UNDERSEA AID MODULE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

An undersea aid delivery system for storing emergency supplies on a floor of a body of water is provided. The undersea aid delivery system can include a housing, a tethering system, a communication system, and buoyancy system. The housing can have an interior cavity for storing emergency supplies. The interior cavity can be accessible via an opening in the housing. The tethering system can be coupled to the housing. The tethering system can include an anchor for coupling the housing to the floor of the body of water and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the housing from the anchor. The communication system can be disposed adjacent the housing and can receive a signal to activate the release mechanism of the tethering system. The buoyancy system can be coupled to and disposed adjacent to the housing. The buoyancy system can control movement of the housing in the body of water.

Claims

1. An undersea aid delivery system for storing emergency supplies on a floor of a body of water, comprising: a housing having an interior cavity for storing emergency supplies, the interior cavity accessible via an opening; a tethering system coupled to the housing, the tethering system including an anchor for coupling the housing to the floor of the body of water and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the housing from the anchor; a communication system configured to receive a signal to activate the release mechanism of the tethering system; and a buoyancy system coupled to the housing and configured to control movement of the housing in the body of water.

2. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a door for accessing the interior cavity from an exterior of the housing.

3. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 2, wherein the door includes a water-tight seal to maintain integrity of the emergency supplies.

4. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an anti-fouling system having a cathodic protection system utilizing a sacrificial anode positioned on an exterior surface of the housing.

5. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an anti-trawl device having a curved fin positioned on an exterior of the housing.

6. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the communication system includes a receiver for detecting and processing an incoming signal.

7. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 6, wherein the receiver includes an acoustic receiver that operates underwater using sound waves for communication.

8. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the communication system includes a transponder for transmitting a response signal.

9. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 8, wherein the transponder includes an acoustic transponder for underwater communication.

10. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the communication system includes a recovery beacon disposed on the housing.

11. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 10, wherein the recovery beacon includes a light source for providing a visual signal upon surfacing and an audio source for providing an audible signal upon surfacing.

12. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, further including a pressure sensor disposed on the housing that detects when the housing has ascended from deep water pressure to surface conditions.

13. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the tethering system includes an anchor for securing the undersea aid delivery system to the floor of the body of water, and a tether for coupling the anchor to the release mechanism.

14. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the tethering system includes an orbital tethering module having a rotating gimble.

15. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the buoyancy system includes a ballast tank for adjusting depth of the housing.

16. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a power source to power the communication system and the buoyancy system.

17. The undersea aid delivery system of claim 1, wherein undersea aid delivery system is positioned at a predetermined distance relative to a surface of the body of water, the predetermined distance being approximately 200 meters below sea level.

18. An undersea aid delivery system for storing emergency supplies on a floor of a body of water, comprising: a housing having an interior cavity for storing emergency supplies, an opening for accessing the interior cavity, a water-tight door for sealing the opening, an anti-fouling coating disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, and an anti-trawl device disposed on the exterior surface of the housing; a communication system and having an acoustic receiver configured to receive an acoustic signal, an acoustic transponder for sending a system status, and a recovery beacon including an audio source for providing an audio signal and a light source for providing a light signal; a tethering system coupled to the housing and having an anchor for coupling the housing to the floor of the body of water, a release mechanism for selectively releasing the housing from the anchor and disposed adjacent to the housing, the release mechanism including a guillotine device release the housing from the anchor upon activation by the acoustic receiver, and a tether connecting the release mechanism to the anchor; a buoyancy control system coupled to the housing and configured to control movement of the housing in the body of water; a power source for powering the guillotine device, the acoustic receiver, the acoustic transponder, and the recovery beacon; and a load carrying point disposed on the housing and configured to facilitate recovery of the housing.

19. A method of providing emergency supplies to an isolated community, comprising: providing an undersea aid delivery system for storing emergency supplies on a floor of a body of water including a housing having an interior cavity for storing emergency supplies, the interior cavity accessible via an opening, a tethering system coupled to the housing, the tethering system including an anchor for coupling the housing to the floor of the body of water and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the housing from the anchor, a communication system configured to receive a signal to activate the release mechanism of the tethering system, and a buoyancy system coupled to the housing and configured to control movement of the housing in the body of water; and providing an acoustic activation signal at a receiver of the communication system, whereby the release mechanism separates the housing from the anchor, the housing ascends to a coastline using the buoyancy system, and the emergency supplies are provided to the isolated community.

