U.S. patent application number 16/190219 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-16 for autonomous submersible offshore marine platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffrey E. Kline, Terrence W. Schmidt. Invention is credited to Jeffrey E. Kline, Terrence W. Schmidt.
Application Number | 20190144090 16/190219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66433102 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-16 |
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190144090/US20190144090A1-20190516-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190144090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt; Terrence W. ; et
al. |
May 16, 2019 |
Autonomous Submersible Offshore Marine Platform
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a means of
constructing an Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine
Platform (ASOMP) of considerable warfighting or commercial
capability which is mobile and can autonomously transport to a
hazardous operating area in a low-observable reduced vulnerability
manner, fully submerge to avoid the military or environmental
threat hazard, hibernate until needed, perform fully submerged
mobility and mission operations, surface and provide Barge and
SWATH surface ship mobility and mission operations, resubmerge if
the hazardous threat appears and relocate to a new operating area.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fully
autonomous and submersible low-cost "lily-pad" that surfaces when
called and provides a main deck platform at appropriate freeboard
and seakeeping motions to function as a refueling landing zone and
pier to extend the range of aircraft and marine vehicles operating
in a high-threat environment.
Inventors: |
Schmidt; Terrence W.; (Santa
Clara, CA) ; Kline; Jeffrey E.; (Severna Park,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schmidt; Terrence W.
Kline; Jeffrey E. |
Santa Clara
Severna Park |
CA
MD |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66433102 |
Appl. No.: |
16/190219 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62587008 |
Nov 16, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 21/50 20130101;
B63B 2035/007 20130101; B63G 2008/004 20130101; B63B 2021/505
20130101; B63B 35/50 20130101; B63B 35/44 20130101; B63G 8/001
20130101; B63B 1/107 20130101; B63C 11/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63G 8/00 20060101
B63G008/00; B63B 35/44 20060101 B63B035/44; B63B 1/10 20060101
B63B001/10 |
Claims
1. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
comprised of: (1) at least two submerged pod shaped Lower Hulls
that provide a substantial portion of the ASOMP's buoyancy and
ballasting capacity that are of a form able to withstand
hydrostatic pressures when submerged; (2) a Cross Structure
connecting said Lower Hulls that creates a structural arrangement
that significantly reduces the hydrodynamic load created stresses
as compared to a conventional SWATH hullform vessel and also
generates significant hydrodynamic added mass and damping reducing
ASOMP's seaway motions; (3) a Main Deck Platform used to support
mission equipment and ASOMP operations that is comprised of (a) an
Operational Deck which can be configured to support various mission
operations such as a helicopter Vertical Take-Off and Landing
(VTOL) flight deck or a roll on roll off cargo deck and pier, (b) a
plurality of Pressure Vessels of sufficient capacity (volume and
pressure) to enable multiple submergence, surfacing and mode change
(SWATH to Barge and vice versa) ASOMP operations, and where the
Pressure Vessels provide buoyancy that is greater than the Main
Deck Platform's weight and storage of high pressure air (used in
lieu of ballast pumps) which along with said Lower Hulls'
ballasting capacity and a ballast control system enables the ASOMP
to reconfigure, without the use of ballast pumps, between Barge and
SWATH modes (within minutes as compared to multiple hours for pump
operations) and to operate as both a submersible, where the center
of buoyancy must be located above the center of gravity, and a
surface vessel (Barge or SWATH) where the center of buoyancy is
below the center of gravity, and (c) Submergence Control Tanks used
to control submerging and surfacing of the ASOMP that are of a soft
tank form (that do not need to withstand the submergence
hydrostatic pressure) that are ballasted using tank vents or
deballasted using compressed air from said Pressure Vessels; (4)
Struts with upper and lower portions, that are pivotally connected
to each other, the Main Deck Platform and the Lower Hulls or Cross
Structure, and are folded or extended using compressed air stored
in the Main Deck Platform Pressure Vessels to ballast or deballast
said Lower Hulls enabling the ASOMP to change between Barge and
SWATH operational modes by raising or lowering the Main Deck
Platform with respect to the Lower Hulls and when the Strut
portions are fully extended the pivots connecting the strut upper
portion to the strut lower portion must be positioned to not go
over center which is defined as a line between the pivots
connecting the upper strut portion to the Main Deck Platform and
the pivots connecting the lower strut portion to the Cross
Structure or Lower Hulls, and when fully extended (SWATH
arrangement) or fully folded (Barge arrangement) the strut sections
are locked in place; (5) a secure ASOMP command, control and
communication system for monitor and control remotely by an
off-board control system for both surface operations (RF link or
equivalent) and fully-submerged operations (acoustic link or
equivalent) and an autonomous command, control and communication
system and requisite sensors to effectively enable the ASOMP to
autonomously perform transit and in theater mobility, ballasting,
hibernation, subsurface operations, deballasting, and surface
operations without human assistance and where ASOMP subsystems
status can be queried, transmitted and controlled by a remote
distant location; (6) an electric plant consisting of a diesel
generator or other known electricity generating means, a battery
energy storage system that can provide the requisite power, for a
period in excess of 1 year, to all ASOMP subsystems; and (7) a
ballasting system, that maintains the critical Center of Buoyancy
position relative to the Center of Gravity when changing between
SWATH and Barge modes and surfacing or submerging the ASOMP, that
is comprised of Pressure Vessels storing high pressure air, air
compressors that recharge the Main Deck Pressure Vessels when the
ASOMP is surfaced, control valves and actuators, pressure
regulators and sensors that are all controlled by the autonomous
command, control and communication system.
2. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein propulsion systems are integral to the ASOMP's
Lower Hull portions in which one propulsion means would be
comprised of a diesel generator, batteries, electric propulsion
motors and propellers where when operating on the ocean's surface
the propulsion system's diesel generator provides the power for the
electric propulsion motors allowing an extensive range and
endurance with the diesel generator intake air and exhaust gas
being provided by a surface piercing snorkel and when operating in
a submerged mode below the ocean's surface the electric drive
motors are powered by batteries.
3. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are used as
one means to transport the ASOMP, where by one means the UUVs can
be connected to the ASOMP using docking tubes, with inflatable
toroidal capture seals, that are attached to the ASOMP's structure
and when operating on the ocean's surface the UUVs are powered by a
diesel generator and electric propulsion motor allowing an
extensive range and endurance where diesel intake air and exhaust
gas are provided by the UUVs surface piercing snorkel and when
operating in a submerged mode below the ocean's surface the UUVs
electric drive motor is powered by batteries which can be augmented
by connecting to the ASOMP's battery electrical system, and where
the UUVs are detached from the ASOMP after transiting to an
operational location so the UUVs can return to its operational base
for additional purposes.
4. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein a portion of the Main Deck Platform Pressure
Vessels are configured to contain deployable mission equipment with
Pressure Vessel hatches providing access for loading and deploying
the mission equipment such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles UUVs
that can be deployed when the ASOMP is submerged, and Unmanned
Surface Vehicles USVs and Unmanned Air Vehicles that can be
deployed when the ASOMP is surfaced.
5. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein a portion of the Main Deck Pressure Vessels are
configured to provide diesel generator intake air or oxygen and
store exhaust gas for diesel-electric propulsion when in a
fully-submerged state to augment the batteries and extend the ASOMP
fully-submerged range and fully-submerged operations endurance.
6. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein venting air from ballast tanks is reused by
directing and storing said venting air into a Pressure Vessel (PV)
where the PV air pressure is less than the ballast tank venting air
pressure and when the ballast tank air pressure is lower than any
ASOMP PV the air is vented into the seaway.
7. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein Mission Modules consisting of Pressure Vessels,
Soft Tanks or other equipment can be attached to the Operational
Deck of the Main Deck Platform either in theater or prior to the
ASOMP's deployment and where Pressure Vessels could be configured
as habitability units to support manned ASOMP mission operations
such as VTOL aircraft support or as storage for Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles UAVs and UAV payloads or as diesel generator intake air or
oxygen and storage of exhaust gas for electric propulsion when
submerged or as storage for supplies.
8. An Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
of claim 1 wherein Control surfaces, of known form, can be appended
to said Cross Structure or Lower Hulls for longitudinal and lateral
directional control.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Provisional application No. 62/587,008 filed on 16 Nov. 2017
with Amendment 1 (30 Jan. 2018), Amendment 2 (8 Mar. 2018) and
Amendment 3 (29 Mar. 2018).
