Autonomous Refueling Boom Alignment in Rough Sea States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refueling unmanned surface vessels at sea is challenging due to relative motions between vessels caused by differing sea states, which current systems cannot reliably address.
Innovation Solution
A refueling boom system with a boom attachment mechanism and guide mechanism that allows for precise alignment and engagement, shock absorption, and tension-based fuel flow, enabling autonomous refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a refueling system is designed to operate between vessels with relative motions in various sea states, then the refueling capability and mission enhancement are improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling boom is designed with dynamic capabilities including rotation mechanisms to move from stored longitudinal position to lateral refueling position, shock absorption systems with vertical articulation and longitudinal extension, and flexible positioning to accommodate relative vessel motions in various sea states
Solution Approach 2:
A guide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the refueling boom and the fueling attachment mechanism, capturing the boom and guiding the attachment mechanism toward proper alignment, thereby simplifying the engagement process despite relative vessel motions
2Reliability
If the refueling boom is designed to engage precisely with the fueling attachment mechanism despite relative vessel motions, then the reliability of refueling operations is improved, but the precision requirements and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism performs preliminary alignment by capturing the refueling boom and directing it toward the fueling attachment mechanism before actual engagement occurs, ensuring proper positioning is achieved before the critical connection phase
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism serves as an intermediary that facilitates the engagement process by capturing and guiding the refueling boom, thereby reducing the operational difficulty of achieving precise alignment between the boom attachment mechanism and fueling attachment mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boom attachment mechanism is designed to allow towing capabilities, then the versatility and operational flexibility are improved, but the structural complexity and design requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling boom and attachment mechanisms are designed to perform multiple functions: refueling operations, shock absorption during vessel motions, and towing capabilities, allowing the same structure to serve both fuel transfer and vessel towing purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous refueling of unmanned vessels comprising a refueling boom configured to extend laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of one of a fuel supply vessel and an unmanned vessel to be fueled during refueling operations; a boom attachment mechanism at the distal end of the boom and configured to engage a fueling attachment mechanism of an other of the fuel supply vessel and the unmanned vessel to be fueled; and a guide mechanism configured to capture the refueling boom and guide the boom attachment mechanism toward the fueling attachment mechanism.