Modular Underwater Probe Layout for Low-Turbulence Optical Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater submersibles face challenges such as turbulence, limited maneuverability, unsuitability for data gathering in shallow water, lack of versatility, and instability due to hydrodynamic effects, making them inadequate for underwater topological review and mapping of natural growths and formations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, symmetrical underwater probe with a hydrodynamic shape, equipped with a power system for 3-degree of freedom maneuvering and a visual image capture system featuring multiple optical cameras for navigation, mapping, and panoramic image capture, allowing for stable and versatile operation in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If large submersibles with rear propellers are used for driving forward, then propulsion capability is improved, but turbulence is generated reducing optical effects and data collection quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional rear propeller from the submersible design. Instead, it uses a water jet propulsion system where water is drawn in through intake ports and ejected through a nozzle at the front, eliminating the turbulent wake generated by rear propellers and improving optical measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional propulsion arrangement by placing the propulsion nozzle at the front of the submersible rather than at the rear. This reversal of the propulsion system configuration eliminates the harmful turbulent wake that would otherwise interfere with optical sensors and data collection equipment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fast submersibles with protruding fins are used for hydrodynamic stability, then stability is improved, but turbulence is caused affecting image viewing in directions other than forward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes protruding stabilizing fins from the submersible design. Instead, it achieves stability through a teardrop-shaped hydrodynamic body form that naturally resists turbulence and maintains stable orientation without requiring additional protruding elements that would generate harmful wake and interfere with imaging.
3Ease of operation
If small submersibles are used for maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of remote control is worsened due to transmission complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic communication systems as an intermediary for remote control and data transmission. Acoustic waves propagate effectively through water, overcoming the limitations of electromagnetic wave transmission in aquatic environments and enabling reliable communication with small, highly maneuverable submersibles.
4Speed
If submersibles with single direction propulsion are used for speed, then speed is improved, but versatility of movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic propulsion system with multiple independently controllable water jet nozzles positioned at different locations on the submersible. By varying the thrust vector direction and magnitude of each nozzle, the system achieves high speed forward propulsion while simultaneously enabling maneuvering in any direction, including lateral and backward movement.
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 efficient and accurate underwater mapping, navigation, and data collection, capable of surveying oceans and waterways, searching for resources, and researching aquatic life, while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated body with a hydrodynamic effective shape for travel in at least one longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
a visual image capture system including a plurality of optical cameras locatable on or at the surface of the elongated body to allow for usage in one or more of: navigation; a visual capture; a visual mapping
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater probe (11) comprises a submersible body having an elongated body with a hydrodynamic effective shape for travel in at least one longitudinal direction. There is a power system including two longitudinal side thrusters (21) for allowing the controllable driving of the submersible body in the at least one longitudinal direction and a top thruster (22) for allowing maneuvering in a lateral plane to the longitudinal axis E-E. Also, there is a visual image capture system including a plurality of optical cameras (31, 35) locatable on or at the surface of the elongated body. The probe is modular and has readily connectable and disconnectable modules that can be reconfigured to readily form differing volume and different payload ballast remotely controllable adjustable buoyant probes.