Modular UUV with Magnetic Payload Attachment

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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, making them expensive and inflexible, with proprietary systems that hinder component sharing and field repairs.

Innovation Solution

A modular design for UUVs and autonomous vehicles that allows users to assemble and configure modules such as command and control, propulsion, sensors, and communications, using magnetic attachments to eliminate the need for hull penetrations, enabling easy replacement of components and adaptation to different missions without specialized tools or training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized single-purpose UUV designs are used, then mission-specific performance is optimized, but production costs increase and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission-specific performanceVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The UUV is divided into separate functional modules (propulsion module, payload module, control module, etc.) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while enabling reconfiguration for different missions by changing module combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture creates universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same base platform to support multiple payload types and mission configurations. The magnetic attachment system and standardized mechanical interfaces enable a single UUV platform to perform diverse functions across different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized single-purpose UUV designs are used, then mission-specific performance is optimized, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission-specific performanceVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the UUV into standardized modules, the design enables economies of scale in manufacturing. Common modules can be produced in larger quantities for multiple vehicles, reducing per-unit costs. The modular approach separates high-volume production components from mission-specific payloads, optimizing the manufacturing economics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional capabilities into integrated modular units that can be shared across different mission configurations. For example, a propulsion module designed for one vehicle can be reused in another, consolidating R&D and manufacturing efforts across the fleet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If proprietary systems are used in UUVs, then system integration is simplified, but component sharing and field repairs become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidfield repairs

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes universal mechanical and electrical interfaces that work across all modules and vehicle types. Standardized connector designs, common mounting patterns, and interchangeable components enable field repairs and component sharing without proprietary constraints, while maintaining simplified integration through consistent interface protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If fixed configuration UUVs are used, then design simplicity is maintained, but mission flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidmission flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The UUV configuration transitions from fixed to dynamic through magnetic attachment mechanisms and movable modules. Payloads and functional modules can be attached or detached during operations, allowing the vehicle to adapt its configuration in response to changing mission requirements while maintaining relatively simple mechanical designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This modular design reduces production costs, enhances mission flexibility, and improves reliability by allowing users to customize vehicles for specific tasks and enabling field repairs, while minimizing maintenance and operational risks.

Implementation Method 1

using magnetic attachments to eliminate the need for hull penetrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11505296B1Method and apparatus for transporting ballast and cargo in an autonomous vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 OFFICE OF NAVAL RES

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. The vehicle can include a mechanisms that magnetically attach and release payloads such as cargo or ballast from the vehicle.