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] None
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditional surface offshore marine platforms are uniquely
capable of providing payload-capable, low-motion main decks for
at-sea aviation flight operations, mission systems operations and
logistic distribution to other surface vessels and ashore elements
for low-level hazardous areas. Unfortunately, these platforms are
designed to operate only on the water surface and cannot escape
from the hazard by operating fully-submerged which makes them
extremely vulnerable to military and environmental threats. This
vulnerability results in the need for the surface offshore marine
platforms to be large and expensive and require significant crew
and capabilities to minimize susceptibility to a hazardous area's
damage and casualty. When the operating environment's hazardous
threat level increases beyond the capabilities of the surface
offshore marine platform due to an increase in a military
adversary's offensive capability or extreme weather conditions the
surface offshore marine platform must be moved outside the range of
the military or environmental threat resulting in a loss of
military or commercial mission capability and availability.
[0004] The present invention relates to an Autonomous
fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform that can be operated:
(1) on the water surface as a Barge (large waterplane area) surface
platform having a large payload capacity for floating pier
operations; (2) on the water surface as a SWATH (Small Waterplane
Area Twin Hull) surface platform providing a main deck platform at
appropriate freeboard and with low seakeeping motions to support
aviation flight operations; and (3) as an underwater
fully-Submersible (Barge or SWATH) for undersea mobility,
hibernation, and relocation to avoid the military or environmental
threat. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP)
which: (1) is transported near to a hazardous operating area; (2)
autonomously submerges and maneuvers underwater to avoid the
potential threat or environmental hazard; (3) autonomously
forward-deploys (pre-positions) to an operational location and
"hibernates" or loiters until needed; (5) when remote commanded
through a secure communication link, autonomously maneuvers below
the surface as a Barge or surfaces to the water surface as Barge or
SWATH; (6) autonomously performs its operational mission; (7)
autonomously (or when remote commanded) resubmerges if a hazardous
threat appears or when mission is completed; and (8) is redeployed
to a new operating area. Operationally, the ASOMP is unmanned and
organically "low-value" to further lower the risk for military or
commercial missions without fear of catastrophic damages or
attrition due to military adversary or environment/weather threats
and hazards. Modular mission capabilities can be incorporated into
the ASOMP's main deck internal pressure vessels or cross-decked
using modular pressure vessels on top of the main deck to support
fully-submerged operations and provide protection against the
submerged hydro-static pressures. The Autonomous fully-Submersible
Offshore Marine Platform can also serve as an episodic "lily-pad"
to provide infiltration capable services (for landing, docking,
fueling and logistics staging) when the ASOMP is commanded to the
surface and extend the range of manned or unmanned aircraft and
marine vehicles that operate in a high-threat environment to
what-ever distance is needed while keeping the high-value, surface
offshore marine platforms that launched them out of "harm's way.
The Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine platform can also
transport, launch/recover and sustain unmanned air, surface and
underwater vehicles and mission packages, which are of limited
range, so that they are close enough to their respective operating
area to enable effective employment in a high threat environment
while keeping the high-value, surface offshore marine platforms
that would traditionally be needed to transport and launch them out
of "harm's way".
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP) of
considerable capability which can be transported to a hazardous
operating area in a reduced vulnerability manner, autonomously
fully submerge to avoid the military or environmental threat,
autonomously perform fully submerged mobility and mission
operations, autonomously hibernate until needed, on command
autonomously surface and provide Barge and SWATH surface ship
mobility and mission operations, rapidly re-submerge if the
hazardous threat appears and autonomously relocate to a new
operating area to continue mission operations. The ASOMP is an
autonomous unmanned platform and organically "low value" with high
value propulsion and mission capabilities added as required. In
this way, the ASOMP can be configured based on mission
requirements, deployed and submerged (pre-positioned) for
long-periods of time without fear of high value capability
failures, destruction or loss due to seizure (theft).
