Detachable Underwater Data Pods for Continuous Sensor Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional underwater sensor systems, such as microbial fuel cell systems, require costly and environmentally disruptive recovery and redeployment, leading to data gaps and potential damage during the process.
Innovation Solution
The data pod release system employs buoyant underwater housing units enclosed in data pods that are periodically released to the surface using a timer or triggered mechanism, eliminating the need for recovery and allowing continuous data collection without disturbing the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional underwater sensor systems are recovered and redeployed, then data can be collected continuously, but the system causes environmental disruption, incurs high costs, and risks damage during recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor platform into modular components: a stationary base frame with power supply and multiple detachable data pods. Each pod contains sensors and can operate independently, allowing individual pod replacement without disturbing the entire system or environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated robotic arm as an intermediary mechanism that retrieves data pods from underwater without requiring human divers or boat operations. This eliminates environmental disruption while maintaining data collection continuity.
2Reliability
If traditional underwater sensor systems are recovered and redeployed, then data can be collected continuously, but costly recovery operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated pod retrieval and replacement mechanisms that operate without human intervention. The robotic arm automatically collects data pods and replaces them with fresh ones, eliminating the need for expensive diver and boat operations while ensuring continuous data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of recovering and redeploying expensive sensor systems, the patent discards used data pods and recovers only the essential base frame. New pods are attached to continue data collection, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining data continuity.
3Loss of information
If traditional underwater sensor systems are recovered, then data can be retrieved, but the system is vulnerable to damage during recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates data storage into individual detachable pods that can be retrieved independently. Each pod is a self-contained unit with its own housing and sensors, minimizing the risk to the entire system during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated robotic arm serves as an intermediary that handles pod retrieval without direct human contact. This eliminates handling risks and potential damage that could occur during manual recovery operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If underwater housing units are periodically released to the surface, then system life is extended and costs are reduced, but a release mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical release mechanisms with a simpler automated retrieval system. The robotic arm directly collects pods from the underwater platform and brings them to the surface, eliminating the need for elaborate release mechanisms while reducing operational costs.
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
This approach extends the system's life, reduces costs, and ensures consistent, uninterrupted data collection while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
buoyant underwater housing units enclosed in data pods that are periodically released individually to the surface of the water body
Data Source
AI summary
A data pod release system includes a base frame with a mooring weight, a central column with one or more central pod attachments and an electronic pod, one or more data pod attachments, and one or more electrical connections. The electronic pod encases a master electronic underwater housing unit with master electronics to control the data pod release system. The one or more data pod attachments attach one or more data pods to the central column, have a data pod release mechanism, and include electrical connections from master electronics to each data pod attachment. The data pod release system also includes data pods, underwater housing units, electronic storage devices, and sensors. The data pods are attached to the base frame via the data pod attachment. Each underwater housing unit is encased in the data pod. Each electronic storage device is enclosed within the underwater housing unit.