Track-Based Cutter System for Underwater Vehicle Net Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Underwater vehicles face challenges in penetrating through fishing nets and other objects with wire reinforcement, leading to operational delays, potential loss, or compromise of technology due to entanglement and reduced structural integrity from large cutters.

Innovation Solution

A cutting system for underwater vehicles featuring a track-based cutter movement system with hardened blades or abrasive edges, allowing for efficient cutting of nets and reinforced materials without compromising structural integrity or increasing the vehicle's nose size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large cutters are used to cut reinforced nets, then cutting capability is improved, but structural integrity of the vehicle nose is compromised and space for other equipment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting system is divided into multiple smaller cutters arranged in a specific configuration rather than using a single large cutter. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective cutting of reinforced nets while maintaining a compact size that preserves structural integrity and space for other equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutters are designed to be nested or closely integrated within the vehicle nose structure, maximizing space utilization. The cutting assembly can be retracted into the hull when not in use, allowing the vehicle to maintain its structural integrity while still possessing effective cutting capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If large cutters are used to cut reinforced nets, then cutting capability is improved, but the vehicle nose size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidvehicle nose size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple smaller cutters are used instead of a single large cutter, reducing the overall volume required in the vehicle nose while maintaining effective cutting capability through coordinated action of the segmented cutting elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting capability is achieved by arranging cutters in a specific spatial configuration and utilizing the track-based movement system, which adds a temporal and spatial dimension to the cutting process rather than relying solely on cutter size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If UUV encounters fishing nets, then mission objectives can be pursued, but operational delays and potential loss occur due to entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission capabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting system is designed to be deployed preemptively upon detection of nets or obstructions. The track-based system allows rapid deployment of cutters to the cutting position, enabling the UUV to clear obstacles before they can cause entanglement or operational delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting system enables the UUV to quickly penetrate through nets and obstructions rather than maneuvering around them, significantly reducing the time spent dealing with obstacles and maintaining operational reliability by rapidly clearing potential entanglement hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Reliability

If UUV stops to maneuver around obstacles, then entanglement risk is reduced, but mission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentanglement avoidanceVSAvoidmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting system allows the UUV to maintain its course and rapidly cut through obstacles rather than stopping to maneuver around them. This approach minimizes both entanglement risk and mission time loss by enabling continuous forward motion with active obstacle clearance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

The cutting system effectively penetrates nets and reinforced obstructions, reducing mission delays and risks of vehicle loss, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing additional space for other equipment.

Implementation Method 1

A cutting system for an underwater vehicle is disclosed. The cutting system includes a track, a carriage configured to move along the track, and a cutter connected to the carriage. The cutter includes an abrasive edge.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS10023281B2Moveable cutters and net penetrating systems and methods

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 L3 TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using various cutter systems, which include, for example a track and a moving carriage containing a cutter, a stationary carriage with a fixed or rotating arm, and/or abrasive cutters. The object is cut by a severing, slicing, or wearing action caused by a moveable blade or abrasive surface. An underwater vehicle incorporating an embodiment of the cutter system can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.