Wave-Powered Endurance Extension Module for UUVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) face limitations in range and durability due to their size and energy consumption, particularly in long missions, and lack efficient means to harness renewable energy sources for propulsion.
Innovation Solution
The Endurance Extension Module (EXM) provides auxiliary thrust and power generation by converting wave motion into locomotive thrust, allowing UUVs to be pulled through the water, reducing energy expenditure and enabling longer missions without refueling, and includes features like solar energy conversion and reversible tethering for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If UUV size and onboard fuel capacity are increased to extend range and durability, then mission endurance is improved, but vehicle complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external wave-powered propulsion system as an intermediary that provides auxiliary thrust to the UUV. The wave-powered device converts wave motion into mechanical propulsion force, which is transmitted to the UUV through a tether connection. This external intermediary system extends mission endurance without requiring increases in UUV size or onboard fuel capacity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UUV onboard fuel capacity is increased to reduce energy expenditure during long missions, then duration of action is improved, but vehicle weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-powered propulsion system acts as an external energy source that reduces the UUV's onboard fuel consumption. By converting wave motion into propulsion force, the system provides energy assistance during long missions, allowing the UUV to maintain lower onboard fuel capacity and reduced weight while still achieving extended endurance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wave-powered propulsion system is added to UUV, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-powered propulsion system is designed as a separate, modular device that can be independently deployed and attached to the UUV. This segmentation allows the renewable energy system to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire UUV platform, thereby reducing the complexity increase compared to an integrated design approach.
4Duration of action of moving object
If auxiliary wave-powered thrust is provided to UUV, then range and endurance are improved, but tethering and coupling mechanisms increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized, pre-engineered tethering and coupling mechanisms that can be replicated and adapted to different UUV platforms. By using proven, modular connection systems rather than custom-designed complex mechanisms, the patent reduces the overall complexity increase while still achieving the desired auxiliary thrust functionality.
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 EXM increases the endurance and range of UUVs by utilizing wave power for propulsion, reducing energy requirements by up to 79% and allowing for extended autonomous operations, including hovering against currents without relying on onboard fuel, while also providing renewable electrical power and surface surveillance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The float is buoyed to travel on or near the surface of a body of water and the swimmer is weighted to travel in the water below the float, hanging by the tethers. The swimmer comprises fin surfaces that mechanically provide forward thrust when actuated by rising and falling of the swimmer in the water.
Implementation Method 2
The swimmer comprises fin surfaces that mechanically provide forward thrust when actuated by rising and falling of the swimmer in the water.
Implementation Method 3
The EXM may be provided with a means for converting solar energy to electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
An Endurance Extension Module (EXM) for powering an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. The EXM converts wave motion to locomotive thrust, towing the UUV from point to point or keeping it in place against an opposing current. The EXM may also supply the UUV with electricity for driving an electric motor or powering on-board electronics. The EXM can be refracted onto the UUV when not in use to minimize drag, or it can release the UUV as prologue to a subsequent rendezvous. The EXM-UUV combinations of this invention allow extended autonomous missions over wider territory for purposes such as surveying, monitoring conditions, or delivering cargo.