Operationally, the ASOMP's autonomous ability to rapidly submerge,
maneuver undersea, hibernate, surface, re-submerge and relocate
provides a unique capability for a surface Barge or SWATH platform
to effectively perform episodic (appears when needed and disappears
when not) military or commercial infiltration missions in high
threat areas and limit exposure to catastrophic damages due to
military or environment. Operationally, the ASOMP: [0006] Is fueled
at a forward base and is transported to the operating area by
organic power, or by separate Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
or by unmanned/manned tugs; [0007] Autonomously maneuvers,
submerges and prepositions itself on the ocean floor to hibernate;
[0008] When commanded (remote or autonomously) moves to a submerged
operating depth or on-the-surface for autonomous operational use as
either a Barge or SWATH platform; [0009] When configured as a
Barge, the Main Deck Platform waterline can be below the water
surface for launch/recovery and support of underwater vehicles;
[0010] When configured as a Barge, the Main Deck Platform waterline
can support large payload, Roll-on, Roll-off Discharge Facility
(RRDF) pier operations inclusive of launch/recovery, refueling and
resupply of amphibious vehicles and surface craft; [0011] When
configured as a SWATH, the Main Deck Platform freeboard can support
low motion operations as a Landing Zone and refueling/resupply base
for manned and unmanned aircraft; [0012] Is configured so that the
Main Deck Platform can house internal pressure vessels to store
high pressure gas for ballasting operations and avoid the use of
pumps; [0013] Is configured with a ballasting system wherein
venting air from ballast tanks is reused by directing and storing
said venting air into a Pressure Vessel (PV) where the PV air
pressure is less than the ballast tank venting air pressure and
when the ballast tank air pressure is lower than any ASOMP PV the
air is vented into the seaway. In this way, fully submersible
operations can be extended without the use of an air compressor;
[0014] Is configured so that a portion of the Main Deck Pressure
Vessels can provide diesel generator intake air or oxygen and store
exhaust gas for electric propulsion when in a full-submerged state
to augment the batteries and extend the fully-submerged range and
fully-submerged operations endurance; [0015] Is configured so that
the Main Deck Platform can house internal pressure vessels to
store, launch and provide hotel capabilities for unmanned
underwater vehicles, unmanned surface or amphibious vehicles,
unmanned air vehicles, logistics or mission equipment; [0016] Is
configured so that the Main Deck Platform can accommodate external
reconfigurable modular pressure vessels to store, launch and
provide hotel capabilities for unmanned underwater vehicles,
unmanned surface or amphibious vehicles, unmanned air vehicles,
logistics or mission equipment; [0017] Is configured so that it can
store large quantities of fuel for refueling of manned and unmanned
vehicles; and [0018] When commanded (remote or autonomously)
rapidly submerges and repositions to avoid a military or
environmental threat and continue autonomous missions.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
autonomous and fully submersible low-cost "lily-pad" that surfaces
when called and provides a main deck platform at appropriate
freeboard and seakeeping motions to function as a
refueling/resupply landing zone and pier to extend the range of
aircraft and marine vehicles operating in a high-threat environment
while keeping the high-value surface offshore marine platforms that
traditionally transport them out of "harm's way".
[0020] Another object of this invention is to provide a means to
transport, launch/recover and sustain unmanned air, surface and
underwater vehicles and mission packages, which are of limited
range, so that they are close enough to their respective operating
area to enable effective employment in a high threat environment
while keeping the high-value, surface offshore marine platforms
that would traditionally be needed to transport and launch them out
of "harm's way".
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
autonomous fully submersible, offshore marine platform with a main
deck platform of sufficient size and extremely low motions to ocean
seaways to support aircraft landings and takeoffs, surface craft
operations and other mission capabilities.
[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
means to effectively pre-position an autonomous submersible
offshore marine platform that can reconfigure into a submersible
Barge or SWATH or a surface Barge or SWATH and maneuver in a low
visibility and low risk manner into a hazardous operating area for
use when needed.
[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
means for the ASOMP to protect its high-value mission capabilities
when performing submerged operations to depths greater than 1000
feet.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
way to populate or repopulate the ASOMP with mission capabilities
when deployed in the hazardous operating area.
[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
for an underwater mobility (sub-surface snorkeling and/fully
submerged air independent propulsion) and submergence to make it
difficult, time consuming and expensive to locate by
competitors.
[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
for a low-resistance surface and submerged platform to minimize
respective surface and fully submerged propulsion and anchoring
load requirements.
[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
low-cost autonomous submersible offshore marine platform for island
perimeter maritime security to include the features identified in
[0005] to [0013].
[0028] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
fuel/energy source for the ASOMP propulsion to extend its
operational range and endurance both on the surface and fully
submerged.
[0029] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
high-value, modular mission package integration strategy using
manned/unmanned underwater vehicles and surface vehicles for
reduced observability to the hazardous threat to reduce
vulnerability.
[0030] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
autonomous submersible offshore marine platform for commercial use
in support of oil exploration, energy harvesting, etc. In these
commercial applications more traditional offshore deployment
strategies including being towed to operational site can be
used.
