Variable Geometry Water Vessel With Folding Hulls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessels are not optimized for deployment in shallow water, as they require large size for stability and are prone to propeller fouling, with no efficient means for retrieval in case of failure, and lack features for easy equipment mounting and transport.
Innovation Solution
A variable geometry water vessel with folding hulls, differential thruster assemblies, and protective grates, enabling compact deployment, easy transport, and autonomous operation, along with onboard systems for control and communication, and equipment mounting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the water vessel is designed with large size for stability, then operational stability is improved, but the vessel cannot be easily transported and deployed in shallow water
Solution Approach 1:
The water vessel is divided into multiple detachable hull modules that can be assembled in different configurations. When assembled in a spread-out configuration, the vessel achieves large dimensions for stability in shallow water operations. When detached and stored in a compact configuration, the vessel becomes easily transportable. This segmentation allows the vessel to dynamically adjust its effective size based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel employs adjustable hull configurations that can be dynamically repositioned during operation. The hulls are connected via articulation mechanisms allowing them to be adjusted from a compact stored position to an extended operational position, enabling the vessel to transition between stable deployment mode and compact transport mode as needed.
2Power
If traditional propellers are used, then thrust is provided, but propeller fouling occurs in shallow water environments
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional exposed propeller is replaced with a jet propulsion system where the propeller is enclosed within a jet pack housing. Water is drawn in through an intake, propelled by the enclosed propeller, and expelled through a nozzle. This extraction of the propeller from direct environmental exposure eliminates fouling while maintaining thrust capability, as the propeller operates in a controlled, enclosed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A water channel or duct acts as an intermediary between the propeller and the external environment. The propeller is positioned within this channel, which guides water flow to and from the propeller while protecting it from debris and fouling materials in shallow water. The intermediary structure allows the propeller to generate thrust without direct contact with harmful external elements.
3Length of moving object
If the water vessel is designed for shallow water operation with minimal draught, then near-shore operation is enabled, but vessel stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel uses multiple separate hull modules rather than a single deep-hulled structure. These modules can be positioned laterally to create a wide base that provides stability without requiring deep draught. The segmented hull arrangement distributes the vessel's weight across multiple contact points with the water surface, achieving stability through breadth rather than depth.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of seeking stability through vertical dimension (deep draught), the vessel achieves stability through horizontal dimension by positioning multiple hull modules in a spread-out configuration. The wide lateral arrangement of the hulls creates a stable platform that resists rolling and pitching without requiring the vessel to sit deep in the water.
4Ease of manufacture
If the water vessel is designed as small and compact, then ease of transport and deployment is improved, but equipment mounting capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized attachment points on the hull modules that can accommodate various types of equipment. The modular hull design includes integrated mounting structures that allow different sensor packages, communication equipment, and operational devices to be attached to the same platform, providing versatility without increasing the basic vessel size.
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment is mounted on individual modular hull units rather than requiring a large centralized platform. Each hull module can independently carry equipment, and modules can be selectively assembled based on mission requirements. This segmentation allows the vessel to be configured for specific tasks while maintaining a compact overall form factor when equipment is minimized.
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 water vessel achieves compact deployment and easy transport, resistance to fouling, and enhanced operational stability and control, allowing for efficient use in shallow water and hazardous environments with integrated equipment support.
Implementation Method 1
the folding mechanism is configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of hulls relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel
Implementation Method 3
a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A water vessel having variable geometry is described. The water vessel comprises: a frame; a plurality of hulls coupled to the frame, each one of the plurality of hulls coupled to the frame by a folding mechanism and configured to move, relative to the frame, between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration in which at least one dimension of the water vessel is reduced in respect of the deployed configuration; a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel, each one of the plurality of thruster assemblies being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hulls; and a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies.