Autonomous Underwater Beacon Detection Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting and locating underwater beacons are inefficient, requiring extensive scanning of large areas, are costly, and can be limited by weather conditions and material constraints, with autonomous systems facing challenges like repositioning time and availability.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a receiver, actuator, and transmitter configured to detect and signal the presence of an underwater acoustic signal, allowing for rapid distribution over an extended search area, with independent operation and 'passive' descent and ascent capabilities, and a radio transmitter for remote detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional towed hydrophone systems are used to detect underwater beacons, then detection capability is achieved, but search time and operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsearch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the search area into multiple zones and deploys numerous independent detection devices throughout the area. Each device autonomously monitors its local zone, enabling parallel detection across the entire search area. This segmentation approach reduces search time from systematic sweeping to simultaneous multi-point detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Detection devices are deployed in advance and positioned at predetermined locations before the actual search begins. The devices remain stationary and active, ready to detect beacons immediately upon deployment. This eliminates the need for continuous movement and systematic sweeping, allowing instant detection capability across the entire search area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous underwater vehicles are used to locate beacons, then detection flexibility is improved, but repositioning time and operational availability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection flexibilityVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each detection device is autonomous and self-contained, requiring no external control or repositioning. The devices independently detect signals, determine their location, and transmit data without human intervention. This eliminates repositioning time and maintains flexibility through distributed autonomous operation rather than centralized vehicle control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical towing systems and autonomous vehicles with stationary detection devices that use acoustic signaling and electronic data transmission. Instead of physically moving detection equipment to locate beacons, the system uses sound wave propagation and radio frequency communication to achieve the same detection goal without repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If systematic grid sweeping is performed to cover large search areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but operational costs and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch area coverageVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The large search area is divided into multiple smaller zones, each monitored by an independent detection device. This segmentation allows simultaneous coverage of the entire area without requiring continuous movement of a single detection system. Each device covers its local zone efficiently, and the collective coverage achieves comprehensive area monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple independent detection devices are combined to cover the entire search area simultaneously. Each device operates autonomously in its local zone, but collectively they provide comprehensive coverage. The merging of multiple simple devices achieves the same coverage as a single complex systematic sweeping system but with much higher operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient detection of underwater signals, reducing costs and operational challenges by allowing precise localization of signal sources with fewer resources, even in adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a receiver (13) configured to detect a desired acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

the actuator is a means for detaching the ballast to allow said at least part of the detection device to rise to the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3393901B1Device and system for detecting a signal for locating an underwater source

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ECA ROBOTICS

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a device (10) for detecting a signal of interest in order to locate an underwater source of the signal. The device comprises a receiver (13) configured to detect the signal of interest, an actuator (14) configured to allow at least a portion of the detection device (10) to move towards a zone indicating a result of detection of the signal of interest in response to the receiver being operated, and an emitter (15) configured to indicate the result of detection of the signal of interest.