Bathythermograph Buoy Wireless Data Transmission Depth Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bathythermograph buoys with cable-connected upper and lower units are limited in depth measurement due to cable constraints and experience depth estimation errors from predefined descent rates, leading to inaccurate sound speed calculations.
Innovation Solution
A bathythermograph buoy that descends with sensors to measure parameters and then ascends, using a buoyancy modification device to change its density and transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for a cable and allowing deeper measurements with improved depth accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable connects the upper and lower units to transmit temperature readings, then the temperature data can be transmitted from the lower unit to the upper unit, but the depth measurement is limited by the cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the system entirely. The lower unit now operates independently without being connected to the upper unit by a cable, allowing it to descend to much greater depths without being constrained by cable length. Temperature readings are stored locally in memory on the lower unit and transmitted wirelessly after retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless transmission system. Instead of using a physical cable to transmit data from the lower unit to the upper unit, the system uses wireless communication (acoustic or electromagnetic) to transfer temperature readings, eliminating the depth limitation imposed by cable length.
2Quantity of substance
If a cable is used to connect upper and lower units, then data transmission is possible, but the buoy volume increases to accommodate cable storage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage function is completely removed from the system. Since the lower unit operates independently and transmits data wirelessly, there is no need for a cable spool or storage mechanism in the upper unit, significantly reducing the required buoy volume.
3Measurement precision
If a predefined descent rate is assumed for depth calculation, then depth can be estimated from temperature reading timing, but depth estimation errors occur due to mass changes as cable unspools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a depth sensor that provides real-time feedback on the actual depth of the lower unit. This depth information is used to accurately associate temperature readings with their corresponding depths, eliminating the errors caused by assuming a predefined descent rate. The system continuously monitors and adjusts based on actual depth measurements rather than relying on theoretical calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with wireless transmission, which eliminates the mass changes that occur as cable unspools. Without a cable being paid out, the mass of the descending system remains constant, resulting in more consistent descent rates and more reliable depth calculations.
4Length of stationary object
If the lower unit descends to maximum cable length, then temperature readings can be obtained at deeper depths, but the descent rate becomes inconsistent affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cable constraint entirely, the lower unit can descend to the desired depth without being limited by cable length. The wireless transmission system allows the lower unit to operate independently at any depth, eliminating the trade-off between depth range and measurement precision that exists in cable-connected systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth sensor provides continuous feedback on the lower unit's position, allowing for accurate correlation of temperature readings with depth regardless of the descent rate. This feedback mechanism ensures that even if the descent rate varies, the temperature profile remains accurately mapped to depth.
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 measurement of water parameters at greater depths without cable constraints, providing consistent descent rates and more accurate temperature profiles, reducing depth estimation errors and enhancing sound speed estimation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyancy modification device configured to increase buoyancy of the bathythermograph buoy to permit the bathythermograph buoy to ascend
Data Source
AI summary
A bathythermograph buoy and an associated method of operation are provided to measure temperature and/or optionally other parameter(s) within an ocean or another body of water. A bathythermograph buoy includes a housing and one or more sensors carried by the housing and configured to repeatedly measure one or more respective parameters as the bathythermograph buoy descends. The bathythermograph buoy of one example also includes a memory carried by the housing and configured to store representations of the one or more respective parameters measured by the one or more sensors. The bathythermograph buoy further includes a buoyancy modification device configured to increase buoyancy of the bathythermograph buoy to permit the bathythermograph buoy to ascend.