Cartridge Ejection Module for Submerged Object Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for locating submerged objects at sea are limited, as they often provide only surface-level information, are not adaptable to different scenarios, and lack temporal and spatial precision, making it difficult to quickly and accurately locate submerged objects.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge ejection module that includes multiple cartridges with distinct visible elements, a calculator for pre-defined release times, and a system for releasing these cartridges underwater, allowing for the estimation of an object's trajectory and location based on the dispersion of these elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cartridge with one powder is released, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the submerged object location is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlocation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the location information into multiple segments by releasing several cartridges at different depths, each containing colored powder that marks a specific depth level. This segmentation allows rescue teams to triangulate the precise location by observing the spatial distribution of multiple colored markers rather than relying on a single surface marker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface location marking to three-dimensional spatial marking by releasing cartridges at multiple predefined depths (e.g., 10m, 20m, 30m). Each cartridge releases colored powder at its specific depth, creating a vertical dimension of information that enables precise location determination through the spatial arrangement of markers at different depths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple cartridges with different colored powders are released at different depths, then the measurement precision of location and depth is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation and depth precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the location information into multiple segments by releasing several cartridges at different depths, each containing colored powder that marks a specific depth level. This segmentation allows rescue teams to triangulate the precise location by observing the spatial distribution of multiple colored markers rather than relying on a single surface marker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cartridges contain powders of different colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue) corresponding to different depth levels. When cartridges are released at predetermined depths, the colored powders create visually distinct markers that allow observers to determine both the horizontal location and vertical depth information by noting which colors appear at the surface or at specific depths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of time

If cartridges are released immediately upon sinking, then the loss of time for location is reduced, but the reliability of location information is insufficient without temporal indication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to locate wreckVSAvoidreliability of location information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridges are pre-configured with predetermined release depths and timing mechanisms before the sinking event. When the ejection system is activated, cartridges are automatically released at pre-programmed time intervals or depth thresholds, ensuring that location markers are deployed systematically without requiring real-time decision-making during the emergency event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic release of cartridges at predetermined time intervals (e.g., one cartridge every 5 seconds) or at specific depth thresholds during the sinking process. This periodic deployment creates a temporal sequence of markers that allows observers to determine not only the location but also the timing and progression of the sinking event based on the spatial-temporal pattern of released markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 simplifies the location of submerged objects by providing precise spatial and temporal information, enabling rescue teams to arrive more quickly and increasing the chances of successful recovery, while also allowing for the identification of polluting elements and their extraction to minimize environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

at least two cartridges each comprising a supernatant element of lower density than that of water and visible on the surface of the water when it is released from the cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4538173A1Cartridge ejection module for locating lost objects at sea and associated ejection system
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 KAINO
  • EP4538173A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4538173A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4538173A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an ejection module (100) for cartridges (200) for locating an object (1000) that has sunk in the sea, comprising a protective envelope (101) making said module waterproof, comprising: at least two cartridges (200) each comprising a floating element (201) having a volumetric mass lower than that of water and visible on the water surface when it is released from the cartridge, and a cartridge release system (300) configured to release said cartridges (200) and the floating element (201) comprised in each cartridge (200) into the sea when it receives a release order, a calculator (103) configured to transmit a cartridge release order at a predefined time interval to the release system, each floating element comprised in each of the cartridges being, once released into the sea, distinguishable from the other floating elements by the naked eye.