AUV Recovery via Pulsating LED Docking Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) face challenges in reliable automated recovery, especially in extreme environments where visibility is limited, leading to potential loss of equipment and increased costs due to failed docking operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated rendezvous and docking (ARD) system comprising a specially designed docking rod with pulsating LED light strips and an AUV capable of detecting and latching onto the rod, using multiple homing systems for precise navigation and communication via fiber-optic and low-bandwidth RF links, ensuring safe recovery through a spherical end strop and structural lifting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated rendezvous and docking system is implemented, then reliability of AUV recovery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV autonomously detects, navigates to, and docks with the recovery system using onboard sensors and automated control, without requiring human intervention. The system self-corrects positioning errors and automatically latches onto the recovery structure, enabling reliable automated recovery while maintaining manageable operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs active feedback control where the AUV continuously monitors its position relative to the recovery system using optical and acoustic sensors. The control system processes this feedback information and adjusts thruster commands in real-time to achieve precise docking, significantly improving recovery reliability through closed-loop control
2Measurement precision
If visual homing system is used for final approach, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring worsens in low visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery system employs pulsating LED light strips that flash at characteristic frequencies to create a periodic visual signal. This periodic action makes the recovery system easily detectable against the dark underwater background, allowing the AUV's visual homing system to lock onto the target and achieve precise final approach even in low visibility conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses bright LED lights that emit specific wavelengths visible in underwater environments. The lights create high-contrast visual targets that are easily detected by the AUV's cameras, enabling reliable visual homing and precise measurement of position and orientation during final approach
3Strength
If mechanical coupling system is designed for structural lifting, then strength is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV automatically performs the docking and latching operations without human intervention. The spherical end strop and catch mechanism self-align and engage as the AUV approaches the recovery system, and the latches automatically secure the connection, making the strong mechanical coupling easy to operate through full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical end strop provides a curved, omnidirectional interface that allows the AUV to approach from any direction and automatically align with the recovery system. The spherical geometry simplifies the docking operation by eliminating the need for precise directional alignment, making the strong mechanical connection easy to achieve
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 system enables reliable and routine automated recovery of AUVs in extreme environments, enhancing mission success rates and reducing equipment loss by achieving greater than 50% mechanical coupling efficiency and allowing communication up to 40 kilometers, ensuring safe return and anchoring in case of unforeseen conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A lighted, pulsating (in both frequency and light intensity) series of LED light strips is on the docking rod
Implementation Method 2
communication via fiber-optic and low-bandwidth RF links
Implementation Method 3
ability to communicate with the vehicle at very low bandwidth using a custom wireless transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated rendezvous, docking, and capture of autonomous underwater vehicles at the conclusion of a mission comprising of comprised of a docking rod having lighted, pulsating (in both frequency and light intensity) series of LED light strips thereon, with the LEDs at a known spacing, and the autonomous underwater vehicle specially designed to detect and capture the docking rod and then be lifted structurally by a spherical end strop about which the vehicle can be pivoted and hoisted up (e.g., onto a ship). The method of recovery allows for very routine and reliable automated recovery of an unmanned underwater asset.