Modular Underwater Vehicle Segmentation and Electric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torpedoes face limitations due to high drag, mechanical noise, seawater intrusion, limited capacity, lack of intelligence, and low probability of kill in complex environments, as well as requiring costly proofing runs and being unable to be electronically certified.
Innovation Solution
A modular underwater vehicle with a hull featuring removable sections, a three-stage propulsor with a permanent magnet motor, and independently actuated control surfaces, equipped with a processor, nonvolatile memory, and various modules for different functionalities such as targeting, simulation, and decoy operations, including a navigation system with sonar, GPS, and an artificial neural network for autonomous tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical tubular body is used for the torpedo, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the drag is high which limits range and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo body is divided into multiple detachable modular sections that can be connected end-to-end. This segmentation allows the use of optimized hydrodynamic shapes (such as ogive or teardrop profiles) for each section while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components. The modular design reduces overall drag compared to a single cylindrical body while preserving ease of assembly and manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If mechanically driven control surfaces and propellers are used, then the vehicle can be controlled and propelled, but mechanical noise is generated and seawater may enter through penetrations damaging electric components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically driven control surfaces and propellers with electrically actuated systems. Electric motors and actuators are used to control surfaces and drive propellers, eliminating mechanical linkages that penetrate the hull. This substitution reduces mechanical noise generation and eliminates pathways for seawater intrusion through bearing penetrations, while maintaining full control and propulsion capabilities.
3Device complexity
If conventional torpedoes are designed with fixed functionality, then the design is simple, but the capacity is limited and cannot adapt to different missions
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo is designed with detachable modular sections where individual modules can be removed and replaced based on mission requirements. Each module may contain different payloads, sensors, or propulsion components. This modular architecture provides versatility and adaptability for different missions while maintaining relatively simple individual module designs that can be manufactured and tested independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are designed with standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that allow a single base platform to accommodate multiple different mission modules. This universality enables the same hull and propulsion system to perform various functions by simply changing the payload module, thereby increasing capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional torpedoes require proofing runs on a range, then reliability can be verified, but the cost increases and electronic certification is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrically actuated control surfaces and propulsion systems that can be fully tested and certified through electronic means. Electric motors and control systems can undergo bench testing, simulation, and electronic certification without requiring full-scale proofing runs. This substitution enables reliable verification of torpedo performance through electronic testing protocols, reducing the need for expensive range tests while maintaining or improving reliability assurance.
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 modular design enhances range and speed, reduces detectability, increases capacity, and enables intelligent targeting and operation in complex environments, while eliminating mechanical noise and seawater intrusion, and allows for electronic checkout and reconfiguration, thereby improving effectiveness and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet motor configured to drive the second stage rotor
Implementation Method 2
a three-stage propulsor... The three-stage propulsor may be a first stage stator, a second stage rotor, and a third stage stator
Implementation Method 3
a series of control surfaces coupled to the propulsor or the stern of the hull
Implementation Method 4
a navigation system with sonar, GPS, and an artificial neural network for autonomous tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A modular underwater vehicle includes a hull having a series of modular sections, defining an interior housing, a propulsor coupled to a stern of the hull, a series of control surfaces coupled to the propulsor or the stern of the hull, and a power supply, a processor, and a nonvolatile memory device in the interior housing. The nonvolatile memory device has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to supply power from the power supply to drive the propulsor and to actuate the plurality of control surfaces. At least one modular section of the series of modular sections is detachable.