Flexible Aft Underwater Vehicle for Maneuverability and Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater vehicles (UUVs) face limitations in maneuverability, propulsion efficiency, and endurance, particularly in complex and cluttered environments, due to their rigid bodies and single propeller-based systems, which restrict their ability to perform missions effectively in littoral and riverine areas.
Innovation Solution
The design of an underwater vehicle with a flexible aft section and actuator system that allows liquid to flood the aft section, enabling thermal energy dissipation and eliminating the need for seals, combined with a biomimetic flexible body and drive system with multiple flexure points, enhancing maneuverability and propulsion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid body with single propeller-based system is used, then structural strength is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into a rigid forebody and a flexible aft section with multiple segments. The flexible aft section includes flexible fins and a flexible propeller that can independently deform and articulate, allowing the posterior portions to move relative to the anterior portions. This segmentation enables improved maneuverability while the rigid forebody maintains structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The aft section transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The flexible fins and propeller can change their configuration and orientation in real-time based on control inputs, enabling adaptive maneuvering in cluttered environments while the overall vehicle structure maintains sufficient strength.
2Power
If propeller-based thrusters with electric motors are used, then propulsion power is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible propeller changes its geometric parameters (blade pitch, curvature, and orientation) dynamically during operation. By adjusting these parameters based on operating conditions, the propeller optimizes its efficiency across a range of speeds and maneuvers, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate propulsion power.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fins and propeller utilize periodic oscillatory motions to generate thrust and maneuvering forces. This periodic action, inspired by biological swimmers, can improve propulsive efficiency compared to continuous rotation, reducing the energy required for a given level of propulsion power.
3Reliability
If seals are used to protect motor internals, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible propeller and fins are designed to operate in direct contact with water without requiring protective seals. By eliminating the sealed enclosure and its associated seals, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliability through the inherent flexibility and durability of the unssealed components.
4Ease of operation
If a flexible aft section is used, then maneuverability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into a rigid forebody and a flexible aft section. This segmentation confines the flexibility to specific regions (fins and propeller) while maintaining structural integrity in the forebody, thus achieving maneuverability without compromising overall structural strength.
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 configuration improves maneuverability, energy efficiency, and propulsion efficiency, allowing the vehicle to operate in confined spaces and unsteady water conditions, with increased range and payload capacity, while reducing maintenance needs and thermal losses.
Implementation Method 1
a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis
Implementation Method 2
the liquid serves to transfer thermal energy produced by the actuator system away from the actuator system
Implementation Method 3
the liquid serves to transfer thermal energy produced by the actuator system away from the actuator system
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater vehicle includes a fore-body and a flexible aft. The flexible aft includes a flexible body. The flexible body includes a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis, and a cavity. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.