Underwater Relay Vehicle for AUV Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater work systems are limited in large-scale reconnaissance and real-time data transmission, especially for autonomous underwater vehicles, due to restricted data transmission ranges and limited communication methods, which hinder effective operation in extensive underwater surveys and mine countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
An underwater work system comprising an autonomous underwater vehicle connected to an unmanned relay vehicle on the water surface via a physical coupling, allowing bidirectional high-rate data transmission and navigation control, enabling real-time communication and energy supply, and featuring a control unit that guides the relay vehicle based on navigation information from the underwater vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If acoustic or optical wireless communication is used for data transmission from underwater vehicle to surface, then communication range is extended, but data transmission rate is limited and real-time capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface vehicle as an intermediary carrier that receives data from the underwater vehicle via high-rate wired connection (optical cable or coaxial cable) and then transmits it wirelessly to the shore station. This mediator resolves the contradiction by separating the high-rate transmission (underwater vehicle to surface vehicle) from the long-range wireless transmission (surface vehicle to shore station), allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous underwater vehicle operates independently without surface connection, then operational autonomy is maintained, but real-time data transmission and monitoring are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The surface vehicle acts as a mobile communication intermediary that enables the autonomous underwater vehicle to maintain both its operational autonomy and real-time data transmission capability. The AUV operates independently underwater while the surface vehicle provides continuous wireless communication relay to the shore station, resolving the information loss problem without compromising autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension underwater operation to a two-dimensional system combining underwater autonomous operation with surface-level communication support. The AUV operates in the underwater dimension while the surface vehicle operates in the aerial dimension, providing complementary functions that resolve the contradiction between autonomy and real-time communication.
3Reliability
If stationary buoy system is used for local exploration, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but system cannot perform large-scale underwater reconnaissance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary buoy system into a dynamic system by replacing the fixed buoy with a mobile surface vehicle that can autonomously navigate and track the underwater vehicle. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to large-scale reconnaissance missions while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities through continuous tracking and communication relay.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface vehicle serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication relay station, a tracking platform, and a mobile base for the AUV. This multi-functional design enables the system to handle both local exploration tasks and large-scale reconnaissance missions, resolving the contradiction between real-time monitoring reliability and large-scale operational versatility.
4Length of stationary object
If supply and control line is connected to radio buoy, then communication range is extended, but system complexity and dependency on surface infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation and tracking capabilities, allowing it to independently follow the AUV and maintain communication link without requiring complex surface infrastructure or manual intervention. The vehicle serves itself by autonomously managing its position and communication functions, reducing overall system complexity while extending communication range.
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 setup enables real-time data transmission and navigation control, allowing for extended operation ranges and quick reaction to underwater events, reducing mission time and increasing effectiveness by providing continuous monitoring and potential operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The internal communication device comprises an optical fiber cable which connects the relay vehicle to the underwater vehicle
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating an underwater work system. In order to create an underwater work system with an autonomous underwater vehicle and an unmanned relay vehicle floating at the surface of the water as well as a method for operating such an underwater work system, which provides an increased efficiency of the autonomous underwater vehicle 2 with short mission times, it is provided according to the invention that the relay vehicle 4 is controllable by means of a control unit 16 via the at least one autonomous underwater vehicle 2 in due consideration of navigation information 17.