Modular UUV Architecture with Optical Communications

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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 market appeal due to their narrow mission-specific designs. These vehicles cannot be easily modified or repaired in the field, resulting in increased operator costs and limited mission flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A modular, field-configurable UUV design that allows users to assemble and customize vehicles according to specific mission requirements. This design includes interchangeable modules for command and control, propulsion, sensors, and other functions, which can be easily connected and disconnected using magnetic attachments and a modular electrical distribution system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized mission-specific designs are used for UUVs, then vehicle performance for specific missions is improved, but production costs and acquisition costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission-specific performanceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The UUV is divided into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module (propulsion, sensors, power, payload) can be produced separately through standard manufacturing processes, then integrated into complete vehicle configurations. This segmentation allows economies of scale in producing individual modules while maintaining customized vehicle performances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base platform is designed with standardized interfaces and common subsystems that can support multiple mission configurations. The same base vehicle can be adapted for different missions by swapping modular payload modules and adjusting configuration parameters, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely separate specialized vehicles for each mission type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed configuration vehicles are manufactured, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different missions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle configuration accuracyVSAvoidmission flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle configuration is made dynamically adjustable through modular components that can be added or removed based on mission requirements. The standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces allow precise assembly of different configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through repeatable connection protocols and tolerance specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If specialized UUVs are produced for different missions, then mission-specific capabilities are improved, but operator costs and acquisition complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission capabilityVSAvoidvehicle inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal base platform with standardized interfaces can perform multiple missions by accepting different modular payloads and configurations. This eliminates the need to maintain separate specialized vehicle inventories, reducing acquisition complexity and operator training requirements while preserving mission-specific capabilities through modular specialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If field modifications are not allowed, then vehicle reliability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidfield maintenance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modular architecture allows individual components to be independently accessed and replaced in the field without compromising the integrity of the entire system. Standardized connectors and interfaces enable quick swapping of malfunctioning modules while maintaining system reliability through proven connection methods and sealed interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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, and allows for in-field repairs and modifications, thereby decreasing operator costs and increasing the vehicles' operational effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The system uses optical communications to transmit data between the UUV and surface vessels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through water: Light

Implementation Method 2

This design includes interchangeable modules for command and control, propulsion, sensors, and other functions, which can be easily connected and disconnected using magnetic attachments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12244352B1Optical communications for autonomous vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 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 module that enables the vehicle to communicate optically with other vehicles or personnel.