Resetting AUV Anchor-Antenna Tether for Seabed Loitering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems for small, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are inadequate for securing themselves to the seabed in dynamic conditions, particularly in littoral zones, and lack the ability to reset and integrate an antenna for communication, limiting their mission capabilities and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The Resetting Anchor/Antenna Tether Mechanism (RAATM) integrates an augering anchor spike with a sliding array of wire roots and a retractable tether, allowing the AUV to securely anchor, change depth, transmit/receive signals, and re-anchor as needed, while maintaining a smooth exterior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional anchoring systems are used for small AUVs, then the AUV can secure itself to the seabed, but the system lacks the ability to reset and integrate an antenna for communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring system functionalityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchor, antenna, and tether into a single integrated mechanism. The anchor assembly includes an auger spike for securing to the seabed, wire roots for additional anchoring, and an antenna element for communication, all housed within a common structure that can be deployed and retrieved as one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: the auger spike provides anchoring capability, the wire roots enhance securing to the seabed, and the antenna element enables communication. The tether provides both mechanical connection and signal transmission pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fixed antenna is installed on the AUV hull, then communication capability is provided, but the smooth exterior is compromised and entanglement risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidhull exterior smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is made retractable, allowing it to be stored within the hull when not in use and deployed externally when communication is needed. The tether can be paid out or reeled in as required, providing dynamic adjustment of the antenna's external presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna element is nested within the hull structure when not in use, similar to a doll inside a larger doll. The tether is coiled and stored within the same or an adjacent compartment, allowing both components to be compactly integrated without permanently compromising the hull's smooth exterior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the AUV remains freely moving in the water column, then maneuverability is maintained, but energy is continuously expended to maintain position

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The AUV alternates between two operational modes: freely moving when maneuverability is needed and anchored when position maintenance is required. The periodic deployment and retrieval of the anchor mechanism allows the AUV to transition efficiently between these states based on mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

When anchored, the AUV passively maintains its position on the seabed without expending energy, utilizing the mechanical anchoring system to counteract currents and waves. The system automatically resists external forces through the anchor's contact with the seabed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the anchor mechanism is made complex to provide resetting and antenna integration, then mission capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission capabilitiesVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the auger spike for primary anchoring, the wire roots for additional securing, the antenna element for communication, and the tether for connection. Each segment can be independently optimized and assembled, facilitating modular complexity management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12377944B2Anchor system, method and mechanism for an underwater vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and system to provide a Resetting Anchor/Antenna Tether Mechanism (RAATM) to provide, according to an exemplary embodiment, dual anchoring and antenna capabilities to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The RAATM is resettable; an AUV can anchor at one location for a period of time, retrieve the anchor, move to a new location, and redeploy the anchor. Furthermore, the RAATM tether may also be used as an antenna for radio communications while deployed; this may allow smaller AUVs to accomplish missions that would otherwise require larger AUVs with dedicated antennas.