[0031] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
autonomous submersible offshore marine platform for commercial use
in support of oil exploration, energy harvesting, etc. In these
commercial applications more traditional offshore station keeping
strategies such as being moored or thrusters to maintain position
can be used.
[0032] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
autonomous submersible offshore marine platform for commercial use
in support of oil exploration, energy harvesting, etc. In these
commercial applications high value capabilities can be organically
included initially and or populated/removed using traditional
surface vessels and techniques.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the Autonomous
Submersible Offshore Marine Platform, of the present invention,
configured as a Mobile Undersea Base (MUB) used by the military to
refuel vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows three views of the Autonomous Submersible
Offshore Marine Platform configured as a SWATH vessel for operating
on the ocean surface.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows three views of the Autonomous Submersible
Offshore Marine Platform configured as a Barge for transiting and
operations on the ocean surface, transiting submerged below the
ocean surface, and hibernating on the ocean floor.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective and an upward looking view of the
Autonomous Submersible Offshore Marine Platform's Main Deck
Platform.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing and midship section drawing
showing the Autonomous Submersible Offshore Marine Platform's Main
Deck Platform.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a midship section showing the ASOMP configured as
a Barge with Struts in a folded position.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a midship section showing the ASOMP configured as
SWATH with struts in the extended position.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a view showing the primary components of the
connection between the Strut and Main Deck Platform.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the plurality of
connections between the ASOMP's Main Deck Platform, the Strut
portions and the Cross Structure.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows an outboard profile of the ASOMP configured
with an integral propulsion system.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows inboard profiles of the ASOMP configured with
one means of an integral propulsion system.
[0044] FIG. 12 shows one means for attachment of a UUV for ASOMP
Propulsion.
[0045] FIG. 13 is an inboard profile and stern elevation view
showing two UUV attached to the ASOMP for propulsion. A notional
UUV is also shown.
[0046] FIG. 14 Is a perspective view of the ASOMP showing Pressure
Vessels in the Main Deck Platform with a portion of the Pressure
Vessels having hatches allowing for storage of mission related
equipment such as unmanned vehicles.
[0047] FIG. 15 Shows a portion of the Pressure Vessels in the Main
Deck Platform with hatches allowing for storage of mission related
equipment such as unmanned vehicles.
[0048] FIG. 16 Is a perspective drawing showing Pressure Vessels in
the Main Deck Platform where a portion are for high pressure air
storage and a portion have hatches allowing for the storage of
mission related equipment. Also shown is an elevation bow view of
the Main Deck Platform showing the Air Storage Pressure Vessels and
the Pressure Vessels with hatches for storage of mission
equipment.
[0049] FIG. 17 Is a diagram showing elements of the ASOMP's
ballasting system used to submerge, hibernate, hover, surface, fold
and unfold the struts converting between SWATH and Barge modes of
operation, and adjust Main Deck Platform freeboard to accommodate
interfacing with other platforms and varying mission payloads.
[0050] FIGS. 18-24 show the ballasting operations that enables the
ASOMP to submerge in a controlled fashion from the ocean's surface
to the seafloor.
[0051] FIGS. 25-29 show the ballasting operations that enable the
ASOMP to convert between a Barge and a SWATH.
[0052] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the ASOMP with
additional payload Pressure Vessels installed onto the Main Deck
Platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] Referring now to the drawings in detail, Page 1 FIG. 1
illustrates an example of an Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore
Marine Platform (referred to as the ASOMP) 100, constructed in
accordance with the present invention that operates as both a
surface platform and submersible, with the ability to hibernate for
extended periods of time on the seafloor. The ASOMP 100 is
comprised of 4 major portions: [0054] a. A Lower Hull 110 portion
with at least two submerged pod shaped Lower Hulls 110 that provide
a substantial portion of the ASOMP's buoyancy. Said Lower Hulls 110
are of pressure vessel form able to withstand submergence
hydrostatic pressures. Tanks within said Lower Hulls provide a
ballast capacity sufficient to submerge and surface the ASOMP.
[0055] b. A Cross Structure portion 120 connecting said Lower
Hulls. Said Cross Structure 120 is a primary structural member
providing a structural arrangement that significantly reduces
hydrodynamic load created stresses of conventional SWATH vessels.
Additionally said Cross Structure 120 generates significant
hydrodynamic added mass and damping reducing ASOMP's seaway
motions. Control surfaces, of known form, can be appended to said
Cross Structure 120 for longitudinal and lateral directional
control. [0056] c. A Main Deck Platform portion 130 used to support
mission equipment and operations. A plurality of Pressure Vessels
131, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, that provide buoyancy and storage of
high pressure air, are a portion of said Main Deck Platform 130.
Said Pressure Vessels 131 provide buoyancy that is greater than the
Main Deck Platform's 130 weight which along with the Lower Hulls
110 ballasting capacity enables the ASOMP 100 to operate as both a
submersible, where the center of buoyancy must be located above the
center of gravity, and as a surface vessel where the center of
buoyancy is below the center of gravity. Additionally said Main
Deck Pressure Vessel 131 buoyancy along with said Lower Hull 110
ballast tanks are used to reconfigure between Barge and SWATH modes
of operation. FIGS. 2 and 3 show three views of the ASOMP 100 with
the major portions configured as a SWATH FIG. 2 and Barge FIG. 3.
Another portion of said Main Deck Platform 130 are Submergence
Control Tanks 132 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 that can be ballasted
using tank vents or deballasted using high pressure air stored in
said Pressure Vessels 131. Said Submergence Control Tanks 132, are
of a soft tank form that do not need to withstand the submergence
hydrostatic pressure and are used to submerge the ASOMP 100 from
the ocean's surface to the seafloor controlling decent rate, trim
and list. Another portion of said Main Deck Platform 130 is the
Operational Deck 135 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 which can be configured
to support various mission operations such as a VTOL flight deck or
a Roll on Roll off cargo deck. [0057] d. Struts with Upper Strut
150 and Lower Strut 140 portions that are pivotally connected to
each other, the Main Deck Platform 130 and the Lower Hulls 110 or
Cross Structure 120 are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9. The pivotally
connected Strut portions enable the ASOMP 100 to change between
Barge and SWATH operational modes by allowing the Main Deck
Platform 130 to be raised or lowered with respect to the Lower
Hulls 110. The pivotal Upper Strut 150 and Lower Strut 140 portions
are locked in position when extended (SWATH configuration) or when
folded (Barge configuration). Pivot Locks 171 are released to
enable changing between Barge and SWATH operational modes.
Extension and folding of said Struts with pivotal portions is
accomplished by ballasting or deballasting said Lower Hulls using
gas stored in the Main Deck Platform Pressure Vessels. The Struts
are designed to avoid requiring actuators to fold the Struts once
extended. To enable this, when the struts are in the extended
position the Pivots 161 connecting the Upper Strut 150 portion to
the Lower Strut 140 portion must be positioned to not go over
center which is defined as a line 190 in FIG. 7 between the Pivots
161 connecting the Upper Strut 150 portion to the Main Deck
Platform 130 and the Pivots 161 connecting the Lower Strut 140
portion to the Cross Structure 120 or Lower Hulls 110. Said Upper
Strut 150 and Lower Strut 140 portions function as buoyant
structures when the ASOMP 100 is operational on the sea surface as
a SWATH or Barge. When submerged the Upper Strut 150 and Lower
Strut 140 portions are vented allowing them to flood with sea water
removing hydrostatic pressure vessel requirements.
[0058] FIG. 10 is an outboard profile showing an Autonomous
fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP) 100 wherein
propulsion systems are integral to the ASOMP's Lower Hull 110
portions. When operating on the ocean's surface intake air and
exhaust gas are provided by a Snorkel 119 that extends above the
ocean's surface. A Propeller 112 is shown as a propulsor that
provides thrust for both surface and submerged operations.
[0059] FIG. 11 is an inboard profile showing one means of a
propulsion system where a Snorkel 119 provides surface intake air
from above the ocean's surface into the Lower Hull 110 and exhaust
gas from a Diesel Generator 114 to above the ocean's surface when
the ASOMP 100 is operating on the ocean's surface. AC power from
the diesel generator can directly drive the AC Propulsion Motor 113
and or be stored in Batteries 117 which provides the power for the
ASOMP's 100 submerged operations. Power conditioning for the
Batteries 117 is provided by an AC to DC Converter 115 and a DC to
AC Inverter 116.
