Expandable Steerable Nozzle for UUV Thrust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) lack efficient propulsion systems for multi-axis control and thrust, limiting their ability to complete missions quickly and effectively navigate complex underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of expandable, steerable nozzles with flexible bellows that expand beyond a cylindrical storage housing, allowing larger volumes of water to pass through and providing increased thrust, along with multi-axis control capabilities through steerable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional fixed nozzles made from a single rigid component are used, then the device complexity is low, but the thrust production is limited due to smaller openings and restricted water volume traversal
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic expandable structure using flexible bellows that can change shape and size during operation, allowing the opening area to increase and accommodate larger water volumes for enhanced thrust production
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bellows component is constructed using flexible shells that can expand and contract, replacing the traditional rigid single-piece structure with a multi-component flexible system that enables larger opening areas and improved water flow capacity
2Quantity of substance
If the nozzle is designed to expand beyond the confines of storage housing, then the water volume traversal capability increases, but the ease of operation during deployment and storage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs dynamic expansion capability where the flexible bellows can transition between compact and expanded states, enabling the system to accommodate large water volumes during operation while maintaining compact dimensions for storage and deployment
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed nozzles are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the multi-axis control capability is insufficient for effective navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple segments including the flexible bellows and rigid components that can move relative to each other, enabling multi-axis control capabilities while maintaining a manufacturing process that builds upon conventional nozzle fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable nozzle structure serves multiple functions including thrust generation, multi-axis steering control, and adaptive flow management, replacing the single-function fixed nozzle with a versatile system that enhances navigation 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
The expandable, steerable nozzles significantly enhance thrust production and enable more efficient mission completion by allowing larger volumes of water to traverse them, providing improved control and navigation capabilities for UUVs.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable, steerable nozzle including a flexible bellows that expands beyond the confines of a cylindrical storage or launch housing upon deployment
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle in fluid communication with the duct to receive the fluid at the increased velocity. The nozzle is supported about a side of the body and adapted to moveably redirect fluid out of the UUV so as to provide multi-axis control
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Disclosed are an improved nozzle for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and a method for operating the same. The nozzle includes a first rigid member operatively coupled to a UUV steering mechanism. The nozzle also has a second rigid member, coupled to the first rigid member by a flexible bellows according to a configurable operating angle. The nozzle does not extend beyond a bounding surface when stored but does when deployed. Water traversing the first rigid member and contacting the second rigid member produces a reactive force according to the configurable operating angle. Simultaneous and independent control of the volume of fluid traversing several such nozzles in the UUV, and their respective orientations and operating angles, permits automatic station-keeping or navigation according to another guidance objective.