3D UUV Test System Using Virtual Replica
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) are costly to develop and test, and traditional testing methods can result in damage or loss of the vehicle, posing risks and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle test system that includes a vehicle simulator with hardware from the UUV to be tested, a controller to manage the simulator, and a 3D environmental simulator to simulate various underwater environments and movements, allowing for safe and cost-effective testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used for UUVs, then testing can be performed, but the vehicle may become damaged or lost resulting in high costs and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the UUV and its operating environment through a 3D simulation system. The virtual vehicle replica includes all physical characteristics, sensor configurations, and control systems of the actual UUV, allowing comprehensive testing without risking the physical vehicle. This copying approach enables repeated testing at minimal cost while maintaining full testing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system acts as an intermediary between the tester and the actual UUV. Instead of directly testing the physical vehicle, tests are performed on the virtual replica, and the results are used to inform decisions about actual vehicle operation. This intermediary layer protects the physical vehicle from damage while still enabling thorough testing of systems and procedures.
2Productivity
If more testing is performed on UUVs, then system validation is improved, but the risk of damage and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a virtual replica of the UUV, the system enables unlimited testing iterations without compromising the physical vehicle. The virtual copy can be subjected to extreme conditions, failure scenarios, and repeated stress testing that would be too risky for the actual vehicle, thereby improving testing productivity while preserving vehicle integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system allows all necessary testing to be performed in advance on the virtual vehicle before deployment of the actual UUV. This preliminary action includes testing control algorithms, sensor responses, and mission scenarios, ensuring that the physical vehicle is only deployed after thorough validation, thus eliminating the need for risky post-deployment testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive testing of UUV functions is conducted, then system performance is validated, but the complexity of testing arrangements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is designed to be universal, capable of testing any UUV configuration, sensor suite, and mission profile through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. A single simulation platform can adapt to different vehicle types, environmental conditions, and testing scenarios, providing comprehensive testing coverage without requiring complex specialized equipment for each test case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing arrangements with a computational simulation system. Instead of physically manipulating the UUV through various test setups, rigs, and environments, all testing is performed through software that models physics, sensor behavior, and environmental interactions, dramatically reducing the mechanical complexity required while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle test system is illustrated. The vehicle test system includes a vehicle simulator comprising hardware from a vehicle to be tested. The test system further includes a controller coupled to the vehicle simulator configured to control the vehicle simulator. The test system further includes a 3D environmental simulator coupled to the vehicle simulator, wherein the 3D environmental simulator is configured simulate a 3D environment and movement of a vehicle simulated by the vehicle simulator in the 3D environment based on control inputs to devices for the vehicle simulator.