[0060] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another means of providing propulsion
to transport the ASOMP 100 by using Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
(UUVs) 200. FIG. 12 shows Docking Tubes 270 attached to the ASOMP's
100 Cross Structure 120 as one means of connecting the UUVs 200. A
plurality of Inflatable Toroidal Capture Seals 271, positioned
internal to the Docking Tube 270, are used to secure the UUV 200.
FIG. 13, an inboard profile and stern view, shows UUVs 200
positioned and secured within the Docking Tubes 270 that are
attached to the Cross Structure 120 of the ASOMP 100. Other known
means could also be used to connect the UUVs 200 to the ASOMP's 100
structure. When operating on the ocean's surface the UUVs 200 are
powered by a diesel generator and electric propulsion motor
allowing an extensive range and endurance. Diesel intake and
exhaust air are provided by a Surface Piercing Snorkel 201. When
operating in a submerged mode below the ocean's surface the UUVs
200 electric drive motor is powered by batteries. The UUVs battery
power can be augmented by connecting to the ASOMP's electrical
system Battery 117. After transiting to an operational location,
the UUVs 200 are detached from the ASOMP 100 and return to their
operational base. The ASOMP 100 can then conduct surface operations
or be submerged to ocean floor depths of up to 1000 feet using the
autonomous ballasting system. All ASOMP 100 operational control
commands can be transmitted from a remote command center through a
secure communication link or through the ASOMP's organic autonomous
control system.
[0061] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show various views of an Autonomous
fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP) 100 and its Main
Deck Platform 130 wherein a portion of the Main Deck Platform 130
Pressure Vessels 131 are configured to store high pressure air for
ballasting operations and a portion of the Pressure Vessels 133 are
configured to contain deployable mission equipment. Pressure Vessel
Hatches 134 provide access for loading and deploying the mission
equipment. Mission equipment such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
UUVs can be deployed when the ASOMP is submerged, and Unmanned
Surface Vehicles USVs when the ASOMP is surfaced. FIG. 30 shows an
Autonomous fully-Submersible Offshore Marine Platform (ASOMP) 130
wherein Mission Modules 400 consisting of Pressure Vessels, Soft
Tanks or other equipment can be attached to the Operational Deck
135 of the Main Deck Platform 130. Mission Module Pressure Vessels
400 could be configured as habitability units to support manned
ASOMP 100 mission operations such as VTOL aircraft support or as
storage for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs and UAV payloads. A
portion of the Main Deck Pressure Vessels could also be configured
to provide diesel generator intake air or oxygen and store exhaust
gas for diesel-electric propulsion when in a full-submerged state
to augment the batteries and extend the ASOMP fully-submerged range
and fully-submerged operations endurance. Mission Modules 400 can
be attached to the Operational Deck 135 in the operational theater
or prior to the ASOMP's 100 deployment.
[0062] FIG. 17 is a diagram of the ASOMP's Ballasting Control
System 180 which is comprised of Air Filters 181, Bottom Tracking
Pressure Regulators 182, Motorized Ball Valves 183 that control air
flow distribution, Relief Valves 184, Pressure Transducers 185 and
Air Compressors 186. Air stored in the Pressure Vessels 131 is used
to deballast Lower Hull 110 Ballast Tanks 111 and Submergence
Control Tanks 132 eliminating the use of ballast pumps. By using
high pressure air stored in the Pressure Vessels 131 instead of
conventional pumps for deballasting operations the ASOMP can
submerge and resurface within minutes as opposed to multiple hours
required by conventional ballast pump based ballasting systems and
eliminate the pump electrical demands during submerged ballasting.
Air stored within the Pressure Vessels 131 must be of a pressure
significantly higher than the hydrostatic pressure of the ASOMP's
100 maximum operational depth. For example, an ASOMP 100 operating
to a 1000 ft. depth (444 psi hydrostatic pressure) would require
Pressure Vessel 131 air to be initially stored at approximately 800
psi or higher to enable the ASOMP's Lower Hull 110 Ballast Tanks
111 and Submergence Control Tanks 132 to be deballasted when at the
maximum 1000 ft. operational depth. Initial air storage pressure
and the Pressure Vessels' 131 volume determines the number of times
the ASOMP could submerge and surface before needing to recharge the
Pressure Vessels 131 with the Air Compressor 186. The Ballasting
Control System 180 autonomously controls the following ASOMP 100
operational functions: [0063] a. When transiting on the Ocean's
surface, when configured as a Barge or SWATH, the Ballasting
Control System 180 maintains the commanded draft, trim and list
compensating for changes in variable loads such as fuel burn and
for hydrodynamic forces including speed dependent sinkage and trim
forces and moments. [0064] b. When configured as a Barge and
transiting or hovering submerged below the Ocean's surface the
Ballasting Control System 180 maintains the commanded submergence
depth, trim and list. [0065] c. When configured as a Barge or SWATH
and conducting mission operations the Ballasting Control System 180
maintains the commanded draft, trim and list compensating for
changes in variable loads such as movement of roll on roll off
equipment, VTOL aircraft operations, launching and/or recovery of
UUVs and/or USVs from The Main Deck Platform 130 Pressure Vessels
133 and environmental loads including seaway currents and wind.
