Docking UUV Inspection Assembly for Hard-to-Reach Submerged Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater inspection assemblies face challenges such as the need to drain fluid from tanks for inspection, limited access to 'hard-to-reach' areas due to vehicle size and wired communication restrictions, complex deployment processes, and delays from individual vehicle launches and recharging.
Innovation Solution
An underwater inspection assembly featuring a tethered first unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) with a docking station for a second UUV, allowing simultaneous deployment and retrieval, and optical communication for real-time image data transmission without physical constraints, enabling access to 'hard-to-reach' areas and reducing deployment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used for communication between UUVs, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the physical wire restricts movement and prevents access to hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an optical communication system using transceivers. This allows UUVs to communicate reliably without physical cables, enabling free movement throughout the tank including hard-to-reach areas while maintaining stable real-time image transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UUVs are deployed individually, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but deployment complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UUVs into a single integrated assembly where they are pre-positioned and connected. The entire assembly is deployed as one unit, eliminating the need for individual launches and recoveries. This maintains comprehensive inspection coverage while dramatically simplifying deployment and retrieval operations.
3Duration of action of moving object
If UUVs are tethered to surface for power and communication, then continuous operation is enabled, but movement freedom and access to confined spaces are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical tether constraint with optical communication between transceivers on the UUVs. This eliminates the need for surface tethers, allowing UUVs to move freely throughout the entire tank including confined spaces while maintaining continuous real-time communication and power supply.
4Ease of operation
If tanks are drained for inspection, then complete visibility and access are achieved, but energy generation must stop for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical transceivers to transmit images through the fluid medium in the tank, eliminating the need to drain the tank for inspection. This allows energy generation to continue uninterrupted while UUVs perform comprehensive inspections, achieving complete visibility without downtime.
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 solution allows for efficient inspection of submerged structures without draining fluids, enhances access to previously inaccessible areas, and simplifies deployment and retrieval processes, reducing costs and downtime by enabling real-time communication and simultaneous operation of UUVs.
Implementation Method 1
each comprise a respective optical transceiver so that the first and second unmanned underwater vehicles can optically communicate with one another
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided an underwater inspection assembly (1,100) comprising, a first unmanned underwater vehicle (2) which comprises, at least a first propeller (3a), at least a first camera (4a), and at least a first optical transceiver (5a); a tether (7) a first end (7a) of which is connected to the first unmanned underwater vehicle; a docking station (21,121) which attached to the first unmanned underwater vehicle (2), and wherein the docking station (21,121) is configured to receive docking means (22, 122) mounted on at least a second unmanned underwater vehicle (12); at least a second unmanned underwater vehicle (12) comprising, at least a second propeller (3b) which can be operated independently of the first propeller (3a), at least a second camera (4b), and at least a second optical transceiver (5b), wherein said at least first and second optical transceivers (5a,5b) are configured to selectively optically communicate with one another; and a docking means (22, 122) which is attached to the at least second unmanned underwater vehicle (12), wherein the docking means (22, 122) is configured so that it can be selectively docked in the docking station (21, 121). There is further provided unmanned underwater vehicle suitable for use in an underwater inspection assembly; and a method of inspecting a structure using the underwater inspection assembly.