Underwater Towing System Optical Separation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater towing systems face challenges in accurately locating underwater work structures at target places due to the instability caused by wind and waves affecting the support ship.
Innovation Solution
An underwater towing system comprising a towing structure with control circuitry, a towing rope with light emitters, and underwater work structures equipped with light receivers, allowing the system to transmit separation signals for the work structures to detach from the towing rope at target locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If underwater work structures are deployed from a support ship, then they can be positioned in water areas, but the deployment becomes difficult when the ship rocks due to wind and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the deployment function from the support ship by using a floating structure that remains stable independently. The towing rope is divided into sections with light emitters at intervals, and each underwater work structure operates independently with its own light receiver and separation mechanism, allowing reliable deployment even when the support ship rocks.
Solution Approach 2:
A stable floating structure acts as an intermediary between the support ship and the underwater work structures. This floating structure provides a stable platform for deploying the towing rope and work structures, isolating them from the rocking motion of the support ship caused by wind and waves.
2Extent of automation
If light emitters are attached to the towing rope, then separation signals can be transmitted to underwater work structures, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical separation mechanisms with optical signaling. Light emitters transmit separation signals through water to light receivers on underwater work structures, which then trigger automatic separation. This optical control system is simpler and more reliable than mechanical control systems that would require direct physical connection and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each underwater work structure is equipped with its own light receiver and separation mechanism, allowing it to autonomously receive separation signals and execute separation without requiring complex external control systems. The work structures serve themselves by having built-in capabilities to detect and respond to separation commands.
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
The system enables precise location of underwater work structures at target places by ensuring they detach from the towing rope at the correct location, improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitter attached to the towing rope and controlled by the control circuitry; and underwater work structures towed by the towing rope, wherein: each of the underwater work structures includes a light receiver that receives a light signal from the at least one light emitter
Data Source
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AI summary
An underwater towing system (1) according to one embodiment includes: a towing structure (2) sailing on or in water; a towing rope (3) hanging down from the towing structure (2) into the water; and underwater work structures (5) towed by the towing rope (3). At least one light emitter (4) is attached to the towing rope (3). The light emitter (4) is controlled by control circuitry (21) included in the towing structure (2). Each of the underwater work structures (5) includes a light receiver (53) that can receive a light signal from the light emitter (4). One of the underwater work structures (5) separates from the towing rope (3) when the control circuitry (21) makes the light emitter (4) transmit a separation signal for this underwater work structure (5), and the light receiver (53) of this underwater work structure (5) receives the separation signal.