Laser UUV Docking Guidance via Rotating Beam Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) with submarines face challenges due to relative motion caused by water currents, which complicates visual lock establishment and maintenance, and acoustic methods are limited for close-range docking.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based system using rotating and adjustable light beams for guidance, with blue-green wavelengths for reduced noise and increased range, and quadrant photodetectors for precise detection and alignment, allowing UUVs to navigate towards and dock with submarines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If acoustic methods are used for docking, then long-range docking capability is improved, but close-range docking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking process is divided into two distinct phases: long-range approach using acoustic transponders and sonar equipment, and close-range precision docking using optical laser beams. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal performance range, with acoustic providing long-range guidance and optical providing precise short-range alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary transition phase where the UUV switches from acoustic to optical guidance. The acoustic system serves as a mediator that guides the UUV into the range where optical systems become effective, bridging the gap between long-range capability and short-range precision.
2Measurement precision
If optical docking systems are used, then close-range docking precision is improved, but reliability under water current conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes preliminary acoustic contact and guidance before transitioning to optical locking. This preliminary action ensures the UUV is properly positioned and oriented before the more vulnerable optical locking phase begins, increasing the likelihood of successful visual lock establishment and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the optical lock status and provides feedback to the control system. When the laser lock is lost due to relative motion from water currents, the system can detect this and initiate corrective maneuvers to re-establish the lock, thereby maintaining reliability despite environmental disturbances.
3Length of stationary object
If blue-green laser wavelengths are used, then detection range is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system specifically selects blue-green wavelengths (450-550nm) for the laser, which have optimal penetration characteristics in seawater. This parameter change in the optical domain allows extended detection range while avoiding the need for more complex system architectures, as this wavelength range naturally balances penetration depth and detectability.
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 system enables reliable long-range and short-range docking by maintaining optical lock and precision guidance, overcoming the limitations of previous methods and ensuring secure UUV-submarine connections.
Implementation Method 1
A laser-based system using rotating and adjustable light beams for guidance, with blue-green wavelengths for reduced noise and increased range
Implementation Method 2
quadrant photodetectors for precise detection and alignment
Data Source
AI summary
An Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) docking system is provided in which the UUV is responsive to a first rotating light beam (which emits from a submarine) to begin a docking procedure. The UUV utilizes a photodetector to detect the first light beam and to guide the UUV toward the submarine by utilizing the first light beam. In one embodiment, the UUV reflects light from the first light beam back to the submarine. A photodetector on the submarine detects the reflected light to ascertain that the UUV is locked onto the first light beam. The submarine then stops rotating the light beam so that a trajectory of the UUV heads in the direction of a docking station which is positioned on the submarine.