External AUV Payload Release via Burn Wire Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to carry diverse payloads has led to larger, more costly AUVs, and existing payload release mechanisms are complex and expensive, especially when releasing payloads underwater.
Innovation Solution
An AUV design featuring an external, deployable unmanned payload attached to the exterior hull with a simple and low-cost release mechanism, such as a burn wire, allowing for the payload to be released without altering the AUV's buoyancy or volume, enabling stand-off distance and reusable or expendable mission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If payloads are stowed inside the AUV's hull and released through a port in the side of the hull, then the AUV can deploy payloads, but the release mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The payload is extracted from the internal stowage concept and placed on an external platform attached to the AUV's exterior. This eliminates the need for complex internal ports and release mechanisms, as the payload sits externally on a simple platform that can be released with minimal machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three independent components: the AUV, the external payload platform, and the release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the AUV maintains its simple design, the payload platform provides deployment capability, and the release mechanism remains minimal and cost-effective.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger AUVs are developed to carry diverse payloads, then payload capability increases, but the size and cost of the AUV increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the AUV's internal volume to accommodate diverse payloads, the solution transitions to an external dimension by attaching a payload platform to the exterior. This allows the AUV to carry payloads larger than its own volume without increasing its size, as the payload occupies external space rather than internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The external payload platform serves as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various types of payloads (sensors, cameras, sampling devices) without requiring modifications to the AUV itself. This multi-functional platform increases payload capability while keeping the AUV size constant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If launch tubes or docking stations are mounted to the exterior of the AUV for payload release, then payload deployment is enabled, but the AUV's buoyancy is significantly impacted and the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The payload platform is designed as a simple, expendable structure that does not need to be recovered or reused. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, reusable launch tubes or docking stations. The platform provides its release capability through a simple mechanism and is discarded after use, significantly reducing cost and complexity while minimizing impact on AUV buoyancy.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the payload is released from the AUV, then the AUV can continue its mission, but a stand-off distance must be created between the AUV and the released payload
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV positions itself at a predetermined stand-off distance from the payload deployment location before releasing the payload. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the payload is released, the required separation distance is already established, allowing the AUV to immediately continue its mission without needing to maneuver away after release.
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
This design enhances payload capability without increasing AUV size or cost, allowing for diverse missions and flexible payload deployment strategies, including towing and communication options, while maintaining AUV functionality post-release.
Implementation Method 1
When the burn wire breaks, the external payload(s) is released and the AUV reverts back to its original intended state to continue its mission
Data Source
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AI summary
An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.