Submersible Smart Tag System for Underwater Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater tracking technologies for marine animals and vessels are limited by their inability to receive commands, lack of receiving capabilities, and restricted operational control, making them inefficient for precise tracking and behavior observation, especially in deep waters and over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A submersible smart tag system that can receive and transmit information, allowing for on-demand system modifications, including changing transmission states and frequencies, and performing actions like releasing from a target or activating sensors, using a communication module with a receiver and controller, and an actuator mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current underwater acoustic tags are used for tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but the range is very limited and the tag can be detected by the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into two separate components: a passive acoustic tag attached to the target that emits minimal signals, and an active tracking vehicle that performs the actual tracking and data collection. This segmentation allows the tag to remain small and undetectable while the tracker provides extended range capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive acoustic tag serves as an intermediary between the target and the tracking vehicle. Instead of the target being directly tracked by active sonar, the tag mediates the interaction by providing acoustic references that the tracker uses for passive localization, reducing the target's exposure to detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellite tags are used for tracking, then large operational range is achieved, but the tag requires unobstructed link to satellite and cannot be used in deep water
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic communication system with an acoustic communication system that operates underwater. The tracking vehicle communicates with the tag through acoustic modems, eliminating the need for satellite links and enabling operation in deep water environments.
3Productivity
If currently available submergible tags are used, then transmitting capability is provided, but receiving capability and operational control are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic tag is designed with dual functionality: it can both transmit data passively and receive commands actively. The tag includes a receiver that can interpret commands from the tracking vehicle to modify transmission parameters, change frequencies, or trigger specific actions, making it a multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the tracking vehicle sends commands to the tag based on received data, and the tag responds by modifying its behavior. This allows real-time adjustment of transmission parameters and operational characteristics based on environmental conditions and research objectives.
4Measurement precision
If tags are attached to aquatic targets, then location tracking is enabled, but the tracking is limited and does not reveal actual behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional location tracking (latitude/longitude) to three-dimensional tracking by incorporating depth measurements. The tracking vehicle uses acoustic timing and pressure sensors to determine the tag's vertical position, enabling full 3D reconstruction of animal movement patterns and behaviors.
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.