Communication Buoy Segmentation for Submarine RF Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods for submerged vehicles or installations, such as submarines, face limitations in providing reliable and rapid two-way global voice and data communications without impeding their maneuverability or operation, particularly in terms of geographical and depth constraints.
Innovation Solution
A communication buoy system comprising a surface module with radio communication apparatus and a submergible module with acoustic communication apparatus, which ascends to the water surface under its own buoyancy, deploys flotation means to erect antennas, and separates to allow the submergible module to descend to a predetermined depth on an umbilical cable, enabling two-way communication while maintaining the submarine's maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethered or towed system is used for RF communication with submerged vehicles, then communication capability is provided, but geographical and depth limitations are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into two separate modules: a surface module for RF communication and a submergible module for acoustic communication. This segmentation allows each module to operate in its optimal environment, eliminating geographical and depth limitations while maintaining reliable communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy acts as an intermediary between the submerged vehicle and remote radio communication apparatus. The surface module establishes RF communication with remote stations, while the submergible module handles acoustic communication with the submerged vehicle, mediating the communication between different media.
2Reliability
If a buoy is deployed from a submarine to provide communication, then two-way global communication is enabled, but the submarine's maneuverability may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy separates into surface and submergible modules, allowing the submergible module to remain near the submarine while the surface module deploys independently for communication. This reduces the burden on the submarine and maintains maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static tethered connection to a dynamic separated configuration. The umbilical cable allows relative movement between modules, enabling the submarine to maneuver freely while maintaining communication links.
3Reliability
If the buoy remains fully assembled at the surface, then radio communication apparatus can communicate effectively, but the submergible module cannot descend to predetermined depth
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy is segmented into surface and submergible modules with different buoyancy characteristics. The surface module remains positively buoyant for effective radio communication, while the submergible module can be negatively buoyant to descend to predetermined depths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different buoyancy properties tailored to their specific functions. The surface module has high buoyancy for surface operation, while the submergible module has adjustable buoyancy for depth control.
4Reliability
If the buoy is launched with heavy ballast for depth control, then depth control is improved, but the buoyancy required for surface ascent is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Ballast weights are attached only to the submergible module, not the surface module. This allows the submergible module to have precise depth control while the surface module maintains sufficient buoyancy for rapid ascent.
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyancy and ballast are distributed locally according to functional requirements. The surface module has maximum buoyancy for ascent, while the submergible module has localized ballast for depth control.
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 reliable two-way global voice and data communications between a submerged vehicle or installation and remote radio communication apparatus, ensuring continuous operation without hindering the submarine's mobility or depth limitations, using a buoyant system that self-rights and deploys antennas for GPS and radio communication.
Implementation Method 1
the buoy being capable of ascending to the water surface under the buoyancy of the buoy
Implementation Method 2
the surface module being hermetically sealed to a submergible module
Implementation Method 3
flotation means for deployment from the buoy at the water surface
Implementation Method 4
separate the surface module from the submergible module to at least partially flood the submergible module to cause the submergible module to become negatively buoyant
Implementation Method 5
submergible module comprising acoustic communication apparatus
Implementation Method 6
surface module comprising radio communication apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A buoy (20) for providing communications between an underwater craft or installation (10) and (5) remote radio communication apparatus (40) comprises a surface module (23) comprising radio communication apparatus and a submergible module (21) comprising acoustic communication apparatus. The surface module (23) is hermetically sealed on launch to the submergible module so that the buoy ascends to the water surface under its own buoyancy when launched from the underwater craft or installation. Flotation means are deployed from the buoy at the water 10 surface. The surface module is then separated from the submergible module at least partially to flood the submergible module to cause the submergible module to become negatively buoyant and to descend to a predetermined depth on an umbilical communication cable mechanically and operably linking the surface module to the submergible module.