Smart Buoyancy Compensation Devices for Autonomous Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquatic structures lack efficient and automated buoyancy control systems, requiring manual or operator-dependent methods to adjust buoyancy, which limits their ability to autonomously or remotely manage depth and position in aquatic environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Smart Buoyancy Compensation Devices (SBCDs) that utilize data analytics and artificial intelligence to automatically control buoyancy by adjusting gas volume in bladders through electrically controlled valves, with sensors monitoring depth, pressure, and other conditions to maintain precise depth control and hover capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual buoyancy control methods are used in aquatic structures, then device complexity is reduced, but automation extent and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy control system automatically monitors and adjusts buoyancy without requiring manual intervention. The controller receives signals from sensors detecting depth, pressure, and other conditions, then automatically operates valves to adjust gas volume in bladders, enabling the system to self-regulate buoyancy based on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical buoyancy adjustment with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, controllers, and electrically actuated valves. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated electromechanical systems enables remote and autonomous buoyancy control
2Measurement precision
If automated buoyancy control with multiple sensors and valves is implemented, then depth control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple sensors (depth, pressure, and other condition sensors) and electrically controlled valves into a unified automated buoyancy control system. This multi-functional integration allows a single controller to manage all sensing and actuation functions, improving depth control precision while managing system complexity through centralized control
3Productivity
If manual buoyancy adjustment is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs buoyancy control operations autonomously by monitoring environmental conditions through sensors and automatically adjusting gas volume in bladders through electrically controlled valves, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring depth, pressure, and other conditions, then automatically adjusts buoyancy by controlling valve operation to maintain desired depth settings, enabling rapid and efficient response to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention
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 autonomous and remote control of aquatic structures and objects, reducing the need for manual intervention, optimizing depth adjustments, and enhancing operational efficiency in various aquatic applications such as aquaculture, salvage operations, and fishing, by maintaining precise buoyancy and depth settings.
Implementation Method 1
A buoyancy compensator, buoyancy control device, BC, BCD, stabilizer, or the like, is typically a piece of diving equipment with an inflatable bladder worn by divers to establish neutral buoyancy underwater and positive buoyancy on the surface
Implementation Method 2
gas is added to a bladder or equivalent structure via an electrically controlled gas valve, and vented by the simultaneous operation of at least one of a plurality of typically pneumatically activated vent valves
Data Source
AI summary
Aquatic structures with adjustable buoyancy constructed in part with a vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for divers, where the vent valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained.