Rigid Wing Sail Control for Stable Autonomous Ocean Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of autonomous unmanned sailing vehicles capable of long-distance ocean travel is hindered by power constraints and the ability to navigate rough ocean conditions, with existing technologies being cost-prohibitive and inefficient for open ocean research and exploration.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous unmanned sailing vehicle design featuring a rigid wing as the primary propulsion system, statically and dynamically balanced with control surface elements and ballast for stability, and equipped with solar panels and advanced navigation systems to optimize wind power utilization and navigation through rough seas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manned ships are deployed for open ocean research, then data gathering capability is improved, but operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sailing vehicle is fully autonomous with self-contained navigation, power management, and scientific instrumentation systems that operate without human intervention. The vehicle autonomously navigates using GPS and sensor data, manages its solar power generation and storage, and collects scientific data, eliminating the need for crew members and significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable data gathering capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manned operation with an autonomous control system that uses sensors, processors, and automated actuators. The vehicle substitutes human operators with electronic control systems that manage navigation, sail control, and scientific operations, thereby eliminating crew-related costs while preserving research capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If buoys are deployed for ocean monitoring, then installation cost is reduced, but deployment location is restricted to shallow regions
Solution Approach 1:
The sailing vehicle employs dynamic stability systems including adjustable ballast, active sail control, and real-time sensor feedback to adapt to varying ocean conditions. These dynamic systems enable the vehicle to operate in deep water regions with significant wave heights and changing wind conditions, overcoming the shallow-water limitation of static buoys while maintaining cost-effective deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle changes its operational parameters dynamically based on environmental conditions - adjusting sail angles, ballast distribution, and navigation speed in response to wave height, wind speed, and current data. This parameter adaptation allows operation in deep water environments where fixed buoys cannot be deployed, expanding the versatility of ocean monitoring locations
3Duration of action of moving object
If vehicle duration is extended for long-distance travel, then research coverage is improved, but power availability becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle implements continuous power generation through solar panels that operate during daylight hours, with energy stored in battery systems for nighttime and cloudy period operations. This continuous power supply enables extended duration operations for long-distance transoceanic travel, allowing the vehicle to maintain scientific instruments, navigation systems, and communication equipment running continuously without power constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The power system serves multiple functions simultaneously - propelling the vehicle via electric motors, powering scientific instrumentation, maintaining communication satellites links, and operating environmental sensors. This multi-functional power utilization maximizes the efficiency of energy consumption, enabling extended duration missions with limited power resources by having a single power system fulfill diverse operational requirements
4Ease of manufacture
If wind power is used for propulsion, then operational cost is reduced, but ability to navigate rough seas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses dynamic sail control systems with real-time adjustment of sail angles and positions based on wind sensor data and wave conditions. The active stabilization systems including adjustable ballast and gyroscopic elements dynamically respond to rough sea conditions, maintaining vessel stability and navigation capability while utilizing wind power propulsion, thereby enabling cost-effective operation in challenging marine environments
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system incorporates continuous feedback from sensors measuring wind speed, wave height, vessel orientation, and propulsion efficiency. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to sail configuration and vessel course to optimize performance in rough seas while maintaining cost-effective wind-powered operation, resolving the contradiction between low operational cost and reliable navigation in challenging conditions
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 efficient long-distance ocean travel by maximizing wind power utilization and stability, reducing operational costs, and enhancing navigation capabilities in challenging marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
The autonomous sailing vehicle includes solar panels for generating electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
An autonomous unmanned sailing vehicle design featuring a rigid wing as the primary propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned sailing vehicle comprising: a primary hull; a rigid wing rotationally coupled with said primary hull that freely rotates about a rotational axis of said rigid wing; a boom comprising a first end extending from a leading edge of said rigid wing and a second end extending from a trailing edge of said rigid wing, said first end of said boom comprising a counterweight configured to dynamically balance a wing system comprising said rigid wing, said boom, and said tail with respect to said rotational axis of said rigid wing; a tail coupled to said second end of said boom; a control surface element disposed on said tail and configured to aerodynamically control a wing angle of said rigid wing based on a position of said control surface element; and a controller configured to determine a control surface angle and generate a signal to position said control surface element.