Underwater Docking Annular Groove Protrusion Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater docking systems face challenges in stable and directional-independent docking of underwater vehicles with underwater stations, particularly due to misalignment issues and the need for precise positioning, which can be affected by tidal currents.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an underwater station with a reference point and an annular groove fitting, and an underwater vehicle with a detector and protrusions that can be inserted into the groove, allowing for stable docking regardless of the vehicle's direction, using light or other detection methods for alignment and electromagnetic induction for power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an underwater vehicle approaches an underwater station from a predetermined direction for docking, then the docking process can be controlled, but the docking becomes direction-dependent and less reliable under tidal currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric fitting structures where the first fitting (annular groove) and second fitting (protrusions) are designed with specific geometric relationships that work regardless of approach direction. The annular groove surrounds the reference point while protrusions extend radially outward, creating a configuration that naturally guides alignment from any direction, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable docking and directional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface is designed with universal characteristics through the annular groove and protrusion configuration that can accommodate vehicles approaching from any direction. The detector positioned at the center and the radial arrangement of fittings create a multi-directional docking capability, making the system universally adaptable to different approach vectors while maintaining reliable connection.
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning is required for docking, then alignment accuracy improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to tidal current disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning actions through the detector that detects the reference point before final docking engagement. This preliminary detection and alignment phase allows the vehicle to establish accurate positioning relative to the station, creating a stable reference framework that reduces sensitivity to subsequent tidal current effects during the actual docking maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove configuration provides curved, radial guidance surfaces that naturally guide the protrusions into proper alignment. This curved geometry creates a self-aligning mechanism that maintains positioning accuracy while accommodating minor deviations caused by tidal currents, effectively reducing the system's sensitivity to environmental disturbances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fitting structure with protrusions and annular groove is used for docking, then stable and directional-independent docking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface is segmented into distinct functional elements: a central reference point, a detector for detection, an annular groove for guidance and connection, and protrusions for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular nature of these segmented elements reduces complexity compared to a monolithic docking structure.
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 configuration enables stable and directional-independent docking, ensuring accurate alignment and power transfer, even in conditions affected by tidal currents, and simplifies the docking process by allowing the vehicle to dock in any direction, enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
using light or other detection methods for alignment
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic induction for power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater docking system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an underwater vehicle that sails in water; and an underwater station with which the underwater vehicle docks. One of the underwater vehicle and the underwater station includes: a reference point; and a first fitting located around the reference point as a center. The other of the underwater vehicle and the underwater station includes: a detector that detects the reference point; and a second fitting located around the detector as a center and fitted to the first fitting. One of the first fitting and the second fitting is an annular groove. The other of the first fitting and the second fitting includes at least two protrusions that are inserted into the annular groove.