Modular rapid development system for building underwater robots and robotic vehicles
OwnerEddie Hugh Williamsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An underwater robotic vehicle development system for building underwater robotic vehicles (URVs), including a pressure vessel system, modular chassis elements, a propulsion system and compatible buoyancy modules. The pressure vessel system uses standardized, interchangeable modules to allow for ease of modification of the URV and accommodation of different internal and external components such as sensors and computer systems. The system also includes standard, reconfigurable connections of the pressure vessel to the modular chassis system. A standardized, modular propulsion system includes a magnetic clutch, and a magnetic sleeve used to power the URV on or off.
Claims19
An underwater robotic vehicle development system comprising:
- a chassis comprising a plurality of rods coupled together to form a space frame;
- a pressure vessel having a pressure vessel longitudinal axis and including a plurality of threaded link strut mounting holes on an external portion of the pressure vessel;
- and
- a plurality of link struts each having a first end and a threaded second end, wherein the first end of each link strut of the plurality of link struts is coupled to one rod of the chassis and the threaded second end of each link strut of the plurality of link struts is threaded into one of the plurality of threaded link strut mounting holes of the pressure vessel, whereby the pressure vessel is coupled to the chassis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.