Modular Underwater Exploration Device with Segmented Battery Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep-sea exploration devices face challenges in extending battery life for long-term monitoring, as power consumption for illumination and standby power is high, limiting the duration of image capture and video recording, especially for applications requiring continuous observation for over a year.
Innovation Solution
A connectedly-formed underwater exploration device comprising three pressure-resistant hollow glass spheres, where an additional battery body with the same shape and structure as the exploration body is connected via an underwater cable and connector, providing extended power supply and allowing for the housing of additional sensors for omnidirectional imaging and environmental measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If additional batteries are connected to extend power supply duration, then battery life is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent battery units that can be connected in parallel. Each battery unit operates independently, allowing the system to achieve extended battery life through modular addition rather than integrating a single large complex power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery units are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized configurations, allowing them to serve multiple functions: primary power supply, extended power supply when connected in parallel, and modular replacement units. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure-resistant hollow glass spheres are connected, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exploration device is segmented into multiple independent pressure-resistant hollow glass spheres, each capable of housing different functional components (cameras, lights, batteries, sensors). This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual spheres while enabling customized functional configurations through connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressure-resistant hollow glass sphere is designed as a universal modular unit with standardized connection interfaces. These units can be manufactured independently using the same processes, then connected in various configurations to create devices with different functionalities, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining versatility.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to support long-term monitoring, then duration of action is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total energy requirement is segmented across multiple battery units distributed throughout the device. Each battery unit provides power to specific local components, reducing the energy demand on any single battery and allowing for more efficient energy management and lower overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic operation patterns where devices are activated in alternating sequences rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces peak power consumption and average energy use while maintaining the required duration of operation for long-term monitoring applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Image recording as long as possible during one activity is required in deep sea exploration. Necessity of multi-directional image recording, optical and chemical observations and probing of mineral resources of seabed are also increased. There is no underwater exploration device enable these requirements. It is disclosed that at least one battery-driven underwater exploration body having three pressure-resistant hollow glass spheres for housing an image capturing device, an illumination device, a recording device, an acoustic communication device and a control device controlling thereof and at least one battery body having an approximately the same shape and structure as the underwater exploration body are connected with each other by a connecting tool to provide the connectedly-formed underwater exploration device.