Passive Mechanical Docking System for Underwater Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater docking systems require precise, vehicle-specific mechanisms, which are costly and inflexible, and often necessitate integration with onboard electronics, limiting universal compatibility and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A passive mechanical system utilizing spring-loaded jaws and a trigger bar mechanism for universal docking and payload transfer, allowing unmanned underwater vehicles to interface with diverse platforms without electronic integration, featuring a base member with a vertical fin stopper, trigger arm, and spring-loaded jaw members that can be adjusted for sensitivity and modularly synchronized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise, vehicle-specific docking mechanisms are used, then docking reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking mechanism employs a universal interface design where the jaw member can accommodate multiple vehicle types through a single standardized docking port. The spring-loaded jaw with trigger release mechanism provides a generic solution that works across different unmanned underwater vehicle platforms, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific mechanisms while maintaining reliable docking through the standardized mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If vehicle-specific docking mechanisms are used, then docking precision is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidplatform compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If electronic integration is required, then control precision is improved, but system simplicity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking mechanism operates autonomously through passive mechanical means. The spring-loaded jaw automatically engages the vehicle, and the trigger release mechanism provides self-actuating release capability without requiring electronic sensors, motors, or control systems. This purely mechanical approach eliminates electronic integration while maintaining functional precision through mechanical feedback and force balancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical operation. Instead of using motors, sensors, and electronic controllers for docking and release, the system uses spring forces for actuation and a mechanical trigger release for control. This substitution of mechanical means for electronic systems achieves the desired functionality while eliminating the complexity of electronic integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable sensitivity mechanisms are added, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded jaw mechanism allows for sensitivity adjustment by changing the spring force parameter. By selecting different spring constants or pre-loads, the docking force and release sensitivity can be adjusted to match different operational requirements. This parameter adjustment capability provides operational flexibility while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mechanical design, as it only requires changing a single physical parameter rather than adding complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 universal docking and payload exchange between diverse underwater platforms with enhanced simplicity and reduced costs by eliminating the need for precise, vehicle-specific mechanisms and onboard electronic interactions, ensuring secure and adjustable connections.

Implementation Method 1

a passive spring-loaded docking and payload transfer mechanism which uses a trigger bar to disconnect a sear, allowing a torsion or linear spring to drive the jaw closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10046463B1Passive mechanical system for docking and payload transfer for unmanned underwater vehicles

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A base member comprising a vertical fin member, a vertical fin stopper surface, a trigger arm recess, and a base guidance slot. A left jaw member comprising a left jaw portion, a left lever portion, a left guidance slot, a left fastening hole, and a trigger release screw. A right jaw member comprising a right jaw portion, a right lever portion, and a right guidance slot. A trigger arm member comprising a trigger hook and a curved trigger end. A top member comprising a top guidance slot, a left spring hole, a right spring hole, a left bottom recess, a right bottom recess, a left spring recess, and a right spring recess. A left spring tension screw received through the left spring hole and a left spring spacer retained in the left spring recess. A bumper member with a bumper surface, a left elongated member, and a right elongated member.