Flying Underwater Imager with Foldable Wings for Dual Buoyancy Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater exploration methods require multiple devices and a time-consuming transition process between sonar transducers and ROVs, leading to inefficiencies in object investigation due to mutual exclusivity of buoyancy modes and limited real estate on exploration vessels.
Innovation Solution
A flying underwater imager with switchable tow and free fly modes, utilizing foldable wings for negative buoyancy during tow and neutral buoyancy during free fly, enabling efficient location and high-resolution imaging of underwater objects with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices (sonar transducer and ROV) are used for underwater exploration, then long-range detection and high-quality imaging capabilities are improved, but deployment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines long-range detection capabilities (sonar transducer) and high-quality imaging capabilities (ROV camera system) into a single integrated underwater vehicle. This merging eliminates the need to deploy and switch between separate devices, reducing deployment time while maintaining both detection and imaging functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The underwater vehicle is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a long-range detection platform and a high-quality imaging platform. The single device can perform both sonar detection and visual imaging tasks, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the deployment process
2Speed
If sonar transducer with negative buoyancy is used for long-range detection, then detection capability is improved, but the device cannot maintain neutral buoyancy for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable buoyancy technology that allows the underwater vehicle to change its buoyancy parameter dynamically. The vehicle can switch between negative buoyancy mode (for efficient long-range travel and detection) and neutral buoyancy mode (for precise positioning and stable imaging), resolving the contradiction between detection range and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy system is made dynamic rather than static. The vehicle can adjust its buoyancy characteristics in real-time based on operational requirements, transitioning from a static negative buoyancy design to a dynamic system that provides both long-range detection capability and precise positioning stability as needed
3Measurement precision
If ROV with neutral buoyancy is used for imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but long-range detection capability and travel speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses variable buoyancy to switch between neutral buoyancy (for stable, high-quality imaging) and negative buoyancy (for faster travel and long-range detection). This parameter change allows the system to optimize for imaging quality when needed while maintaining the capability for high-speed travel when detection range is required
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are stored on exploration vessel, then functional versatility is improved, but space requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate devices (sonar transducer and ROV) into a single integrated underwater vehicle. This consolidation reduces the storage space required on the exploration vessel from accommodating multiple devices to storing one multi-functional platform, while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities
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 solution reduces deployment time, manual labor, and space requirements, allowing immediate high-quality imaging of dynamic underwater objects with enhanced navigation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the imager device opens foldable wings for remaining depressed below the surface with negative buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
Otherwise, neutral buoyancy characteristics bring the imager device back to surface
Implementation Method 3
the imager device closes the foldable wings and uses thrusters for moving into position
Data Source
AI summary
A flying underwater imager device operates in two modes, a tow mode and a free fly mode. In the tow mode for locating underwater objects, the imager device opens foldable wings for remaining depressed below the surface when the wings generate a negative buoyancy. Otherwise, neutral buoyancy characteristics bring the imager device back to surface. In the free fly mode for approaching and imaging underwater objects, the imager device closes the foldable wings and uses thrusters for moving into position to image the underwater objects.