Switchable Permanent Magnet Hull Robot Drive Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hull robots face challenges in operating autonomously with battery power, as high voltage motors and electromagnets consume excessive power, while permanent magnets provide strong tractive force but are difficult to engineer effectively for battery-powered systems.

Innovation Solution

A drive module featuring switchable permanent magnet elements constrained by a tunnel body, which can be shunted to conserve battery power, providing sufficient tractive force when adjacent to the hull and minimizing power usage by switching between shunted and non-shunted states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If electromagnets are used for the drive subsystem, then tractive force can be controlled, but power consumption becomes excessive for battery-powered operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetractive forceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electromagnetic component from the drive subsystem and replaces it with permanent magnets. This removes the power-consuming electromagnet while retaining the magnetic tractive force function, directly resolving the contradiction between controlled tractive force and excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electromagnetic field generation system with a permanent magnetic field system. By using permanently magnetized materials instead of electromagnets, the system eliminates continuous power consumption while maintaining the necessary magnetic attraction force for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If permanent magnets provide strong tractive force, then propulsion is effective, but it becomes difficult to engineer a suitable drive subsystem for battery power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetractive forceVSAvoiddrive subsystem engineering

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism that allows permanent magnet elements to be selectively activated or deactivated. This dynamic control enables the drive subsystem to engage magnets only when needed for propulsion, reducing overall system complexity and power requirements while maintaining effective tractive force when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the drive subsystem into multiple discrete permanent magnet elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for modular engineering of the drive system, making it easier to design and implement battery-powered operation by activating only the necessary magnet elements during propulsion phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If magnets continuously apply tractive force, then propulsion is maintained, but battery power is depleted rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetractive forceVSAvoidbattery operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of permanent magnet elements, switching them between active and inactive states. By engaging magnets only during propulsion phases and deactivating them during non-propulsion phases, the system maintains necessary tractive force while significantly extending battery operation duration through rhythmic on-off cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows permanent magnet elements to be temporarily 'discarded' or deactivated when not needed for propulsion, and then 'recovered' or reactivated when propulsion is required. This cyclic engagement and disengagement of magnet elements conserves battery power by eliminating continuous power drain while maintaining propulsion capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 autonomous operation of hull robots by efficiently managing tractive force with permanent magnets, reducing power consumption and minimizing damage to the hull, while maintaining strong attraction to the vessel surface.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of permanent magnet elements associated with the drive module are switchable between a non-shunted state when adjacent a hull and a shunted state when not adjacent the hull

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9233724B2Hull robot drive system

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A hull robot includes a robot body, at least one drive module for maneuvering the robot about the hull, an on-board power source, and a motive subsystem for the drive module powered by the on-board power source. A plurality of permanent magnet elements are associated with the drive module and each are switchable between a non-shunted state when adjacent the hull and a shunted state when not adjacent the hull.