Wave-Powered Unmanned Vehicle Fin Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for harnessing wave power in water have limitations in efficiently converting wave motion into horizontal motion for useful work, particularly in unmanned water vehicles, as they often require human operation or are inefficient in wave-bearing environments.
Innovation Solution
A wave-powered device comprising a float, a swimmer, and a tether, where the swimmer interacts with water to generate horizontal forces, utilizing fin systems that change configuration with wave motion to propel the device, and can include computer systems for steering and data transmission, enabling unmanned operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wave power technologies are used, then wave motion can be harnessed, but efficient conversion to horizontal motion for useful work is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fin system is designed to dynamically change configuration in response to wave motion. The fins rotate about a transverse axis, with their orientation varying as waves pass, allowing optimal interaction with water at different wave phases. This dynamic adaptation maximizes thrust generation during the power phase of wave motion while minimizing resistance during recovery phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the fin system (orientation angle, submersion depth, surface area) in response to wave conditions. The fin configuration parameters are continuously adjusted to match wave phase and amplitude, transforming the vertical wave motion into effective horizontal propulsion through parameter modulation.
2Ease of operation
If human operation is used to control water vehicles, then tasks can be performed, but operations become tedious, expensive, and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-powered vehicle is designed to operate autonomously without human intervention. The fin system automatically responds to wave motion, and the vehicle navigates and performs tasks independently. This self-service capability eliminates the need for human operators while maintaining effective vehicle control and task execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human mechanical operation with an automated control system that processes sensor data and actuates vehicle systems. Computer systems monitor wave conditions, control fin orientation, manage navigation, and coordinate task execution, substituting human operators with electronic control and automation.
3Speed
If additional propulsion systems are added to wave-powered devices, then horizontal movement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin system serves multiple functions: it generates horizontal thrust from wave motion, provides steering control through differential fin actuation, and contributes to vehicle stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate propulsion, steering, and stabilization systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges propulsion and steering functions into a single fin system. The same fins that generate forward thrust from wave motion are also used for directional control by adjusting their orientation and differential actuation. This consolidation integrates multiple subsystems into one unified mechanism, simplifying the overall vehicle architecture.
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
Enables unmanned water vehicles to perform tasks that are tedious, expensive, or dangerous for humans, efficiently utilizing wave power for horizontal movement and data collection without additional propulsion systems, with the ability to navigate and gather information over long distances.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing wave power for horizontal movement
Implementation Method 2
interacts with the water to generate forces which tend to move the swimmer in a direction having a horizontal component
Implementation Method 3
the float is on or near the surface of the water
Implementation Method 4
an elastic component (e.g. a metal coil spring, a metal leaf spring, a metal torsion bar, or an elastomeric component such as a natural or artificial rubber band) which is not part of the fin, and which deforms elastically and thus influences changes in the configuration of the fin system
Data Source
AI summary
A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.