Buoyancy Compensating Structure for Underwater Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater vehicles face challenges in maintaining neutral buoyancy when deploying or acquiring items, leading to changes in buoyancy that require effective compensation without compromising structural integrity or payload space.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy compensating structure featuring a plurality of tubes integrated into the payload structure, along with a flow control system that includes a controller, flow meter, and valves to regulate fluid flow, allowing for precise adjustment of buoyancy in response to changes in payload conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional buoyancy compensation methods are used, then buoyancy can be adjusted, but structural integrity is compromised and payload space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buoyancy compensation function with the payload structure by integrating tubes directly into the structure. The tubes are formed as part of the payload structure itself, eliminating the need for separate buoyancy compensation components and maintaining structural integrity while providing buoyancy adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the payload, and enables buoyancy compensation through integrated tubes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and maximizes space utilization while maintaining strength.
2Reliability
If traditional buoyancy compensation methods are used, then buoyancy can be adjusted, but payload space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy compensation tubes are merged with the payload structure, eliminating the need for separate buoyancy compensation components that would occupy additional space. This integration maximizes the volume available for payload while providing full buoyancy compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload structure simultaneously serves as the housing for payloads and as the buoyancy compensation system through integrated tubes. This multi-functionality eliminates wasted space and maximizes payload capacity while maintaining buoyancy control.
3Reliability
If buoyancy compensation components are added, then buoyancy control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy compensation system is merged with the payload structure through integrated tubes, eliminating the need for separate complex components. The tubes are formed as part of the structure itself, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise buoyancy control capability.
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 solution enables efficient buoyancy compensation, maintaining structural integrity and maximizing payload volume by neutralizing buoyancy changes, accommodating both heavy and light items, and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A controller is provided which may be configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the plurality of tubes. The controller may be configured to neutralize a buoyancy of the payload structure in response to a change in condition of the removable payload
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyancy compensating structure including a plurality of tubes forming at least a portion of the payload structure, and a payload section provided within the payload structure. The payload section is configured to house a removable payload. The buoyancy compensating structure further includes a controller configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the plurality of tubes. The controller is configured to neutralize a buoyancy of the payload structure in response to a change in condition of the removable payload in the payload section.