[0066] Submergence of the ASOMP 100 from the ocean's surface 300 to
the seafloor 200 is depicted in FIG. 18 thru FIG. 24. FIG. 18
depicts the ASOMP 100 configured as a Barge on the ocean's surface
300 with all ballast tanks void of water. FIG. 19 shows the
addition of water into Ballast Tanks 111 located in the Lower Hulls
110. When sufficient ballast is added to the Lower Hull 110 Ballast
Tanks 111 the vented Lower Strut 140 portions become submerged and
fill with sea water as shown in FIG. 20. As the Upper Strut 150
portions are also vented they fill with sea water and the ASOMP 100
continues to submerge until the Main Deck Platform 130 Pressure
Vessels 131 and Submergence Control Tanks 132 contact the ocean
surface 300 as shown in FIG. 21. Lower Hull Ballast Tanks 111
continue to be filled with ballast water increasing the ASOMP's
draft until the Main Deck Platform is almost submerged as shown in
FIG. 22. FIG. 23 shows the Submergence Control Tanks 132 being
ballasted to control the ASOMP's 100 decent to the seafloor. When
reaching the seafloor as shown in FIG. 24 the submergence Control
Tanks 132 and the Lower Hull Ballast Tanks 111 continue to be
filled with sea water increasing the ASOMP's weight enabling it to
maintain its location in a seaway current without the use of an
anchoring system. When commanded to surface the ASOMP 100
autonomous Ballasting Control System 180 essentially deballasts the
ASOMP 100 by reversing the ballasting sequence used to submerge the
ASOMP 100.
[0067] Changing the ASOMP's configuration from the Barge to SWATH
is also conducted by the autonomous Ballasting Control System 180
as depicted in FIG. 25 thru FIG. 29. FIG. 25 depicts the ASOMP 100
configured as a Barge on the ocean's surface 300 with all ballast
tanks void of water. FIG. 26 shows the addition of water into
Ballast Tanks 111 located in the Lower Hulls 110. When sufficient
ballast is added to the Lower Hull 110 Ballast Tanks 111 the vented
Lower Strut 140 portions become submerged and fill with sea water.
As the Upper Strut 150 portions are also vented they fill with sea
water and the ASOMP 100 continues to submerge until the Main Deck
Platform 130 Pressure Vessels 131 and Submergence Control Tanks 132
contact the ocean surface 300 as shown in FIG. 27. All Pivot Locks
171 shown in FIG. 6 are unlocked allowing the Lower Strut 140 and
Upper Strut 150 portions to unfold when additional ballast is added
to the Lower Hull Ballast Tanks 111 as shown in FIG. 28. When the
Lower Strut 140 and Upper Strut 150 portions are fully extended all
Pivot Locks 171 are engaged locking the Lower Strut 140 and Upper
Strut 150 portions in the SWATH configuration arrangement as shown
in FIG. 28. The Lower Hulls 110 Ballast Tanks 111 are then
deballasted raising the ASOMP 110 to the ocean's surface and
draining the Lower Strut 140 and Upper Strut 150 portions. After
the Lower Strut 140 and Upper Strut 150 valves are closed making
them buoyant portions the Lower Hulls 110 Ballast Tanks 111 are
then ballasted until the ocean surface waterline 300 is located at
the nominal SWATH waterline position between the Lower Strut 140
and Upper Strut 150 portions as shown in FIG. 29. When commanded to
convert from the SWATH to the Barge configuration the ASOMP 100
autonomous Ballasting Control System 180 uses a similar ballasting,
deballasting and Pivot Lock sequence.
* * * * *