Floating Ocean Observation Platform With Gravity-Assisted Profile Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oceanographic and meteorological observation devices face challenges in remote marine areas due to high energy consumption and difficulties in replenishing energy supplies, limiting their ability to perform long-term, continuous automatic observations, especially for ocean profile observations.
Innovation Solution
A low-energy-consumption floating automatic oceanographic and meteorological observation platform is designed, comprising a meteorological observation module, a sea surface monitoring module, and a profile observation module. The platform utilizes a bobbin, clockwork, rope, gravity regulation bin, and high-pressure gas storage cylinder to reduce energy consumption during profile observations, and incorporates solar panels and a storage battery for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery-powered observation devices are used in remote marine areas, then continuous automatic observation can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and replenishment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The observation device performs periodic up-and-down movements between sea surface and depth, with the first ocean detector collecting data at different depths during descent and ascent phases. This periodic cycling allows continuous observation while utilizing gravity-assisted descent to reduce energy consumption compared to continuous powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the harmful effect of gravity (which causes the detector to sink and consume energy) into a beneficial force by allowing gravity to assist the descent phase. The clockwork mechanism stores elastic potential energy during descent and releases it during ascent, transforming the energy that would be wasted during uncontrolled sinking into useful lifting power.
2Measurement precision
If profile observation equipment floats up and down multiple times, then ocean profile data can be collected, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clockwork mechanism acts as a counterweight system that stores elastic potential energy during the descent phase and releases it during ascent. This mechanical energy storage and release system balances the energy expenditure, allowing the detector to return to the surface without requiring additional power consumption, thus enabling repeated profile observations with minimal energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static battery-powered operation to dynamic gravity-assisted cycling with mechanical energy recovery. The clockwork mechanism dynamically adjusts energy storage and release based on the movement phase, optimizing energy utilization and enabling sustained operation without external power replenishment.
3Loss of information
If remote marine observation is conducted, then valuable oceanographic and meteorological data can be obtained, but the cost and complexity of replacing energy supply equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The observation device is self-sufficient in energy management through the clockwork mechanism that automatically stores energy during descent and releases it during ascent. This self-service energy recycling system eliminates the need for external intervention to replenish power, reducing operational complexity and costs while enabling long-term deployment in remote areas for continuous data collection.
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 platform achieves low-energy-consumption automatic observation of atmospheric, sea surface, and ocean profile data, enabling continuous and synchronous monitoring with reduced operational costs and complexities associated with energy replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel may be configured to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
The floating body strips may be secured to the rope and configured to increase the buoyancy of the rope to reduce energy consumption of the first ocean detector during the upward movement
Implementation Method 3
The clockwork may be secured to the bobbin and configured to convert a portion of kinetic energy generated during sinking of the first ocean detector into elastic potential energy to be stored and released in a subsequent upward movement
Implementation Method 4
The electrically operated gas valve may be configured to regulate a gas release process in the high-pressure gas storage cylinder, i.e., an intake process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a low-energy-consumption floating automatic oceanographic and meteorological observation platform, comprising a meteorological observation module, a sea surface monitoring module, and a profile observation module. The meteorological observation module is configured to provide a buoyant platform for realizing observation of meteorological data while guaranteeing power supply and providing a space for equipment placement. The sea surface monitoring module is configured to realize observation of sea surface data while preventing the buoyant platform from drifting. The profile observation module is located below the meteorological observation module and configured to complete automatic observation of an ocean profile in a low-energy-consumption manner. Gravity is regulated to change a combined force of buoyancy and gravity to realize upward or downward movements of the device, which effectively replaces the conventional high energy consumption program. Meanwhile, a portion of energy in sinking of the profile observation module is converted into elastic potential energy and released subsequently, which reduces energy consumption.