Movable Sensor for Underwater Vehicle Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to stably and continuously detect the position of underwater vehicles and their mother ships due to limited detection ranges and environmental changes, making it difficult to monitor their movements and relationships within exclusive economic zones or important harbors.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle position notification apparatus with a movable detection unit that adheres to and tracks underwater vehicles and mother ships using sensors, thrusters, and communication units, transmitting position information periodically or intermittently, and includes a mobility inhibition mechanism to deter movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed sensor is installed on a warship or helicopter to detect underwater vehicles, then the detection capability is provided, but the detection range is limited and stable continuous detection cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is mounted on a floating object that moves with water currents rather than being fixed on a warship or helicopter. This dynamic positioning allows the sensor to cover a larger detection area while maintaining stable detection capabilities, as the floating object naturally drifts within the detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A floating object serves as an intermediary carrier for the sensor, separating the sensor from direct mounting on warships or helicopters. This intermediary approach enables the sensor to be positioned optimally in the water column while being passively transported by currents, expanding detection coverage without requiring active pursuit mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple sensors are used to detect moving underwater vehicles, then continuous detection can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deploying multiple fixed sensors that require complex coordination, a single sensor mounted on a floating object naturally achieves continuous detection by drifting with water currents. The dynamic movement of the floating object provides temporal coverage that would otherwise require multiple spatially distributed sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The floating object utilizes natural water currents for its own movement and positioning, eliminating the need for active propulsion systems or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach allows continuous detection without requiring multiple sensors or complex multi-sensor coordination systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If sensors are used to detect underwater vehicles, then position information can be obtained, but the ability to inhibit movement of detected targets is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detectionVSAvoidmobility of detected target
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The floating object acts as an intermediary that can physically interact with detected underwater vehicles. When a target is detected, the floating object can be directed to approach and make contact with the target, providing a passive but effective means to inhibit target movement without requiring active pursuit by warships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables continuous tracking and position monitoring of underwater vehicles and mother ships, even in changing environmental conditions, allowing for effective surveillance and control within designated zones.

Implementation Method 1

a technology using a sensor such as a sonar or a magnetic detector is disclosed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Implementation Method 2

a technology using a sensor such as a sonar or a magnetic detector is disclosed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic detection: Magnetometer

Implementation Method 3

a movable body 20 having a detection unit 202, a communication unit 204, a control unit 210 and an underwater movement unit 211

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP2332823B1Apparatus for position notification of vehicle, method and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 NEC CORP
  • EP2332823B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2332823B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2332823B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A vehicle position notification apparatus include a main body unit which includes at least a detection unit, an attachment unit and a communication unit; wherein the detection unit detects a body under detection; the attachment unit makes the main body unit adhere to the body under detection detected; and the communication unit transmits position information of the main body unit.