Towed Attraction System with Buoyancy Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current towed attraction/emulation/response alteration systems are limited by short duration, unrecoverability, narrow activity range, and high maintenance due to environmental susceptibility, and lack advanced capabilities for anti-threat countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
A towed attraction/emulation/response alteration system combining a remotely operated input and output interface, local input and output interface, power supply, winch system, and fiber optic tow cable, enabling independent operation, multiple module swapping, and advanced communication for long-duration operation in harsh conditions, with buoyancy nodes to reduce drag and enhance maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a towed attraction/emulation/response alteration system is deployed for long-duration operation, then the operational duration is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for recovery and reuse capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a towed body with interchangeable modules, a fiber optic tow cable system with buoyancy nodes, and a vessel-mounted control system. This segmentation allows the towed body to be recovered, reconfigured with different modules, and redeployed, thereby extending operational duration without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements recovery and reuse capabilities through the fiber optic tow cable connection that allows the towed body to be retrieved back to the vessel. The modular design enables critical components to be recovered and reused across multiple operations, improving duration while managing complexity through standardized recovery procedures.
2Reliability
If the system is designed for operation in harsh environmental conditions, then the environmental reliability is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase due to exposure to wind, rain, and salty oceanic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The towed body and its modules are enclosed in protective housings that shield internal components from harsh environmental conditions including wind, rain, and salty oceanic conditions. This protection improves environmental reliability while the modular design allows maintenance of only the exposed external components rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs materials and design parameters specifically selected for corrosion resistance and environmental durability. The modular architecture allows individual components to be replaced or maintained independently, reducing overall maintenance requirements while maintaining reliability in harsh conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple module swapping capability is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional interfaces and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The towed body is designed with universal module interfaces that allow different functional modules to be interchangeably mounted on the same platform. This universality provides adaptability for various operations while reducing complexity through standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces that simplify the swapping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability where modules can be swapped during or between operations. The fiber optic tow cable system and buoyancy nodes provide dynamic positioning and stabilization, enabling module changes without requiring system shutdown or complex realignment procedures.
4Loss of information
If advanced communication systems are integrated, then the communication capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous data transmission and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic tow cable provides continuous communication capability between the towed body and vessel without interruption. This continuous connection enables efficient data transmission with lower energy consumption compared to intermittent wireless communication, as the optical link maintains constant connectivity with minimal power requirements for signal maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment can include a vessel-towed system that includes a first towing/communication interface system, e.g., a first tow cable with a fiber optic system, and spaced apart buoys for supporting the first tow cable. A first mobile structure including a first control system and first type of emitter, e.g., an attraction system, is connected to the first tow cable. A second mobile structure is provided that can include an underwater towed emitter such as an audio emulation system. The first and second emitters can be configured emit a first and second plurality of emissions for inducing a receiving entity response. The second mobile structure is coupled with the first mobile structure with a second tow cable that comprises another fiber optic cable. An automated response or manual control systems can be provided on the towing vessel and the first mobile structure adapted to operate the first and second emitters.