Self-Righting Unmanned Hull Using Buoyancy and Reversing Propellers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned vehicles often capsize in challenging environments, requiring manual intervention for self-righting, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and results in energy waste and propeller damage due to prolonged idling.
Innovation Solution
A self-righting unmanned vehicle design featuring a cavity and sealed cavity on either side of the hull, a first propeller at the tail intersection region that reverses direction when overturned, and a second propeller on the opposite side that stops rotating when above water, along with a sensing device and control system to automate the self-righting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to right the unmanned vehicle after capsizing, then the vehicle can be restored to normal operation, but significant time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a self-righting mechanism that automatically activates when the vehicle capsizes. The system uses sensors to detect the overturned state, controls the propeller to rotate in reverse direction to generate righting moment, and utilizes buoyancy accessories to assist in returning the vehicle to upright position, eliminating the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is designed to dynamically change its rotation direction based on the vehicle's operational state. When capsizing is detected, the propeller automatically reverses rotation direction to create a torque that helps right the vehicle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond automatically to changing conditions without manual control
2Reliability
If the propeller continues to work during capsized state, then the vehicle maintains propulsion capability, but energy is wasted and the propeller motor suffers damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor the vehicle's orientation and detect when it enters a capsized state. This feedback triggers the control system to automatically adjust the propeller's rotation direction and stop other propellers, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that prevents energy waste and motor damage by responding to the vehicle's actual state
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller operation is controlled in periodic cycles: during normal operation the propeller rotates forward to provide propulsion, and when capsizing is detected it switches to reverse rotation for self-righting, then returns to forward rotation once upright. This periodic switching of operational modes prevents continuous operation during capsized state, conserving energy and protecting the motor
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 rapid and automated self-righting of the vehicle, reducing manual intervention, conserving energy, and preventing propeller damage by utilizing the buoyancy of the sealed cavity and controlled propeller operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed cavity, located at a second side of the hull of the unmanned vehicle and provided, in parallel to the cavity, in a head region of the hull
Data Source
AI summary
A self-righting unmanned vehicle, comprising: a cavity 1, located at a first side of the hull of the unmanned vehicle; a sealed cavity 2, located at a second side of the hull of the unmanned vehicle and provided, in parallel to the cavity 1, in a head region of the hull; and a first propeller 3, provided in a tail intersection region of a normal waterline A with an inversion waterline B of the unmanned vehicle, and rotating in a reverse direction when the unmanned vehicle is in an overturned state. The self-righting unmanned vehicle improves the self-righting efficiency of the unmanned vehicle.