Modular UUV Joining Interface With Magnetic Power and Data Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous vehicles are highly specialized, leading to high production costs and limited adaptability, as they are designed for specific missions and cannot be modified in the field, resulting in narrow use cases and increased operator costs due to proprietary systems and fixed designs.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for UUVs or autonomous vehicles that allows users to assemble and configure modules such as command and control, propulsion, sensors, and buoyancy control, enabling customization for specific missions and enabling field replacement of components without compromising the vehicle's integrity, using magnetic attachments to eliminate the need for hull penetrations and reduce maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles are designed as specialized single-purpose units, then they can be optimized for specific missions, but production costs increase and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules (propulsion module, payload module, control module) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and configured. Each module serves a specific function but can be combined with different other modules to create various mission configurations, thus achieving both optimization for specific functions and adaptability for different missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables a single base platform to perform multiple functions by swapping modules. The standardized interface and coupling mechanism allow the same vehicle platform to be configured for different missions (scientific research, commercial operations, military applications) without redesigning the entire system.
2Reliability
If vehicles are designed as specialized single-purpose units, then they can be optimized for specific missions, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vehicle into standardized modules, each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific function. This allows for economies of scale in module production and reduces non-recurring engineering costs compared to building complete custom vehicles for each mission.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules that have completed their mission or become obsolete can be discarded or recovered and replaced with updated modules. This extends the lifecycle of the vehicle platform and reduces long-term production costs by reusing the base platform while only replacing necessary functional modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If vehicles have fixed designs, then they are simple to manufacture, but they cannot be modified in the field and require complete redesign for new missions
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules (propulsion module, payload module, control module) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and configured. Each module serves a specific function but can be combined with different other modules to create various mission configurations, thus achieving both optimization for specific functions and adaptability for different missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic through the ability to add, remove, or swap modules in the field. The standardized coupling mechanisms enable reconfiguration without returning to the manufacturer, allowing the system to adapt to changing mission requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces.
4Strength
If traditional mechanical coupling methods are used, then connections are strong, but they require hull penetrations and increase maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, welds, rivets requiring hull penetrations) with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic attraction force provides sufficient connection strength for operational loads while eliminating the need for complex hull penetration assemblies, reducing maintenance requirements, and simplifying the coupling mechanism.
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 adaptability, and increases mission flexibility by allowing users to configure vehicles for various tasks without the need for multiple specialized vehicles, while magnetic attachments improve reliability and reduce maintenance, enabling efficient operation and repair in the field.
Implementation Method 1
The propulsion module is magnetically coupled to the command module
Implementation Method 2
The payload module is magnetically coupled to the command module
Data Source
AI summary
A system for joining mass-controlling modules comprising modular elements and attachable components, including a male end adapted to join a single-piece female end by rotating the male end into the single-piece female end such that data bus terminals align and power bus terminals align. The system can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed systems for each mission. The joints connecting the modules are designed such that power and data connections between modules are reliably made.