Subsea Contactless Data Coupler for 5 Gbit/s Connector-Free Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater vehicles face challenges in efficiently downloading large data volumes due to the need for external connectors, which are time-consuming and costly, and ROVs/AUVs face operational time limitations during data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing contactless connectivity data transmitters and receivers in environmentally sealed housings for subsea use, allowing data exchange at high speeds without physical contact, using solid state transceivers and electromagnetic induction for power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external connectors are used for data download, then data transfer can be established, but the process takes a long time and impacts operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connector systems with electromagnetic coupling. The transmitter and receiver use electromagnetic fields to transfer data without physical contact, eliminating the time-consuming process of plugging and unplugging connectors while maintaining reliable data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transfer. Instead of direct mechanical contact between connectors, data is transmitted through electromagnetic coupling between the transmitter and receiver, enabling rapid wireless-like communication while maintaining underwater operational reliability.
2Reliability
If wet mate underwater connectors are used, then data connection is achieved, but they are expensive and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical wet-mate connectors by using electromagnetic coupling. This substitution removes the need for precision-machined metal contacts, seals, and alignment mechanisms that are expensive to manufacture and prone to failure in underwater environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of data transfer from the mechanical connector system. By separating the data transfer function from the physical connection requirement, the system eliminates the need for expensive and failure-prone wet-mate connectors while maintaining reliable underwater communication.
3Reliability
If AUV is used for data download, then data can be transferred, but battery power is consumed during extended operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ROV/AUV retrieval system with electromagnetic coupling for in-situ data transfer. This allows AUVs to download data rapidly while submerged without returning to surface vessels, significantly reducing the time the AUV's battery must power the vehicle and extending operational capability.
4Reliability
If physical contact connectors are used, then data transfer is established, but critical alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors requiring critical alignment with electromagnetic coupling. The electromagnetic fields provide natural field alignment that is far more tolerant of positional variations, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining stable and reliable data transfer connections.
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 reliable data transfer at 5Gbits/second, reducing equipment failure and operational time constraints, and eliminating the need for critical alignment and physical contact.
Implementation Method 1
using solid state transceivers and electromagnetic induction for power transfer
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pinless connector for subsea data communications system comprises contactless connectivity data transmitter coupler, comprising one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data transmitters, and contactless connectivity data receiver coupler, comprising one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data receivers, which can allow for rapid collection and/or download data from subsea vehicles or sensors without having to plug in an external connector or physically remove the data recorder from the unit. Typically, these are operative at a low power level, e.g., less than or around 50 milliwatts, at an extremely high data transfer rate or around 5 GBits/second. The connectors may be incorporated into a subsea system comprising two subsea devices. A slip ring system may similarly comprise one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data transmitters and one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data receivers.