GB2570911A

GB2570911A - Modular marine vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2570911A
Application number: GB1802157.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederic Armour Joseph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-09
Filing date: 2018-02-09
Publication date: 2019-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-09
Also published as: GB201802157D0; GB2570911B

Abstract

A modular marine vessel 10 comprising a plurality of identical modules 12 which are detachably inter-engaged and form a float structure that extends around a central upstanding mast 11, wherein at least one of the modules mounts a propulsion unit 14 and/or an electrical generator. Each module may comprise sides provided with complimentary engaging means that are detachably engaged with complimentary engaging means on adjacent modules. The engagement means may comprise superimposed collars which define mounts in which the propulsion units and/or generators are mounted. Each propulsion unit may comprise a propeller or thruster 16. The vessel may be steered by having means to provide changing the direction of propulsion of the/or each propulsion unit. The vessel may also have means which provide a varying degree of propulsion that can be applied to each propulsion unit. The electrical generator may comprise a wind turbine or solar cell 15 and have means to turn the solar cell according to the position of the sun. Each detachable module may also comprise individual propulsion units and generators, and have rechargeable batteries. The mast may comprise a base 18 detachably radially extending arms 19, and a housing that deploys an anchor (20, fig 2).

Description

MODULAR MARINE VESSEL

This invention relates to a modular marine vessel and more particularly, but not solely, to an unmanned modular marine vessel adapted to collect scientific and/or meteorological data.

It is well known to deploy buoys at sea for collecting scientific and/or meteorological data. However, the cost of deploying buoys is expensive, especially if the data only needs to be collected for a limited time period in any location. Another disadvantage of buoys is that they cannot be rapidly deployed and are difficult to repair at sea.

I have now devised a modular marine vessel which elevates the above-mentioned problem.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a modular marine vessel comprising a plurality of identical modules which are detachably inter-engaged to form a float structure which extends around a central upstanding mast, wherein at least one of the modules mounts a propulsion unit and at least one of the modules mounts an electrical generator.

In use, a modular marine vessel of the desired shape can be conveniently constructed using modules. The number of modules with propulsion units and/or electrical generators can be selected according to the intended use of the modular marine vessel. Also, the modular construction allows modules to be replaced or changed with ease.

Each module may comprise means for mounting a propulsion unit and/or an electrical generator.

Each module may comprise opposite sides respectively provided with complementary engaging means which are detachably engaged with the complementary engaging means of adjacent modules.

The complementary engaging means may define said mounting means when they are inter-engaged.

The complementary engaging means may comprise superimposed collars which define mounts in which the propulsion units and/or electrical generators are mounted.

The or each propulsion unit may comprise a propeller or thruster.

Means may be provided for changing the direction of propulsion of the or each propulsion unit, as so as to enable the modular marine vessel to be steered. Alternatively, the modular marine vessel can be steered by varying the degree of propulsion applied to respective propulsion units.

The or each electrical generator may be a wind turbine or solar cell. In the latter case, means may be provided for turning the solar cell according to the position of the sun, so as to optimise electrical generation throughout the day.

The modular marine vessel may comprise a plurality of detachable units, each comprising a propulsion unit and electrical generator.

Each unit may comprise a rechargeable battery.

The mast may comprise a base having radially-extending arms which detachably engage respective modules.

The base of the mast may comprise a housing in which a deployable anchor is housed.

The modular marine vessel may comprise a plurality of float devices detachably engaged with respective modules.

The mast may support an antenna, a radar reflector, a scientific sensing device and/or a meteorological sensing device.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is perspective exploded view of a body of modular marine vessel in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the modular marine vessel of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a modular marine vessel comprising a body portion 10 and an upstanding mast portion 11. In the example shown, the body portion 10 comprises eight identical elongate modules 12, which are connected end-to-end into a hexagonal shape. However, it will be appreciated that the shape could be varied by changing the number of modules 12.

Each module 12 comprises complementary engaging formations 13A, 13B at its respective opposite ends. The formation 13A comprises a single annular collar. The formation 13B comprises a pair of annular collars arranged axially in a stack with a gap therebetween. In use, one module 12 can be connected to another module 12 by inserting the collar formation 13A in between the pair of collar formations 13B of the adjacent module 12.

The base portion 10 further comprises a plurality of electrical generation and propulsion units 14, which seat in the apertures defined by the aligned collar formations 13A, 13B, thereby serving to prevent adjacent modules 12 from separating. Each electrical generation and propulsion unit 14 comprises a tubular side wall and an inclined upper end wall on which a solar cell 15 is mounted. A propulsion unit 16 extends downwardly from the lower end wall of each unit 14. A rechargeable battery may be disposed inside each unit 14. Each unit 14 is rotatable relative to the aligned collar formations 13A, 13B in which it is mounted. Rotation of the units 14 can be affected to direct the solar panels 15 towards the sun and/or to vary the direction of propulsion provided by the propulsion units 16. Floats 17 are detachably connected to each module 12.

The mast portion 11 comprises a hollow base 18 which defines a container in which a deployable sea anchor 20 is mounted. A plurality of arms 19 extend radially outwardly from the base 18 and detachably engage respective modules 12. A radar reflector 21 is provided at the upper end of the mast portion 11, which also acts as an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving data and remote control signals. Sensors (not shown) may be mounted on the mast portion 11 for collecting scientific and/or meteorological data.

A modular marine vessel in accordance with the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction and can easily be rapidly deployed to areas where data is to be collected.

Claims

1. A modular marine vessel comprising a plurality of identical modules which are detachably inter-engaged to form a float structure which extends around a central upstanding mast, wherein at least one of the modules mounts a propulsion unit and at least one of the modules mounts an electrical generator.

2. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 1, in which each module comprises means for mounting a propulsion unit and/or an electrical generator.

3. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which each module comprises opposite sides respectively provided with complementary engaging means which are detachably engaged with the complementary engaging means of adjacent modules.

4. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 3, in which the complementary engaging means define said mounting means when they are inter-engaged.

5. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 4, in which the complementary engaging means comprise superimposed collars which define mounts in which the propulsion units and/or electrical generators are mounted.

6. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each propulsion unit comprises a propeller or thruster.

7. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which means are provided for changing the direction of propulsion of the or each propulsion unit, as so as to enable the modular marine vessel to be steered.

8. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which means are provided for varying the degree of propulsion applied to respective propulsion units.

9. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each electrical generator is a wind turbine.

10. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each electrical generator is a solar cell.

11. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 10, in which means are provided for turning the solar cell according to the position of the sun.

12. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of detachable units, each comprising a propulsion unit and electrical generator.

13. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 12, in which each unit comprises a rechargeable battery.

14. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mast comprises a base having radially-extending arms which detachably engage respective modules.

15. A modular marine vessel as claimed in claim 14, in which the base of the mast comprises a housing in which a deployable anchor is housed.

16. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of float devices detachably engaged with respective modules.

17. A modular marine vessel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mast supports an antenna, a radar reflector, a scientific sensing device and/or a meteorological sensing device.