Autonomous Marine Vehicle Cable Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible vehicle recovery systems are complex and ineffective in rough seas, requiring manual alignment and non-autonomous attachment to traction cables, leading to potential damage during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A submersible vehicle equipped with autonomous contactless detection means, such as sonar or video sensors, and locking mechanisms that guide and secure the vehicle to a traction cable, allowing for autonomous attachment and recovery without human intervention, even in challenging marine conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual alignment and attachment systems are used for submersible vehicle recovery, then the system structure is simple, but the attachment is difficult to implement during heavy swells and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means are activated before the vehicle reaches the recovery position to pre-locate the traction cable. The attachment means are pre-positioned and prepared for automatic engagement, allowing the vehicle to autonomously attach without human intervention even in rough seas
Solution Approach 2:
Detection means (acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic sensors) serve as intermediaries between the vehicle and the traction cable, enabling the vehicle to locate and align with the cable automatically. The attachment means act as mechanical intermediaries that automatically engage the cable once alignment is achieved
2Ease of operation
If complex recovery devices with multiple components are used, then the attachment mechanism is more robust, but the device becomes difficult to operate and align properly during rough seas
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs its own attachment operation autonomously using onboard detection and attachment means. The system serves itself by automatically locating, aligning with, and engaging the traction cable without requiring external assistance or complex manual alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is extracted from the recovery device and integrated directly onto the vehicle itself. By placing detection and attachment means on the vehicle, the system eliminates the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and manual intervention
3Reliability
If traditional recovery systems are used, then the structure is straightforward, but the system cannot effectively handle vertical movements caused by sea swells during recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt to vertical movements caused by sea swells. The system can accommodate relative motion between the vehicle and the fixed recovery point while maintaining secure attachment, ensuring reliable recovery even in rough sea conditions
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 secure, autonomous attachment and recovery of submersible vehicles to traction cables, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by allowing recovery from any structure, fixed or mobile, and reducing damage from sea swells.
Implementation Method 1
the contactless detection means comprise at least one sensor which may be acoustic (for example a sonar), laser or video
Implementation Method 2
the contactless detection means comprise at least one sensor which may be acoustic (for example a sonar), laser or video
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Marine or underwater craft intended to be attached to a recovery cable comprising non-contact detection means (6) of the recovery cable (2) capable of guiding the craft (1) towards the cable (2) and attachment means (7) of the cable (2) located at one end (3b) of the craft (1).