Rotating Nozzle UUV Thruster for Multi-Axis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) have limited maneuverability, making it difficult to maintain station or hover effectively, especially under current effects, which is a challenge for applications like mine inspection and identification.
Innovation Solution
A UUV propulsion system featuring a pair of thrusters with inlets, ducts, pumps, and nozzles that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for multi-axis control and simultaneous movement in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling precise maneuverability and station-keeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard external rear propeller and fixed fins are used for propulsion and guidance, then the vehicle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the maneuverability is limited and the vehicle cannot maintain station effectively under current effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle rotationally supported to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, enabling the nozzle to redirect fluid flow dynamically in multiple directions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the UUV to achieve multi-axis control and maintain station effectively, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by adding rotational freedom to the nozzle, transforming it from a fixed linear thrust device to a multi-directional vectoring thruster. The nozzle can rotate 360 degrees about the transverse axis, adding a rotational dimension to the thrust vector control, thereby enabling precise maneuvering and station-keeping while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If conventional propulsion systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the vehicle cannot achieve multi-axis control or precise position holding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the propulsion system to perform multiple functions: the single rotational nozzle provides both primary propulsion and fine position control, and can operate in multiple orientations for various maneuvers including forward thrust, reverse thrust, and lateral movement. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
The UUV achieves enhanced maneuverability and stability, allowing it to maintain position even under current effects, improving its ability to inspect and identify underwater items.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable with the duct to increase the velocity of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle in fluid communication with the duct to receive the fluid at the increased velocity, the nozzle being supported about a side of the body, and adapted to moveably redirect fluid out of the UUV
Implementation Method 3
the nozzle is rotationally supported for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body, and can rotate a full 360 degrees about the axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body
Data Source
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AI summary
An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is disclosed. The UUV includes a body and a propulsion system for propelling and orienting the UUV. The propulsion system has an inlet formed in the body that facilitates fluid being drawn into the UUV from outside the body. The propulsion system also has a duct in fluid communication with the inlet. The duct is adapted to direct the fluid along a flow path. The propulsion system further includes a pump operable with the duct to increase the velocity of the fluid. In addition, the propulsion system includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the duct to receive the fluid at the increased velocity. The nozzle is supported about a side of the body and adapted to moveably redirect fluid out of the UUV. The propulsion system provides multi- axis control of the UUV.