Submerged Recess Storage for Underwater Measurement Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Underwater measurement systems face challenges such as dangerous and space-consuming operations when retrieving measurement devices, thermal shocks, and reduced propulsion effectiveness due to the need to bring devices on board, leading to potential damage and reduced measurement quality.

Innovation Solution

A system with an underwater machine that remains submerged during storage within a recess in the vessel hull, allowing independent underwater operation and storage, using a submerged portion of the vessel hull with a recess to house the machine, and utilizing propulsion and guiding means for both operation and vessel propulsion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If measurement devices are brought back on board the vessel on an above-water deck, then the measurement devices can be stored and secured, but the operations become long and dangerous for crew and devices, and thermal shocks occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of measurement devices and crewVSAvoidduration of retrieval operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions the storage location from the above-water deck (one dimension) to a submerged recess in the vessel's hull (another dimension). This allows the underwater machine to be stored below the waterline while remaining accessible, eliminating the need for dangerous retrieval operations and preventing thermal shocks by maintaining constant submersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The submerged recess acts as an intermediary structure between the vessel and the underwater machine. It provides a protected interface that allows the machine to be stored safely below water while maintaining connection to the vessel, avoiding direct handling on deck and eliminating thermal exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If measurement devices are stored on the above-water deck, then they can be secured, but storage space reduces the space usable for the crew

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage security of measurement devicesVSAvoidusable space for crew

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the submerged volume of the vessel's hull (below-water dimension) for storage, which does not encroach on the above-water deck space needed for crew activities. This separates the storage function from the operational space, allowing both to coexist without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If measurement devices are brought from aquatic environment to open air, then they can be accessed and stored, but thermal shocks and unbalances occur harmful for devices and measurement quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of measurement devicesVSAvoidthermal shocks to measurement devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention maintains the measurement devices in the aquatic dimension (submerged recess) rather than transitioning them to the aerial dimension (deck). This eliminates the thermal shock caused by phase transition between water and air, while accessibility is maintained through the submerged interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If underwater machine is stored on deck, then it can be secured, but the propulsion means are of no use and require separate storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of stored equipmentVSAvoidutility of propulsion means during storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention designs the system so that the propulsion means of the underwater machine can serve dual functions: propelling the machine when deployed and contributing to vessel propulsion when stored in the submerged recess. This eliminates waste of functional capability and reduces the need for separate storage solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10875614B2Measurement system for aquatic environments comprising a surface vessel and a submersible device

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 EXAIL

AI summary

Disclosed is a measurement system for aquatic environments, including a surface vessel and a submersible device, the submersible device including a hull, propulsion, guide, and sensors for taking measurements. The submersible device can either be launched from the vessel in order to then maneuver underwater independently of the vessel during a remote deployment phase, or be stored in a vessel during a non-deployment phase, the vessel including at least one hull and propulsion and guide, the at least one hull of the vessel including a submerged portion located below a waterline. The submerged portion of the at least one hull of the vessel includes a recess designed to receive at least an upper portion of the hull of the submersible device when the latter is stored in the vessel, the recess being arranged entirely below the waterline so that the submersible device remains completely submerged during storage.