Laser-powered ice-penetrating communications delivery vehicle for sub-ice submarine missions
US10518854B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2211/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser-powered ice-penetrating communications payload delivery vehicle for sub-ice submarine missions enables under-ice operations to exchange information with terrestrial facilities or satellite networks with communications methods otherwise blocked by an ice cap. The vehicle comprises an electronics bay, a payload bay, optics bay, and a melt optic with laser. The system and method of establishing communication where the vehicle, tethered to a sub-ice vessel, is released. The vehicle ascends to the bottom of an ice sheet and uses a laser to melt the ice, forming a borehole through which the vehicle continues to ascend. When buoyancy no longer advances the vehicle beyond sea level, the vehicle continues to melt a conical opening through the ice until unobstructed atmosphere is reached and bi-directional communication is established. Where the melting capacity cannot reach ice to continue melting, the vehicle mechanically advances itself toward the surface to establish high bandwidth, bi-directional communication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.