Subsurface Buoy Power and Data via Seafloor Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsurface buoy systems face limitations in providing real-time power supply and high-speed data transmission, leading to short-term data collection and loss of valuable oceanographic data due to energy constraints and low bandwidth, which hinders the observation of fast ocean phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A seafloor observation network-based subsurface buoy device with a seabed base and vertical mooring system that utilizes high-power power supply and high-speed communication networks through junction boxes, featuring segmented main cables, gathering cabins, and underwater acoustic communication for stable and continuous data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used for power supply in subsurface buoy, then the buoy can operate independently, but the power supply duration is limited and cannot support long-term continuous sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seabed base as an intermediary infrastructure that provides external power supply to the subsurface buoy through the water column. This mediator resolves the energy constraint by connecting the buoy to the seafloor power network, enabling continuous operation without battery limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seabed base serves multiple functions: it acts as a power supply station, a data collection hub, and a communication relay. This multi-functional infrastructure supports not only power supply but also data aggregation and transmission, reducing the need for separate systems on the buoy itself.
2Productivity
If inductive coupling is used for data transmission, then real-time communication is achieved, but the transmission bandwidth is limited and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inductive coupling electromagnetic field transmission with a physical optical cable connection between the seabed base and the subsurface buoy. This substitution provides a dedicated high-bandwidth communication channel that overcomes the bandwidth limitations of inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple pathways: optical cable for high-speed data transmission, and acoustic communication as a backup redundant path. This segmentation allows the system to utilize the optimal transmission medium for different data types and provides fault tolerance.
3Measurement precision
If observation devices are carried on the buoy, then the buoy can collect data independently, but the sampling rate is constrained by energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the buoy's self-contained battery system and relocates it to the seabed base infrastructure. This extraction allows the buoy's observation devices to operate at maximum sampling rates without being constrained by onboard energy reserves, as power is supplied continuously from the seafloor.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the buoy is designed for long-term deployment, then continuous observation is possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the complexity from the buoy dimension to the seafloor dimension by implementing the power supply, data aggregation, and communication relay functions in the seabed base. This dimensional shift allows the buoy to remain simple and modular while the infrastructure handles the complexity of long-term deployment support.
Data Source
AI summary
A seafloor observation network-based subsurface buoy device with real-time power supplying and high-speed data transmitting is provided. The subsurface buoy device includes a seabed base deployed on the seafloor and a vertical mooring system connected to a bottom surface of the seabed base to extend to the sea surface. The seabed base serves as a gravity anchor to enable the subsurface buoy device to be positioned stably at a layout site, and is further used for obtaining power supply of the subsurface buoy device from a junction box of a seafloor observation network. The seabed base also sends the management and control commands from the junction box to the vertical mooring system, and transmits the data collected by the vertical mooring system back to the junction box in real time.