Drift Buoy with Controller for Payload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drift buoys are costly and primarily designed for singular functions, limiting their reuse and accessibility for various applications, especially in ocean data collection and personal or educational purposes.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost drift buoy system equipped with a controller that can release a payload based on predetermined conditions, including location, and features biodegradable materials, sensors, and a communication interface for tracking and data transmission, allowing for controlled deployment and scuttling, and integration with a parachute for aerial deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drift buoys use high-tech equipment and are designed for singular functions, then reliability and data collection capability are improved, but cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drift buoy is designed with a modular payload system that can accommodate multiple types of payloads including scientific instruments, commemorative items, and data storage devices. The buoy body includes a removable payload cavity that can be configured for different applications, enabling the same platform to serve meteorological research, memorial ceremonies, and educational purposes simultaneously
2Reliability
If conventional drift buoys are designed for reuse and retrieval, then reliability and data collection continuity are improved, but cost increases due to high-tech equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a low-cost drift buoy design that sacrifices the need for retrieval and reuse. The buoy incorporates biodegradable materials including a biodegradable float, biodegradable parachute, and biodegradable payload cavity. This disposable approach eliminates complex retrieval systems and high-tech durability requirements, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability for the intended mission duration
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy employs controllable buoyancy parameters through a buoyancy control system that can adjust the buoyancy of the float. This allows the same hardware platform to operate in different modes (floating vs. sinking) depending on mission requirements, enabling both data collection and controlled scuttling without requiring multiple specialized designs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drift buoy includes biodegradable materials for environmental friendliness, then environmental harm is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drift buoy utilizes composite material construction combining biodegradable components (float, parachute, payload cavity) with non-biodegradable functional elements (controller, sensors, communication interface). The biodegradable float is constructed from natural fibers or biodegradable polymers, while the payload cavity uses biodegradable plastics. This composite approach balances environmental considerations with functional requirements, allowing the buoy to perform its mission and then decompose naturally without polluting ocean ecosystems
4Adaptability or versatility
If the drift buoy employs controlled payload release based on predetermined conditions, then adaptability and mission flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically monitors predetermined conditions such as geographic location, water temperature, and salinity levels, and autonomously determines when to release the payload based on pre-programmed criteria. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual control systems or real-time human intervention, achieving mission flexibility through automated decision-making while keeping the control system relatively simple
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 cost-effective, versatile, and environmentally friendly deployment and data collection across various applications, including scientific research, education, and personal events, while minimizing ocean pollution and promoting coral growth.
Implementation Method 1
a float; The float of an example embodiment defines a cavity closed to atmosphere with a plug
Implementation Method 2
The plug of an example embodiment is formed of a wax material with a resistive element disposed therein, where the command by the controller includes application of current to the resistive element to melt the wax material
Implementation Method 3
The drift buoy of an example embodiment includes a parachute, where the parachute facilitates a controlled landing of the drift buoy in water when dropped from an aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for a compact, low-cost drift buoy for use in a variety of applications. An example includes a drift buoy including a body defining a payload cavity; a float; and a controller, where the controller is configured to cause the drift buoy to release a payload when one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied. According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to establish a location of the drift buoy. According to certain embodiments, the one or more predetermined conditions include a location condition, where in response to the location of the drift buoy being within a target location, the controller causes the drift buoy to release the payload from the payload cavity.