Buoyancy modification module for a modular underwater vehicle

US12168501B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH · DE
• thyssenkrupp AG · DE

Inventors

• Nicolas Richter · Klein Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, DE
• Sascha Nehren · Hof Schönhorst, DE
• Andreas Jess · Plön, DE
• Thomas Voss · Stuttgart, DE
• Willem Hendrik WEHNER · Jübek, DE
• Marc SCHIEMANN · Kiel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 10, 2020
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2024
• Expiry date: Jan 4, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63G2008/004
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A buoyancy modification module for a modular underwater vehicle may include a first frame configured to connect the buoyancy modification module to other modules, and a first pressure hull with a first flooding region and a first dry region. A first pump arranged in the first dry region can pump water out of the surroundings or a neutral-buoyancy reservoir into the first flooding region and out of the first flooding region into the surroundings or the neutral-buoyancy reservoir. A first gas region that is connected to the first flooding region may include a first gas pressure when the first flooding region is completely empty, and a second gas pressure when the first flooding region is completely flooded. A difference between the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure results from a reduction in space available for gas in the first gas region.