Offset vertical thruster equipped hydrodynamic submersible remotely operated vehicle
US9896159B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A submersible remotely operated vehicle with a streamlined shape, which uses an internal support lattice to provide pressure resistance. By using a lattice frame to distribute the water pressure load on the vehicle, the vehicle may be constructed of thin-walled, injection molded plastic, yet may be capable of diving to significant depths. The vehicle may provide pitch control using a single vertical thrust actuator that is horizontally fore or aft of the center of vertical drag; this efficient pitch control improves hydrodynamic efficiency by pointing the vehicle towards the direction of travel to minimize the coefficient of drag. The vehicle may communicate wirelessly with a remote operator via a communications buoy tethered to the vehicle, thereby eliminating cabling constraints on the vehicle's range from the operator. The tether may be connected to the buoy using a waterproof connector that presses three terminals surrounded by a compliant seal onto mating contacts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.