Submerged Surveillance Node with Floating Power Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater monitoring systems face challenges in rapid deployment, expandability, and detection resistance, as they often rely on fixed installations, buried sensors with limited power, or buoys that are easily identifiable and targeted.
Innovation Solution
A surveillance system comprising a submerged node and a floating module connected by a cable, where the floating module collects energy and sensor data and provides it to the submerged node, allowing for long-term operation and stealthy deployment by disguising as debris, while the submerged node can respond to queries and store data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buoys are deployed for monitoring, then monitoring capability is provided, but they are easily identifiable on the ocean surface and targeted for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The floating module is designed with a debris-like appearance and camouflage features that allow it to blend into the ocean environment. The housing can change its visual characteristics to match surrounding debris or natural floating objects, making it difficult to distinguish from ordinary marine debris and thus evading detection by hostile forces.
2Reliability
If un-manned underwater vehicles are used, then monitoring is performed, but they have limited power storage capabilities and may only be operational for a short amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: a floating module that remains on the ocean surface and a submerged node that operates underwater. The floating module contains large power storage capabilities and can remain stationary for extended periods, while the submerged node performs active monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long operational duration by separating the power supply function from the monitoring function.
3Reliability
If SOSUS hydrophone stations are deployed, then underwater listening capability is provided, but they require ocean floor installations connected by underwater cables which limits expandability
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the core listening function from the complex SOSUS infrastructure. Instead of requiring ocean floor hydrophone stations connected by cables to offshore facilities, the invention places a compact submerged node with hydrophone capabilities that can operate independently or with minimal surface connection. This extraction of the essential function enables rapid deployment and easy expansion to multiple locations without the infrastructure constraints of traditional SOSUS systems.
4Reliability
If fixed monitoring systems are implemented, then surveillance coverage is established, but they are less practical for rapidly changing threats and global hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed monitoring installations to a dynamic, mobile platform. The floating module with submerged node can be rapidly deployed to and relocated from different global hotspots based on changing threat conditions. The modular design allows quick deployment without permanent installation, enabling the system to adapt to rapidly changing surveillance requirements while maintaining reliable monitoring coverage.
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 long-term underwater surveillance with reduced detectability, as the system can remain operational for extended periods without refueling and can be rapidly deployed, extending monitoring beyond immediate vicinity without continuous broadcasting, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The floating module is further adapted to generate power utilizing the power harvesting system
Implementation Method 2
The floating module is further adapted to collect sensor data utilizing the sensor system
Implementation Method 3
The floating section also includes an antenna, which allows the submerged section to respond to external queries for information
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments provide autonomous surveillance systems for underwater environments. In one embodiment, a submerged node rests on a floor of a body of water, a module floats on the surface of the water, and a cable connects the submerged node to the floating module. The floating module collects sensor data and generates electricity, and provides both to the submerged node over the cable for storage by the submerged node. The submerged node receives a query for the sensor data from an antenna on the floating module. The submerged node identifies the sensor data based on the query, and transmits a response to the query for the sensor data using the antenna on the array.