Submerged Buoy Securing System with Pressure Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submerged buoys lack reliable protection against theft and external attacks, such as strong sea currents, leading to potential loss and non-compliance with ecological and legislative standards, and existing securing mechanisms are prone to premature or incomplete rupture due to incorrect force calculations.
Innovation Solution
A securing system for submerged buoys that includes a reversible coupling device with a pressure sensor and time-measurement unit to control attachment and separation, a ballasted keel for stability, humidity and battery monitoring, and a communication system with AIS compatibility, ensuring secure and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakable link with predetermined rupture force is used to secure the signalling element, then the buoy can be protected from theft and strong currents, but the link may rupture prematurely or not at all due to incorrect force calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using a pressure sensor to monitor the actual force applied to the link in real-time. The control unit compares the measured force with the predetermined rupture force and provides feedback to adjust the securing mechanism accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the link only ruptures when the actual force exceeds the predetermined value, preventing both premature rupture and failure to rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical breakable link system with an electromechanical system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical force calculation and a simple breakable connection, the invention uses a pressure sensor to detect force, a control unit to process the information, and an electromechanical release mechanism to execute the separation. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-based control enables precise force measurement and reliable rupture timing.
2Reliability
If existing securing mechanisms are used, then protection from theft is provided, but the system cannot differentiate between normal and abnormal movements of the buoy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the pressure sensor to continuously monitor the force applied to the link. The control unit analyzes this feedback information to distinguish between normal movements (such as those caused by tides or current) and abnormal movements (such as theft attempts). By comparing the magnitude and pattern of applied force against predetermined thresholds, the system can differentiate between legitimate environmental forces and unauthorized interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the pressure sensor and the release mechanism. This control unit processes the raw force data from the sensor and translates it into meaningful information about buoy movement status. The intermediary analyzes the force patterns and determines whether to trigger the release mechanism, thereby preventing false activations due to normal environmental movements while responding appropriately to abnormal movements.
3Device complexity
If a simple mooring system is used, then the buoy design remains simple and operation is reversible, but the buoy offers no protection from external attacks and strong sea currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mooring system into distinct functional modules: a pressure sensor for force detection, a control unit for decision-making, a release mechanism for execution, and the breakable link for physical connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability. The modular structure enables the addition of protective features without completely redesigning the entire buoy system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control into the previously static mooring system. The pressure sensor continuously monitors force conditions, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the securing state based on real-time measurements. The electromechanical release mechanism enables dynamic response to changing conditions, allowing the system to transition between secured and released states as needed. This dynamic capability provides protection against variable external threats while maintaining 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
The system reliably secures buoys from theft and environmental deterioration, accurately differentiates between normal and abnormal movements, and ensures timely recovery by triggering the release mechanism based on pressure and humidity thresholds, enhancing compliance with ecological and legislative requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor, and a control unit associated with a time-measurement unit, said control unit instructing said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a setpoint value
Implementation Method 2
a ballasted keel extending beneath the buoy and being disposed in the longitudinal plane of vertical symmetry of the buoy
Implementation Method 3
a flotation reserve; said electromechanical release mechanism is enclosed in a hermetically-sealed tank thus constituting the flotation reserve
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a submerged buoy including a signalling element floating on the surface and connected to the buoy by a link, said securing system being wherein it includes a reversible coupling device comprising an attachment member secured to the end of the link opposite the signalling element, a complementary attachment member rigidly connected to the buoy and capable of engaging with said attachment member in order to allow the link to be secured to or released from the buoy, a pressure sensor, a control unit associated with a timemeasurement unit, said control unit ordering said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a set value.