Fast launch and recovery system for autonomous underwater vehicle
AssigneeImpossible Metals Inc.
InventorsJason Gillham, Joëlle Rennick
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A launch and recovery system is presented, the system includes a launch system with an A-frame crane operable to lower an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from the deck level of a ship to the sea level below the deck level. The system further includes a recovery system configured to collect the AUV from just below or at the sea level, the recovery system includes a weight-bearing lifting crane, one or more stabilizing arms, and a funnel. Additionally, the system includes a recovery pad and trolley system configured to receive the AUV from the recovery system, and a rail system with a network of rails configured to accept a trolley with the AUV from the recovery pad and trolley system.
Claims20
A launch and recovery system, the system comprises:
- a launch system comprising a crane operable to lower an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from a deck level of a ship to a sea level below the deck level;
- a recovery system configured to collect the AUV from the sea level, the recovery system comprising a weight-bearing lifting crane, one or more stabilizing arms, and a funnel;
- and
- a rail system comprising a network of rails on which the AUV can travel once collected by the recovery system.
A method for recovering an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) comprising:
- submerging a bottom portion of a receiving funnel to water so that sensors disposed on the bottom portion of the funnel detect an ascending AUV, wherein the funnel is maintained stationary in a global coordinate frame by a pair of stabilizing arms;
- directing the ascending AUV inside the funnel, wherein the AUV is guided by the sensors on the receiving funnel;
- once the AUV is inside the funnel, locking the AUV with the funnel with a locking mechanism;
- raising the funnel with the AUV from the water;
- placing the AUV onto a trolley disposed on a rail section of a raised recovery pad;
- and
- lowering the recovery pad with the AUV to a rail system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.