Submersible Platform Buoyancy Control for Aquatic Payload Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch and recovery systems for subsea operations in marine environments are complex, costly, and require significant personnel and equipment, especially in rough sea conditions, often necessitating active depth control systems and mechanical coupling of vessels and payloads, which can be hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A submersible platform with variable buoyancy, utilizing low-pressure gas storage tanks and remote-controlled gas flow to maintain stability and depth, allowing for safe and efficient launch and recovery of payloads without the need for active depth control systems or mechanical coupling, using a combination of buoyancy chambers and surface float systems to counteract wave disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical coupling systems (cranes, heave compensation) are used to deploy payloads from surface vessels, then payloads can be deployed in various locations, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical coupling system (cranes, heave compensation, A-frames) from the launch vessel and replaces it with a simple submersible platform that can be independently deployed. The platform carries the payload and submerges autonomously, eliminating the need for complex surface vessel equipment while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The submersible platform acts as an intermediary carrier between the payload and the aquatic environment. Instead of directly coupling the payload to a complex surface vessel system, the simple platform serves as a mediator that can be easily deployed and will autonomously submerge to deliver the payload to the desired depth.
2Measurement precision
If active depth control systems are used to submerge and position the platform, then precise depth control is achieved, but system complexity and operational risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses passive buoyancy control through pre-configured ballast chambers that automatically fill with water during submersion. The system does not require active depth control mechanisms during operation - the platform simply submerges by allowing water into ballast chambers and surfaces by pumping water out, eliminating complex active control systems while maintaining adequate depth positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active systems to maintain buoyancy and prevent submersion, the invention inverts the approach by using passive ballast chambers that naturally fill with water to enable submersion. The system relies on gravity and water pressure rather than active propulsion or depth control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If personnel are required to operate depth control systems and detach payloads during submersion, then precise control is possible, but safety risks and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to operate autonomously during submersion and payload deployment. Pre-programmed sequences automatically control ballast chamber flooding, platform descent, and payload release mechanisms. This eliminates the need for personnel to be present in harsh aquatic environments during critical operations, significantly reducing safety risks while maintaining deployment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations performed by personnel (detaching payloads, adjusting ballast) are replaced with automated mechanical and electronic systems. Remote-controlled or pre-programmed mechanisms handle payload release and ballast management, substituting human operators with automated control systems that can function reliably in harsh environments.
4Speed
If high-pressure gas tanks are used for buoyancy control, then rapid buoyancy changes are possible, but system complexity and fill time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, readily available low-pressure gas sources (such as compressed air bottles or even hand pumps) instead of complex high-pressure gas distribution systems. The gas is used temporarily to expel water from ballast chambers during surfacing operations, and the system is designed to be simple and easily replaceable rather than sophisticated and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high-pressure gas systems to low-pressure gas systems. This simplifies the entire gas storage, distribution, and safety infrastructure while still achieving adequate buoyancy control by using larger volume tanks at lower pressure rather than smaller tanks at high pressure.
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 safe and efficient deployment and recovery of submersible vehicles and equipment in rough sea conditions with reduced operational complexity and cost, minimizing personnel requirements and avoiding the risks associated with active depth control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A submersible platform with variable buoyancy, utilizing low-pressure gas storage tanks and remote-controlled gas flow to maintain stability and depth
Implementation Method 2
utilizing low-pressure gas storage tanks and remote-controlled gas flow to maintain stability and depth
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for launching and retrieving payloads in aquatic environments employ a platform that is both floatable and submersible at the discretion of and/or under the control of a user, on which submersible objects to be launched, delivered to a subsea location and/or retrieved (the payload) may be located. The submergible platform has a plurality of sealed and/or sealable buoyancy chambers and at least one low pressure gas storage tank having associated fixtures and valves providing introduction of gas to the buoyancy chambers. A payload docking system providing secure docking of a payload on the platform deck is also disclosed.