Underwater Data Transfer via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater cabled networks face limitations in flexibility and maintenance due to the impracticality of cutting and splicing connections underwater, and wireless systems lack the capability for broadband long-range communications and electrical power delivery.
Innovation Solution
An underwater data transfer system combining a cabled network with electromagnetic wireless access, allowing data and power transfer between a data access point and remote client systems via electromagnetic signals, and using inductive connectors for power transmission, enabling flexible and high-bandwidth communication with multiple remote clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cabled networks are used for underwater communications, then long-range high-bandwidth communications and electrical power delivery are achieved, but operational flexibility and ease of maintenance deteriorate due to inability to cut and splice connections underwater
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication network into cabled segments (for power and long-range communication) and wireless segments (for flexible access). The data access point acts as a gateway between these segments, allowing each to operate independently with their own advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The data access point serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the cabled network and wireless client systems. It converts and relays data between the two different communication mediums, enabling both cabled and wireless systems to coexist and function together.
2Reliability
If cabled networks are used for underwater communications, then reliable power delivery and long-range communication are achieved, but adaptability and ease of expansion worsen since connections must be designed ahead of deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static cabled configuration to a dynamic hybrid architecture where wireless clients can be added or removed without physical cable modifications. The data access point enables dynamic connection management, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The data access point performs multiple functions: it serves as a termination point for the cabled network, a wireless access point for multiple clients, and a gateway for protocol conversion. This multi-functionality allows a single device to enable both reliable cabled communication and flexible wireless expansion.
3Ease of operation
If wireless underwater communications systems are used, then operational flexibility and ease of access are improved, but broadband long-range communications and electrical power delivery capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data access point acts as an intermediary that provides power delivery capability to wireless clients. It receives electrical power through the cabled network and wirelessly transmits it to client systems via electromagnetic signals, enabling power delivery without direct cable connections to each client.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical cable connections with electromagnetic fields for both data and power transmission to wireless clients. The data access point converts electrical power into electromagnetic signals that can be wirelessly transmitted through water to client systems, substituting mechanical cable connections with field-based transmission.
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 system provides flexible and high-bandwidth communication with the ability to extend the communication range by using the seabed as a communication path, while allowing for power transmission and easy maintenance by enabling additional connections post-deployment and facilitating fault detection in underwater networks.
Implementation Method 1
data access point interfaces data carried on the cabled network between the data access point and the client electromagnetic transceiver via electromagnetic signals carried through the water
Implementation Method 2
The data access point and remote client system may also be provided with inductive connectors which allow the transfer of electrical power between the systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system that provides underwater data transfer to an underwater communications network operable to carry a high bandwidth multiplexed data stream. The cabled network includes at least one data access point having an access point electromagnetic transceiver; and at least one remote client system comprising a client electromagnetic transceiver. The at least one data access point transfers data between said cabled network and said client electromagnetic transceiver via one of inductive magnetic and electromagnetic signals carried through the water.