Modular Autonomous UUV Architecture for Field Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous vehicles are highly specialized, costly to produce due to nonrecurring engineering costs, have narrowly defined uses, and cannot be easily modified in the field to meet changing mission requirements, leading to high operator costs and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for UUVs and autonomous vehicles that allows for assembly and reconfiguration in the field, with modules including command and control, propulsion, sensors, and other components that can be easily attached and detached using magnetic connections, eliminating the need for hull penetrations and enabling flexible mission adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized single-purpose vehicle designs are used, then mission-specific performance is optimized, but production cost increases due to nonrecurring engineering costs
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular components that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. Each module serves a specific function (propulsion, sensors, payload, etc.) but can be shared across different mission configurations, reducing nonrecurring engineering costs while maintaining mission-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A common platform architecture is developed that can support multiple mission configurations through module interchangeability. The base vehicle structure and systems are universal, allowing the same platform to be adapted for different missions by swapping functional modules, thereby amortizing development costs across multiple applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration vehicles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing mission requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle configuration transitions from static to dynamic, allowing modules to be added, removed, or swapped based on mission requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the same base platform to adapt to changing missions without requiring complete redesign, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the vehicle into standardized modules with uniform interfaces, the system achieves both manufacturing simplicity (through standardized production) and adaptability (through flexible assembly configurations). Each module can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled into different mission-specific configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field modifications are enabled, then mission adaptability improves, but vehicle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces, enabling field modifications without requiring complex integration procedures. Each module maintains self-contained functionality and standardized connection points, reducing the complexity of field assembly and reconfiguration while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables operators to perform field modifications and repairs using simple tools and procedures without requiring extensive technical expertise or specialized equipment. Standardized interfaces and self-contained modules allow end-users to reconfigure the vehicle for different missions independently, reducing operational complexity while enhancing field adaptability.
4Reliability
If proprietary data busses and communications systems are used, then vehicle-specific optimization is achieved, but component interoperability and repairability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A universal data bus and communications architecture is implemented that can interface with multiple proprietary systems through standardized adapters. This allows the vehicle to maintain optimized communications with different modules while using a common backbone system, enabling component interoperability and simplifying repairs across different vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interface adapters act as intermediaries between proprietary module-specific communication systems and the universal vehicle backbone. These adapters enable optimized vehicle-specific communications while maintaining interoperability, allowing modules from different manufacturers or configurations to work together and facilitating easier repair and replacement.
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 reduces production costs, enhances mission flexibility, allows for in-field repairs, and minimizes maintenance, while maintaining environmental integrity and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
modules including command and control, propulsion, sensors, and other components that can be easily attached and detached using magnetic connections
Data Source
AI summary
A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission.