Ocean-Bottom Seismic AUV Structure for Low-Power Seabed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic AUVs for ocean bottom deployment are not cost-effective, complex, require excessive power, and face operational challenges in coupling to the seabed effectively.
Innovation Solution
AUV design featuring a negatively buoyant structure with multiple pressure housings, retractable wings, and internal electrical connections via rigid conduits, along with a propulsion system for efficient seabed coupling and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seismic AUVs are used for ocean bottom deployment, then seismic data recording function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV is divided into multiple modular pressure housings (main pressure housing, first pressure housing, second pressure housing) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each housing contains specific electronic components, allowing for simplified manufacturing and maintenance while maintaining the complete seismic recording function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where electronic components are housed within pressure housings, which are in turn housed within the AUV body. The first and second pressure housings are positioned within the main pressure housing structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity.
2Speed
If traditional propulsion systems are used, then AUV can reach seabed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV employs retractable wings that can be extended during travel to the seabed to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce power consumption. The wings are retracted when not needed to avoid interference with seabed coupling operations, dynamically adapting the vehicle's configuration to optimize energy usage for different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the buoyancy parameter by using a negatively buoyant design with specific gravity greater than water. This allows the AUV to naturally sink to the seabed with minimal propulsion energy, fundamentally changing the energy requirement from maintaining neutral buoyancy to simply overcoming minor resistance during descent.
3Ease of operation
If AUV is positively buoyant, then easier to retrieve, but seabed coupling effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV uses retractable wings that are extended during seabed coupling operations to provide mechanical engagement with the seabed. The same wings are retracted during retrieval operations, allowing the negatively buoyant AUV to be easily pulled back to the surface. This dynamic configuration change resolves the contradiction between seabed coupling effectiveness and retrieval ease.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external electrical connections are used, then component flexibility increases, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into the rigid conduit structure itself. The rigid conduits serve dual purposes: providing mechanical support and electrical insulation while containing the electrical wires. This integration eliminates separate external electrical connections and reduces the number of potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid conduits act as intermediaries between electronic components, providing both mechanical protection and electrical isolation. These conduits are integrated into the pressure housing structure, serving as a mediator that allows electrical connections without compromising the pressure-sealed environment or increasing device complexity.
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 AUV achieves better seabed coupling, reduced power consumption, lower complexity, and enhanced maneuverability, making it more cost-effective and easier to maintain while operating at depths up to 3000 meters.
Implementation Method 1
The AUV is negatively buoyant in sea water... The AUV achieves better seabed coupling
Implementation Method 2
The AUV comprises a propulsion system configured to propel and steer the AUV while travelling underwater
Implementation Method 3
The transmitted acoustic energy propagates downwardly through the subsurface as acoustic waves, also referred to as seismic waves or signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Seismic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for recording seismic signals on the seabed. The AUV may be negatively buoyant and comprise an external body (which may be formed of multiple housings) that substantially encloses a plurality of pressure housings. Portions of the external body housing may be acoustically transparent and house one or more acoustic devices for the AUV. The AUV may comprise a main pressure housing that holds substantially all of the electronic components of the AUV, while a second and third pressure housing may be located on either side of the main pressure housing for other electronic components (such as batteries). A plurality of external devices (such as acoustic devices or thrusters) may be coupled to the main pressure housing by external electrical conduit. The AUV may comprise fixed or retractable wings for increased gliding capabilities during subsea travel.