Wave-powered endurance extension module for unmanned underwater vehicles
First Claim
1. A vessel configured for operation as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), the vessel comprising:
- (a) a vessel body configured for travel below the surface of a body of water;
(b) a motor mounted on the vessel body and configured to propel the vessel body under water;
(c) one or more sensors mounted on the vessel body and configured to conduct measurements in or around an environment in which the UUV is traveling;
(d) an extension module (EXM) configured for autonomous operation whereby wave motion is mechanically converted to locomotive thrust when the EXM is deployed away from the vessel body;
(e) a cradle mounted on the vessel body that is configured and operable to secure the EXM to the vessel body and to reversibly deploy the EXM away from the vessel body; and
(f) one or more tethers connecting the vessel body to the EXM, arranged such that when the vessel body is traveling through and a body of water under the water'"'"'s surface, and when the EXM is deployed away from the vessel body so as to mechanically convert wave motion to locomotive thrust, the EXM can pull the vessel body through the body of water.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A vessel configured for operation as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), the vessel comprising:
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(a) a vessel body configured for travel below the surface of a body of water; (b) a motor mounted on the vessel body and configured to propel the vessel body under water; (c) one or more sensors mounted on the vessel body and configured to conduct measurements in or around an environment in which the UUV is traveling; (d) an extension module (EXM) configured for autonomous operation whereby wave motion is mechanically converted to locomotive thrust when the EXM is deployed away from the vessel body; (e) a cradle mounted on the vessel body that is configured and operable to secure the EXM to the vessel body and to reversibly deploy the EXM away from the vessel body; and (f) one or more tethers connecting the vessel body to the EXM, arranged such that when the vessel body is traveling through and a body of water under the water'"'"'s surface, and when the EXM is deployed away from the vessel body so as to mechanically convert wave motion to locomotive thrust, the EXM can pull the vessel body through the body of water. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification