Motorized UUV Docking Assembly for Constrained Underwater Launch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UUV docking systems require UUVs to self-propel into and out of docking systems, which can limit their effectiveness and reliability, especially in constrained underwater environments with limited water flow and obstructed media, posing challenges in launching and recovering UUVs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a motorized drive assembly within the underwater docking system that assists in the egress and ingress of UUVs, overcoming frictional, hydrodynamic, and hydraulic forces by applying translational forces to facilitate movement into and out of the docking system, even in constrained spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UUV self-propels into and out of docking system, then UUV autonomy is maintained, but docking reliability deteriorates in constrained environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking reliabilityVSAvoiddocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A motorized drive assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the docking system and the UUV. This assembly includes a motor coupled to a drive member that contacts the UUV, providing assisted propulsion during ingress and egress operations. The intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the stationary docking system and the mobile UUV, enabling reliable docking in constrained environments where self-propulsion alone would fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized drive assembly is selectively activated only during ingress and egress operations, allowing the UUV to self-propel during normal operations. The system provides assistance only when needed, maintaining UUV autonomy for primary functions while enabling reliable docking when the drive assembly engages to supplement UUV propulsion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If motorized drive assembly is added to assist UUV movement, then docking reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch and recovery reliabilityVSAvoiddocking system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized drive assembly serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion assistance during UUV ingress, enables controlled egress, and can operate in various underwater environments including constrained spaces and obstructed media. This multi-functional design justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive docking solutions across diverse operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on pure UUV mechanical propulsion with an electromechanical system. The motorized drive assembly uses electrical motors to generate the forces needed for docking, substituting the need for high-power UUV propulsion systems with a more efficient electromechanical assistance system that operates only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If UUV uses own power for docking, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUUV energy requirementVSAvoiddocking operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized drive assembly provides partial propulsion assistance rather than complete propulsion. It supplements the UUV's own propulsion capabilities during critical ingress and egress phases, reducing the total energy the UUV must expend without taking over the entire docking operation. This partial action approach optimizes energy distribution between UUV and docking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 motorized drive assembly enhances the efficiency and reliability of UUV operations by reducing the energy requirements and overcoming physical constraints, allowing seamless docking and undocking in various orientations and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a motorized drive assembly frictionally engaged with a surface of the UUV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

overcoming frictional, hydrodynamic, and hydraulic forces by applying translational forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic force: Drag

Implementation Method 3

overcoming frictional, hydrodynamic, and hydraulic forces by applying translational forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260070633A1Underwater docking system for unmanned underwater vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

An underwater docking system for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) includes a housing structure, a motorized drive assembly, and a drive control system. The housing structure is configured to at least partially enclose and house the UUV. The motorized drive assembly is disposed on an interior of the housing structure and is positioned to frictionally engage with a surface of the UUV when the UUV is within the housing structure. The drive control system is configured to selectively activate the motorized drive assembly to apply an egress translational force to the surface of the UUV to at least partially assist an egress of the UUV out of the housing structure.