Waterproof Connector for Submersible Vehicle Tether
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater vehicles face a tradeoff between pressure resistance and hydrodynamic efficiency, with existing designs either being inefficient hydrodynamically due to cylindrical or spherical pressure hulls or requiring multiple actuators for pitch control, and lacking designs that combine hydrodynamic shape with single actuator vertical thrust and pitch control.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic submersible vehicle with a noncircular pressure hull and internal support lattice for pressure resistance, using a single vertically offset actuator for both vertical thrust and pitch control, and innovative connectors and magnetic filters for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cylindrical or spherical pressure hull is used, then pressure resistance is improved, but hydrodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure hull is segmented into an outer hydrodynamic shell and an inner pressure-resistant lattice structure. The lattice structure is divided into multiple triangular or hexagonal cells that provide structural strength while allowing the outer shell to maintain a streamlined hydrodynamic shape for efficient water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure hull employs a composite structure combining an outer hydrodynamic shell made of materials optimized for water flow with an inner lattice structure made of high-strength materials for pressure resistance. This composite approach allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used for pitch control, then pitch control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is positioned at the center of the pressure hull to perform multiple functions: providing vertical thrust for buoyancy control and generating pitching moments for attitude control. This multi-functional actuator design eliminates the need for separate pitch control actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single central actuator serves as an intermediary that couples vertical thrust generation with pitch control. By strategically positioning the actuator and controlling its thrust vector, the system mediates between vertical motion and rotational motion, achieving both functions through one component.
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible remotely operated vehicle with a streamlined shape, which uses an internal support lattice to provide pressure resistance. By using a lattice frame to distribute the water pressure load on the vehicle, the vehicle may be constructed of thin-walled, injection molded plastic, yet may be capable of diving to significant depths. The vehicle may provide pitch control using a single vertical thrust actuator that is horizontally fore or aft of the center of vertical drag; this efficient pitch control improves hydrodynamic efficiency by pointing the vehicle towards the direction of travel to minimize the coefficient of drag. The vehicle may communicate wirelessly with a remote operator via a communications buoy tethered to the vehicle, thereby eliminating cabling constraints on the vehicle's range from the operator. The tether may be connected to the buoy using a waterproof connector that presses three terminals surrounded by a compliant seal onto mating contacts.