Heave Survey Platform Variable Wing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heave survey platforms are limited in their ability to control horizontal motion and achieve long-term fixed-point observation in marine environments, as they either rely on buoyancy changes or have restricted center of gravity adjustment mechanisms, which hinder effective horizontal motion and area coverage.
Innovation Solution
The heave survey platform incorporates two fixed wings and two variable wing mechanisms symmetrically disposed on its body, allowing for adjustable wing angles and included angles to generate lift forces, enabling translation and rotation, thus offsetting horizontal drift caused by ocean currents and external interference through controllable sawtooth wave motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If buoyancy change is used to realize heave motion, then vertical motion is achieved, but horizontal motion control is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings adjustable in angle rather than fixed. The variable wing mechanisms allow the platform to dynamically change its aerodynamic configuration during operation, enabling control of both vertical and horizontal motion through active adjustment of wing angles relative to the body axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the wing angles as a controllable parameter. By changing the angle of the variable wings relative to the body, the platform can modify the lift force vector direction and magnitude, thereby achieving both heave motion and horizontal position control.
2Ease of operation
If center of gravity adjustment through inclination and deflection mechanisms is used, then position adjustment is achieved, but the adjustment range is limited and the mechanism occupies large internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex rotating and deflection mechanisms from the traditional design and replaces them with a simplified variable wing mechanism. The wing mechanisms are disposed on the external surface of the body, eliminating the need for large internal adjustment mechanisms while maintaining position control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting position through complex three-dimensional rotation and deflection of the entire platform, the patent achieves position control by adjusting the two-dimensional wing angles. This dimensional simplification reduces the complexity of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining effective control capability.
3Ease of operation
If upper fin rudder adjustment is used, then attitude control is achieved, but the body remains vertical and horizontal motion performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static vertical body configuration into a dynamic system where the wings can be actively adjusted. The variable wing mechanisms enable the platform to achieve horizontal motion by changing wing angles, allowing the body to transition from a purely vertical orientation to one that can actively control horizontal displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing mechanisms serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate lift for vertical heave motion, provide attitude control through angle adjustment, and enable horizontal motion control. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate fin rudder systems while enhancing overall platform versatility.
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 design allows for enhanced control over attitude and position adjustments, enabling the platform to effectively survey and monitor marine environments over long periods by combining vertical and horizontal motion control, improving data collection and positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each variable wing is configured to swing between a first position coplanar with the plane and a second position forming an angle with the plane to generate a lift force on the body at the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A heave survey platform includes: a body, two fixed wings and two variable wing mechanisms. The two fixed wings are symmetrically disposed on two sides of a middle part of the body, and an axis of the body is located in a plane defined by extension directions of the two fixed wings. Each variable wing mechanism includes a variable wing, and the two variable wings of the two variable wing mechanisms are symmetrically disposed on two sides of a lower end of the body, and each variable wing is configured to swing between a first position coplanar with the plane and a second position forming an angle with the plane to generate a lift force on the body at the second position, thereby to make the body move in a radial direction or change attitude.