Multi-Mode Unmanned Vehicle Platform for Maritime Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned vehicle systems are limited to specific operating environments and tasks, lacking the capability to operate effectively in multiple modes such as air, water, and underwater, and existing command and control systems are inadequate for coordinating complex missions over large areas with reduced human intervention.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-mode unmanned vehicle system with enhanced operational characteristics, including hybrid propulsion, adjustable buoyancy, and advanced control systems, enabling autonomous operation for extended periods, and an integrated off-board command and control system for coordinated mission planning and execution across diverse environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional unmanned vehicle designs are used, then each vehicle is limited to a particular operating environment and task, but the system lacks versatility across multiple environments and tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single unmanned vehicle platform that can perform multiple functions across different operating environments. The vehicle is equipped with both aerial propulsion systems (rotors, wings) and aquatic propulsion systems (propellers, hydrofoils), allowing it to operate in air, on water surface, and underwater. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized vehicles for each environment while maintaining adaptability through configurable propulsion and control systems.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous operation capability is enhanced, then human intervention is reduced, but the command and control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command and control system is segmented into multiple independent modules including mission planning module, real-time control module, navigation module, and communication module. Each module handles specific autonomous functions, allowing the system to achieve high automation levels while managing complexity through functional decomposition. The mission planning module handles high-level decision-making, while the real-time control module manages low-level vehicle operations, enabling layered autonomy.
3Duration of action of moving object
If extended operation duration is achieved, then mission coverage area increases, but energy consumption and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs parameter changes by utilizing multiple energy sources with different characteristics - solar panels provide continuous low-power energy for stationary operations, while battery systems provide high-power bursts for active propulsion and sensing. The control system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on operational mode, switching between energy sources optimally to extend operation duration while managing overall energy consumption across the hybrid power architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated methods for planning and control of a fleet of unmanned vehicles in missions that are coordinated temporally and spatially by geo-location, direction, vehicle orientation, altitude above sea level, and depth below sea level. The unmanned vehicles' transit routes may be fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, or under direct operator control using off board control systems. Means are provided for intervention and transit changes during mission execution. Means are provided to collect, centralize and analyze mission data collected on the set of participating unmanned vehicles.