20. The method of claim 19, further including a step of deploying the undersea aid delivery system at a predetermined distance relative to a surface of the body of water, the predetermined distance being approximately 200 meters below sea level.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an undersea aid delivery system;

[0019] FIG. 2A is an environmental view of the undersea aid delivery system deployed in a body of water;

[0020] FIG. 2B is an environmental view of the undersea aid delivery system deployed in the body of water during a natural disaster;

[0021] FIG. 2C is an environmental view of the undersea aid delivery system detaching after the natural disaster;

[0022] FIG. 2D is an environmental view of the undersea aid delivery system surfacing after the natural disaster;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic depicting the undersea aid delivery system;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic depicting aspects of a housing of the undersea aid delivery system;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting aspects of a communication system of the undersea aid delivery system;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic depicting aspects of a tethering system of the undersea aid delivery system;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic depicting aspects of a buoyancy system of the undersea aid delivery system; and

[0028] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a method of providing emergency supplies to an isolated community.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom.

[0030] Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. A and an as used herein indicate at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word about and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word substantially in describing the broadest scope of the technology. About when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by about and/or substantially is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then about and/or substantially as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0031] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0032] Although the open-ended term comprising, as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as consisting of or consisting essentially of. Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0033] Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of from A to B or from about A to about B is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0036] Spatially relative terms, such as inner, outer, beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

[0037] Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the example term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0038] The present technology improves disaster response logistics for isolated communities by providing an undersea aid delivery system that can reduce reliance on response infrastructure and can enable pre-positioned relief supplies to be rapidly deployed when supply chains are disrupted. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, an embodiment of an undersea aid delivery system 100 for storing emergency supplies 101 on a floor 103 of a body of water 105 is provided. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be deployed in littoral waters adjacent to an isolated island community, a remote coastal settlement, and other geographically constrained areas where disaster response logistics can face challenges due to damage sustained to a ports, an airfield, and/or roads during and after a disaster event such as a natural or manmade disaster. By pre-positioning emergency supplies on the ocean floor, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can provide an alternative delivery mechanism that can operate independently of infrastructure when disaster strikes. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can remain coupled to the floor of the body of water for an extended period of time. For example, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can be deployed underwater for about 3 years without maintenance, facilitating long-term readiness for disaster response activation.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can include a housing 102, a communication system 104, a tethering system 106, and a buoyancy system 108. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can operate by pre-positioning emergency supplies 101 on the ocean floor in the housing 102 that can remain anchored and dormant for extended periods. Where a disaster strikes, the communication system 104 can activate the tethering system 106 to release the housing 102 from the floor 103 of the water 105, allowing the buoyancy system 108 to carry the housing 102 and the emergency supplies 101 to the surface. Upon surfacing, the communication system 104 can emit signals to guide retrieval of the housing 102. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can drift towards shore where the community in need can access the emergency supplies 101 stored in the housing 102.

[0040] The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be configured for deployment at a predetermined distance 110 from the surface of the water in littoral waters, providing strategic positioning for effective disaster response while maintaining operational security. In certain embodiments, the predetermined distance can be approximately 200 meters below sea level, positioning the undersea aid delivery system 100 at an optimal depth that balances accessibility with protection from surface disturbances. Disposing the undersea aid delivery system 100 at the predetermined distance can ensure that the undersea aid delivery system 100, and particularly the housing 102, remains below typical storm surge effects while remaining within reasonable recovery range when the undersea aid delivery system 100 is activated and surfaces for retrieval.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the emergency supplies 101 can include supplies intended to address the immediate needs of a community during a disaster response. For example, the emergency supplies 101 can include food, medical supplies, clean water, and collapsible shelter. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can contain disaster relief supplies that can provide life-sustaining aid to a community should a land-based logistics system fail.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 102 can include an interior cavity 112 for storing the emergency supplies 101. The interior cavity 112 can be sized to maximize storage capacity while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for underwater deployment. In certain embodiments, the housing 102 can be substantially cuboid with a volume of approximate 2 m.sup.3, offering substantial storage volume for storing emergency supplies 101. A skilled artisan can select a suitable sized housing 102 and interior cavity 112 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The housing 102 can be formed from a rigid, robust, and waterproof material that can withstand various underwater pressure encountered during extended deployment periods. In certain embodiments, the housing 102 can withstand pressures up to approximately 330 psi at depths of approximately 200 meters in saltwater. The pressure resistance of the housing 102 can be via a water-tight seal of the housing 102 that can militate against water ingress while maintaining structural integrity under extreme pressure conditions. The waterproof material of the housing 102 can ensure that the emergency supplies remain dry and functional throughout the extended underwater storage period. The housing 102 can be formed from constructed from glass-fiber or steel, as an example. The housing 102 can also incorporate an internal T-shaped stiffener for enhanced structural support. A skilled artisan can select a suitable material and internal support structure for the housing 102 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] The housing 102 can include an anti-fouling system 116. The anti-fouling system 116 can militate against marine organism accumulation and sediment buildup on the exterior surface of the housing 102 during extended underwater deployment. Without the anti-fouling system 116, unwanted accumulation of marine organisms, biological materials, and sediments on the floor 103 can occur, which can ultimately compromise system functionality, increase hydrodynamic drag, obstruct communication components, and interfere with recovery operations. In certain embodiments, where the housing 102 is constructed from glass-fiber, the anti-fouling system 116 can be inherent through the smooth surface characteristics of the material and natural resistance to biological attachment. In another embodiment, the anti-fouling system 116 can include a cathodic protection system that can utilize one or more sacrificial anodes positioned on the exterior surface of the housing 102 to militate against corrosion and reduce biological accumulation. It should be appreciated that the anti-fouling system 116 can be configured for operation at the predetermined depth, where the undersea aid delivery system 100 can benefit from reduced biological fouling activity compared to shallower depths, while maintaining effectiveness throughout exposure to saltwater conditions. It should be appreciated that other components of the undersea aid delivery system 100, such as the communication system 104, the tethering system 106, and the buoyancy system 108 can include an anti-fouling system 116.

