Inflatable Buoy Relay for Submarine-Surface Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems struggle to establish effective communication between submarines and vehicles on the sea surface due to the inability of electromagnetic waves to propagate effectively in water at frequencies used in secondary communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication device comprising a flexible, inflatable buoy with a reflector on its inner surface, capable of detecting electromagnetic waves without distortion, and equipped with surface and underwater sensors, as well as a converter unit, to facilitate communication between the atmosphere and submarines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic waves are used for communication between surface vehicles and submarines, then communication speed is improved, but propagation effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to penetrate water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system at the water surface that transforms electromagnetic waves from surface vehicles into acoustic waves suitable for underwater propagation. This mediator device includes electromagnetic wave receiving antennas, signal conversion units, and acoustic wave transmitting devices that work together to bridge the communication gap between air and water environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the communication signal by converting from electromagnetic wave frequency and form to acoustic wave frequency and form. This parameter transformation allows the signal to adapt to the different propagation characteristics of water, enabling effective underwater communication while maintaining the original communication intent.
2Reliability
If optical waves or sonar systems are used for submarine communication, then propagation effectiveness in water is improved, but communication speed with surface vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary conversion system that acts as a bridge between optical/sonar systems used in submarines and electromagnetic wave systems used in surface vehicles. The conversion device includes optical-to-electromagnetic wave converters and sonar-to-electromagnetic wave converters, enabling high-speed electromagnetic communication while maintaining compatibility with underwater optical and acoustic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the signal parameters from optical or acoustic domains to electromagnetic domains through conversion devices. This parameter change enables the submarine's optical/sonar communications to be translated into electromagnetic waves that can propagate through air to surface vehicles, thereby maintaining communication speed while preserving underwater propagation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If communication modules are placed in buoy systems to enable atmosphere-submarine communication, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions (electromagnetic wave reception, signal conversion, acoustic wave transmission, and buoyancy control) into a single integrated buoy device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining full communication capability between surface and underwater environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the buoy device to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic wave receiving and transmitting capabilities, optical wave conversion, sonar signal processing, and automatic positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing system complexity and easing installation while preserving comprehensive communication 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
Enables reliable communication between submarines and surface vehicles by transforming electromagnetic waves into acoustic or optical signals, allowing for efficient data transmission across water surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector, which is independent of the outer surface of the buoy and only partially covers its inner surface, thus allows the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the air to the water or ice in the second state (II) to be detected on the buoy without any distortion
Implementation Method 2
transforming electromagnetic waves into acoustic or optical signals, allowing for efficient data transmission across water surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to at least one buoy (2) made of flexible material to be positioned on the water surface (W), at least one inflation apparatus (3) that is located on the buoy (2) and allows the buoy (2) to be inflated, a first state (I) of the buoy (2), and a second state (II) in which the buoy (2) is inflated by injecting air into it by means of the inflation apparatus (3) to be positioned on the water surface (W).