Underwater Mine Neutralization via Segmented Vehicle Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for neutralizing underwater explosive devices, such as naval mines, are costly due to the destruction of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and require significant time and space for reconfiguration, with risks of accidental explosions and large vehicle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a boat with a remote control station, exploratory sensors, and both cable-guided and self-guided underwater vehicles that use acoustic signals and laser measurement devices to locate and neutralize mines, with a separate vehicle carrying an explosive charge for detonation, reducing the need for ROVs to be integral with the charge and allowing autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ROV is integral with the explosive charge, then the dimensions of the explosive charge can be contained, but the ROV is destroyed during the neutralisation process
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate vehicles: a first underwater vehicle that performs identification and positioning without being integral with the explosive charge, and a second underwater vehicle that carries and detonates the explosive charge. This segmentation allows the first vehicle to survive the operation while the second vehicle performs the neutralisation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive charge is extracted from the first underwater vehicle and placed on a separate second underwater vehicle. This extraction eliminates the risk of the first vehicle being destroyed by the explosive charge or by accidental detonation during close-proximity operations.
2Reliability
If the ROV fixes the explosive charge to the underwater explosive device, then neutralisation can be achieved, but the ROV may trigger explosive reactions or be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the identification/positioning function (first vehicle) from the explosive charge delivery function (second vehicle). This allows the first vehicle to perform close-proximity operations safely without carrying explosive material, eliminating the risk of accidental detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first underwater vehicle acts as an intermediary that performs the dangerous close-proximity identification and positioning tasks without being integral with the explosive charge. The second vehicle then delivers the charge based on the positioning data, reducing overall risk.
3Productivity
If the ROV is configured to transport explosive charges, then it can neutralise multiple underwater explosive devices, but the ROV must be large and require significant reconfiguration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between two specialized vehicles: the first vehicle handles identification, positioning, and acoustic signal emission; the second vehicle is dedicated to carrying and detonating explosive charges. This specialization allows each vehicle to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one large, multi-functional ROV.
Solution Approach 2:
The first underwater vehicle can service multiple explosive devices by performing identification and positioning for each target, while the second vehicle carries explosive charges that can be used on multiple devices. This multi-functional capability is achieved through coordination between two smaller, specialized vehicles rather than one large vehicle.
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 reduces operational costs, minimizes the risk of explosions, and decreases the size and time required for vehicle reconfiguration, enabling more efficient and safer neutralization of underwater explosive devices.
Implementation Method 1
a source 8 for emitting an acoustic signal 9 designed to be positioned close to the naval mine 4... the source 8 for emitting the acoustic signal 9... designed to signal through the acoustic signal 9 the position of the naval mine 4
Implementation Method 2
The first underwater vehicle 5 comprises a laser measurement device, illustrated schematically only in FIG. 2 with a block 51, designed to measure a first distance Ri between the above-mentioned naval mine 4 and the first underwater vehicle 5 by means of one or more laser beams
Implementation Method 3
The second underwater vehicle 10 also comprises an explosive charge 12, advantageously located in the front part of it and designed to detonate upon an impact between the second underwater vehicle 10 and the naval mine 4
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system for neutralising underwater explosive devices including an apparatus for identifying a naval mine, a source for emitting an acoustic signal for signalling the position of the naval mine, a first underwater vehicle designed to place the source for emitting an acoustic signal close to the naval mine, a measurement apparatus designed to determine a first distance between the source of emission of an acoustic signal and the naval mine.