Underwater Wireless Charging Positioning for Continuous AUV Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and bionic robot fish cannot operate continuously without traditional cable-based charging, requiring them to surface and connect to a power source for recharging.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging method using a charging device floating on the water surface, equipped with a first underwater wireless communication unit, a position holding unit, a control unit, and a wireless charging transmitter, which communicates with an underwater moving device to position and charge its rechargeable battery wirelessly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cable-based charging is used for underwater devices, then the devices can be charged continuously, but the devices require surfacing and cable connection which limits operational flexibility and increases charging process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCharging process simplicityVSAvoidContinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless charging system. The charging device uses a transmitter to generate electromagnetic fields that penetrate water to the receiver on the AUV, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and surfacing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy through water from the charging device to the AUV. This intermediary allows power transmission without direct physical contact, enabling charging while the AUV remains submerged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging is implemented for underwater devices, then operational flexibility is improved, but the charging efficiency and power transmission reliability may be affected by water medium

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOperational flexibilityVSAvoidPower transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, power, modulation) to optimize penetration through water. By changing these parameters, the system maintains reliable power transmission despite the challenging underwater medium, balancing flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If AUV surfaces for cable-based charging, then power can be replenished, but the operational time and mission continuity are reduced due to surfacing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower replenishment capabilityVSAvoidMission continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous underwater operation by providing power replenishment without interrupting the AUV's mission. The wireless charging system allows the AUV to receive power while remaining submerged and operational, eliminating time loss associated with surfacing and cable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 continuous operation of underwater devices by allowing wireless charging without the need for the devices to surface, improving operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of charging processes.

Implementation Method 1

the wireless charging transmitter, based on the moving device information, to charge the rechargeable battery by transmitting power to the wireless charging receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the first underwater wireless communication unit obtaining moving device information by communicating with the second underwater wireless communication unit, where the first underwater wireless communication unit and the second underwater wireless communication unit support underwater wireless communication technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation in water:

Data Source

PatentUS20250065743A1Wireless charging method for charging underwater moving device

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 PIONEER MATERIAL PRECISION TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless charging method for charging an underwater moving device is implemented by a charging device. The charging device receives electricity from a cable, and includes a first underwater wireless communication unit, a position holding unit, a first control unit, and a wireless charging transmitter. The underwater moving device includes a second underwater wireless communication unit, a wireless charging receiver, and a rechargeable battery. The first underwater wireless communication unit obtains moving device information by communicating with the second underwater wireless communication unit. The position holding unit holds the underwater moving device at a charging location, and generates a positioning success signal after the underwater moving device is held at the charging location. Upon receiving the positioning success signal, the first control unit controls the wireless charging transmitter to charge the rechargeable battery based on the moving device information.