Rotary Capture Device for USV Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) face challenges in reliable and efficient recovery from larger vessels, especially in varying sea states, due to the need for a robust system that can transition between self-propelled and captured states without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle recovery system featuring a rotary capture device with passive engagement and active release, utilizing a U-shaped body with a buoyant rotor and capture loops that provide asymmetric drag for automatic latching and a spring-loaded secondary latch for secure capture, allowing for controlled towing without active reset during docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking hook with pivotable locking keeper is used, then the locking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture device employs a self-latching mechanism where the rotor automatically engages with the U-shaped body through asymmetric drag forces during rotation, eliminating the need for external actuation or complex control systems. The passive engagement feature allows the device to lock itself upon contact with the vehicle, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable locking capability.
2Ease of operation
If a passive engagement system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of engagement may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed with asymmetric drag characteristics that create a preferred direction of engagement. The asymmetric geometry ensures that during rotation, the capture loops naturally align and engage with the U-shaped body in the correct orientation, providing reliable passive engagement without requiring active control or complex alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor features a curved, buoyant design that facilitates smooth rotation and natural engagement with the U-shaped body. The curved geometry of the capture loops and rotor surface allows for graceful contact and automatic latching, improving both ease of operation and engagement reliability by eliminating sharp edges and complex mechanical interfaces.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded secondary latch is added, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded secondary latch replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simpler elastic element-based mechanism. The spring provides continuous force to maintain the latched position, ensuring reliable engagement while reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the overall device architecture compared to traditional hydraulic or pneumatic locking systems.
4Ease of operation
If active release mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism utilizes the existing rotational motion and asymmetric drag forces that drive the engagement process to automatically reset the device after capture. The system self-regulates by converting the kinetic energy of the rotating rotor into the work needed to disengage and reset the latching mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or additional energy-consuming actuation systems.
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 reliable and efficient vehicle recovery with minimal operator intervention, as the system passively latches onto the vehicle, reducing the need for active reset during docking and allowing for controlled release, enhancing mission effectiveness across varying sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor provides asymmetric drag for rotation of the capture device as the vehicle approaches for latching
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle recovery system featuring a rotary capture device with passive engagement and active release, utilizing a U-shaped body with a buoyant rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle recovery system is provided which includes a capture device having a body with two arms defining an open ended cavity with a shaft attached to and between each of the arms and extending through the cavity. A tow line is attached to the body opposite the cavity and a buoyant member disposed in the cavity and rotatable around the shaft. A plurality of capture loops disposed within the cavity are rotatable with the buoyant member and define closed loops with the buoyant member. A spring-loaded towing latch is attached to the vehicle to be recovered. The latch includes a hook having a first open position and a second closed position. The hook is moveable from the first position to the second position under action of a biasing spring upon engagement of one of the capture loops over the hook.