanism is designed to cushion the hulls in advance against repetitive water impacts, preventing fatigue and cracking while allowing the use of lighter hull materials.
3Reliability
If a suspension system is added to transfer and distribute water impact forces, then the reliability and hull protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into separate functional components: mounting arrangements on the hulls, suspension elements, and connection points on the roll cage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex force-distribution function into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its added complexity. It simultaneously provides: (1) force distribution to protect the roll cage, (2) vibration damping for improved ride quality, (3) structural support for the roll cage, and (4) articulated movement capability. This multi-functionality makes the added complexity worthwhile by addressing multiple problems with a single system.
Data Source
AI summary
An aquatic utility vehicle (AUV) and suspension system for an aquatic utility vehicle is disclosed. The suspension system is configured for at least partially suspending a roll cage above at least two water engaging hulls. The suspension system includes a front mounting arrangement proximate to a bow side of the at least two water engaging hulls. The suspension system further includes a front tower type suspension mounted with the front mounting arrangement. The suspension system further includes a rear mounting arrangement proximate to stern side of the at least two water engaging hulls. The suspension system further includes a rear tower type suspension mounted with the rear mounting arrangement. During surfing, the at least two water engaging hulls are configured to articulate, and transfer wave impact forces upwards from the bow side and stern side into the roll cage through the suspension system.