Vertical Glider Robot Buoyancy Propulsion Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea robotic devices for oil exploration and oceanographic research require significant energy for propulsion, limiting their cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency, especially when carrying payloads or traversing deep waters.
Innovation Solution
A vertical glider robot that utilizes its potential energy to convert into kinetic energy as it free-falls, eliminating the need for energy to propel itself, allowing it to autonomously navigate and deploy equipment or sensors on the sea floor with minimal energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional propeller-based robotic devices (ROV, AUV) are used for subsea traversal, then navigation and payload delivery capability is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional propeller-based mechanical propulsion system with a buoyancy-based traversal system. The robotic device uses buoyancy engines to adjust its buoyancy, enabling it to rise and fall in the water column without requiring continuous propeller power, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining traversal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from continuous propeller rotation to periodic buoyancy adjustment. By controlling the buoyancy engine to add or remove buoyancy in discrete steps, the device transforms its vertical position and horizontal trajectory without the continuous energy expenditure required by propellers, achieving efficient traversal with minimal energy use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If glider buoyancy modification is used for traversal, then energy consumption is reduced, but payload carrying capacity is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buoyancy control system into modular buoyancy engines that can be independently activated. This allows the device to adjust buoyancy in controlled increments, enabling it to carry heavier payloads by distributing the buoyancy adjustment burden across multiple engines rather than requiring a single oversized buoyancy system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the buoyancy engines to serve multiple functions: they not only control vertical buoyancy but also contribute to horizontal steering and stabilization. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain effective payload capacity while using the same buoyancy mechanisms for multiple operational purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated systems.
3Extent of automation
If AUV autonomous operation is implemented, then operational independence is achieved, but battery life is insufficient for extended missions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic buoyancy adjustment cycles instead of continuous propulsion. The buoyancy engines operate in periodic bursts to adjust the device's vertical position, allowing the device to coast between adjustments. This periodic action dramatically extends operational duration compared to continuous propeller operation, enabling extended autonomous missions without requiring larger batteries.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land.