Buoyancy Module Joints With Aligned Power and Data Bus Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous vehicles are expensive to produce and maintain due to their specialized, mission-specific designs, which limit their adaptability and require multiple vehicles for different missions, leading to high operator costs and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for UUVs and autonomous vehicles that allows users to assemble and configure modules such as command and control, propulsion, sensors, and buoyancy control, enabling customization for specific missions without the need for multiple vehicles, with magnetic attachments eliminating the need for hull penetrations and enabling field repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized mission-specific designs are used for UUVs, then vehicle performance for specific missions is improved, but production costs and operator costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The UUV is divided into separate functional modules (propulsion module, payload module, control module, etc.) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced separately at lower cost while maintaining the specialized performance needed for specific missions through selective assembly of appropriate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables a single base platform to perform multiple missions by swapping payload modules and configuring different module combinations. The universal base module contains common systems (propulsion, power, control) that serve all mission types, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely separate vehicles for each mission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized vehicles are purchased for different missions, then mission flexibility is improved, but total cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single modular UUV platform can be reconfigured for different missions by changing payload modules and system configurations. The same base vehicle with standardized interfaces can execute reconnaissance, surveillance, inspection, or other missions by simply reconfiguring modules, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized vehicles in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. Modules can be added, removed, or swapped between missions, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability provides mission flexibility without requiring a static inventory of multiple specialized vehicles.
3Strength
If traditional hull penetration methods are used for component attachment, then structural strength is improved, but water ingress risk and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical fastening methods that require hull penetrations are replaced with magnetic attachment systems. The magnetic coupling provides sufficient holding force for module attachment without creating penetration points through the hull, thereby maintaining water tightness while enabling easy module installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary force to attach modules to the hull without direct mechanical contact that would require penetrations. The magnetic force transmits the necessary attachment strength through the hull material itself, keeping the hull intact and water-tight while securing modules externally.
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 modular design reduces production and maintenance costs, increases adaptability, and enhances mission flexibility by allowing users to configure vehicles for specific tasks and perform field repairs, thereby reducing operational risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic attachments eliminating the need for hull penetrations
Implementation Method 2
buoyancy control, enabling customization for specific missions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for joining buoyancy-controlling modules comprising modular elements and attachable components, including a male end adapted to join a single-piece female end by rotating the male end into the single-piece female end such that data bus terminals align and power bus terminals align. The system can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed systems for each mission. The joints connecting the modules are designed such that power and data connections between modules are reliably made.