[0045] The undersea aid delivery system 100, and specifically, the housing 102 can include an anti-trawl device 118 to protect the undersea aid delivery system 100 from damage caused by fishing activities, particularly trawling and dredging operations.

[0046] Trawling can include the dragging of fishing nets through underwater areas, which can pose risks to tethered underwater equipment, such as the undersea aid delivery system 100 by potentially snagging, damaging, or displacing undersea aid delivery system 100 components.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the anti-trawl device 118 can include a curved fin positioned along an underside of the housing 102 that can deflect a trawling net around vulnerable components including the tethering system 106. In another embodiment, the anti-trawl device 118 can include rounded fins arranged in an array configuration that can provide protection while minimizing additional hydrodynamic drag on the teardrop-shaped housing. In certain embodiments, the anti-trawl device 118 can be integrated with the tethering system 106 to shield the tethering system 106 from potential fishing gear interference.

[0048] The housing 102 can include a door 114 for accessing the interior cavity 112 and the emergency supplies 101 contained therein from an exterior of the housing 102. The door 114 can include a water-tight seal to maintain the integrity of the emergency supplies 101. In certain embodiments, housing 102 can be configured with a clamshell configuration that opens on a hinge mechanism, providing broad access to the interior cavity 112. The clamshell configuration can allow the housing 102 to split along a longitudinal axis of the housing 102, creating two hinged sections that open to reveal the interior cavity 112 containing the emergency supplies 101. The clamshell configuration can facilitate rapid and complete retrieval of emergency supplies 101.

[0049] The communication system 104 can provide signaling and monitoring capabilities for the undersea aid delivery system 100 and can enable the undersea aid delivery system 100 to operate effectively throughout deployment. The communication system 104 can be disposed adjacent to the 102 housing and, in certain embodiments, the communication system 104 can be disposed within the housing 102 to provide protection from the marine environment while maintaining operational functionality. The communication system 104 can include a receiver 120, a transponder 122, and a recovery beacon 124.

[0050] The receiver 120 can detect and process incoming signals to enable remote activation and monitoring of the undersea aid delivery system 100. For example, the receiver 120 can detect and process a signal from a user on land activating the undersea aid delivery system 100. The receiver 120 functions by capturing a transmitted signal, converting the transmitted signal into a usable electrical signal, and triggering the appropriate systems, such as the tethering system 106 and the buoyancy system 108, to activate a response based on the received signal. The receiver 120 can enable remote communication with the undersea aid delivery system 100 while remaining anchored on the ocean floor 103, allowing for undersea aid delivery system 100 status monitoring and activation when disaster response is needed.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the receiver 120 can include an acoustic receiver that operates underwater using sound waves for communication. The acoustic receiver 120 can function in an underwater environment where radio frequency signals have limited range and optical transmissions can be similarly constrained. The acoustic receiver 120 can detect a passive, low-power acoustic signal that can trigger the tethering system 106, allowing the housing 102 to ascend to the surface. Other non-limiting examples of the receiver 120 that can be used by the communication system 104 include a radio frequency receiver for surface communication once the housing 102 has surfaced, an optical receiver for short-range underwater communication in clear water conditions, or a hybrid receiver system that can operate across multiple communication protocols depending on the operational environment and mission requirements.

[0052] The transponder 122 can transmit a response signal back to the sender once a signal is received by the receiver 120. The transponder 122 can provide system status monitoring and location tracking while the undersea aid delivery system 100 remains deployed on the ocean floor 103. The transponder 122 can function as part of the communication system 104, working in conjunction with other components to enable remote monitoring and control of the undersea aid delivery system 100. When interrogated by an external signal, the transponder 122 can respond with information about the operational status, location, and system health of the undersea aid delivery system 100, allowing an operator to maintain awareness of the condition of the undersea aid delivery system 100 during the deployment period.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the transponder 122 can include an acoustic transponder for underwater communication. The acoustic transponder can be well-suited for underwater applications because acoustic signals can provide an effective means of long-range underwater communication. The acoustic transponder 122 can operate by transmitting acoustic signals through the water column. In a particular embodiment, the acoustic transponder 122 can operate in frequency ranges between about 10-300 kHz and can include a T/R40 acoustic transducer for reliable underwater communication, for example. A skilled artisan can select a suitable acoustic transponder 122 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Other non-limiting examples of transponder 122 configurations can include a multi-frequency acoustic transponder that can operate across different frequency bands to optimize communication range and reliability under varying underwater conditions. The transponder 122 can be configured as a hybrid transponder that combines acoustic communication capabilities with other sensing functions, such as pressure monitoring or a location awareness system. The transponder 122 can include a low-power transponder for extended operational periods, incorporating intermittent operation modes to conserve battery life during the deployment period of the undersea aid delivery system 100.

[0055] The communication system 104 can include the recovery beacon 124. The recovery beacon 124 can be disposed on the housing 102, particularly on the exterior surface of the housing 102. The recovery beacon 124 can facilitate identification and recovery of the undersea aid delivery system 100 once the undersea aid delivery system 100 surfaces. In certain embodiments, the recovery beacon 124 can include light source 126. The light source 126 can provide a visual signal upon surfacing to aid in the location and recovery of the housing 102. The light source 126 can act as a visual alert particularly during nighttime conditions, low visibility weather, or when the housing 102 has drifted to areas where visual identification would otherwise be challenging. For example, the light source 126 can include a strobe light for nighttime recovery and visibility. The light source 126 can detect when to provide illumination through activation of a pressure sensor 128 disposed on the housing 102 that detects when the housing 102 has ascended from deep water pressure to surface conditions, triggering the light source 126. The pressure-activated system can facilitate that the light source 126 only operates when the housing 102 reaches the surface, conserving power during the underwater storage period and militating against premature activation while the housing 102 remains anchored to the ocean floor. As an example, the light source 126 can include a strobe light for nighttime recovery and visibility, a flash beacon system, a high-visibility flash beacon, a flag flash system as part of combined beacon configurations, a water-activated light, a recovery beacon light, and combinations thereof.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the recovery beacon 124 can include an audio source 130. The audio source 130 can provide an audible signal or noise upon surfacing to aid in the location and recovery of the housing 102. In certain embodiments, the audio source 130 can include an acoustic alert system that helps the rescue team and/or isolated community identify the location of the surfaced housing 102 through sound, particularly in conditions where visual identification may be difficult such as during nighttime, poor weather, or when the housing 102 has drifted to areas with limited visibility. Examples of the audio source 130 can include a recovery beacon sound system, an audible signal generator, a siren-type device, and combinations thereof, that can produce distinctive sound patterns to distinguish the housing 102 from other maritime sounds. The audio source 130 can know when to provide audio through activation by the pressure sensor 128 that detects when the housing 102 has ascended from deep water pressure to surface conditions, triggering the audio source 130 along with other recovery means. As described herein, the pressure-activated system can ensure that the audio source 130 only operates when the housing 102 reaches the surface, conserving power during the extended underwater storage period and militating against premature activation while the housing 102 remains anchored to the ocean floor.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 6, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can include the tethering system 106. In operation, the tethering system 106 can maintain the position of the undersea aid delivery system 100 during deployment and can enable controlled release when needed. The tethering system 106 can be coupled to the housing 102 and can provide a mechanical connection and release mechanism necessary for operation of the undersea aid delivery system 100. The tethering system 106 can include an anchor 132 for securing the undersea aid delivery system 100 to the floor of the ocean and a release mechanism 134 for selectively releasing the housing 102 from the anchor 132 upon activation.

[0058] The anchor 132 can work by penetrating the seafloor sediments or using gravitational force to maintain a position. In certain embodiments, the anchor 132 can withstand lateral drag forces. As an example, the anchor 132 can be configured to withstand lateral drag forces of about 58.5 Newtons. The anchor 132 can be sized and shaped to anchor to the ocean floor sediments of gravel, sand, and clay, with the operational environment including plateau/ridge gravel, seamount sand, and high/medium shelf clay areas. The anchor 132 can include a drop gravity suction anchor having an umbrella-style deployable arm for post-penetration deployment and a self-correcting projectile with a dense ball mechanism that can adjust the trajectory of the anchor 132 during descent to ensure optimal emplacement.

[0059] The tethering system 106 can include a tether 136 for coupling the anchor 132 to the release mechanism 134. In certain embodiments, the tether 136 can be rated to withstand about 58.5 Newtons of lateral drag forces, ensuring the tether 136 can resist ocean currents and wave action during the deployment period. The tether 136 can be constructed from high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber, as an example, which can provide a high strength-to-weight ratios compared to other tethering materials. A skilled artisan can select a suitable material for the tether 136 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] The release mechanism 134 can be disposed on the tether 136 adjacent the housing 102. The release mechanism 134 can enable controlled release of the housing 102 from the ocean floor to the surface when activated. In certain embodiments, the release mechanism 134 can include a dual-activation system, incorporating both acoustic signal reception and automated response capability that allows for remote triggering when the emergency supplies 101 are needed. The release mechanism 134 can utilize a burn-wire system 138, where the attachment between the tether 136 and the anchor 132 includes a wire 140 loop passing through a ring 142 on the housing 102 and terminating at a clamp 143. Where the receiver 120 detects the release signal, the receiver 120 can activate the burn-wire system 138 causing the wire 140 to separate and allowing the housing 102 to ascend to the surface via the buoyancy system 108. The release mechanism 134 can also include a guillotine device 144 that can work in conjunction with the receiver 120 and burn-wire system 138 to ensure reliable separation from the anchor 132, allowing the housing 102 to utilize the buoyancy system 108 to reach the surface.

[0061] The tethering system 106 can further include a passive motion compensator 146 that can help manage the dynamic forces acting on the tether 136 due to underwater currents and wave action. In this way, the passive motion compensator 146 can militate against failure of the tethering system 106 from excessive tension forces during wave action. The passive motion compensator 146 can work by slowing and elongating the application of wave-tension upon the tether 136, utilizing a densely coiled spring or piston to absorb and distribute the dynamic forces created by ocean currents and surface wave activity. The passive motion compensator 146 can aid in protecting the integrity of the tether 136 over the deployment period by reducing the routine compression and elongation stress that could otherwise weaken or damage the tether 136 generally and at the connection point between the anchor 132, the release mechanism 134, and the tether 136.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the tethering system 106 can include an orbital tethering module 148. The orbital tethering module 148 can reduce shearing at the connection point between the anchor 132, the release mechanism 134, and the tether 136 via either a rotating gimble 150, a tapered connection housing 152, or combinations thereof. The orbital tethering module 148 can cause orbital movement of the housing 102 without creating excessive shear stress on the connection points between the anchor 132, the release mechanism 134, and the tether 136, which helps militate against weakening and potential failure of the tether 136 that could occur from routine lateral movement over an anchor point during wave action. The orbital tethering module 148 works by enabling the tether 136 to move in an orbital pattern around the connection point to the anchor 132 rather than creating a fixed connection that would be subject to constant stress and wear from ocean currents and wave-induced motion.

[0063] Turning now to FIG. 7, the buoyancy system 108 can be disposed within or adjacent to the housing 102 and can have adjustable buoyancy capabilities. The buoyancy system 108 can enable the housing 102 to ascend to the surface of the water where the release mechanism 134 of the communication system 104 has received a signal and the tethering system 106 has been activated. The buoyancy system 108 can include a ballast tank 154, a weight-adjustment mechanism 156, a pump 158, and a one-way valve 160.

[0064] The ballast tank 154 can adjust the depth of the housing 102 depth adjustment. The tank functions as the central component that houses water to control the module's overall density and buoyancy characteristics. The ballast tank 154 works by containing variable amounts of water that can be adjusted to change the weight, and therefore, the depth and buoyancy state of the housing 102, allowing the housing 102 to maintain position at operational depths or ascend when needed. The ballast tank 154 can work with the weight-adjustment mechanism 156 controlled modification of the buoyancy by managing water intake and expulsion. The ballast tank 154 and the weight-adjustment mechanism 156 work in conjunction to precisely control how much water enters or exits the buoyancy system 108, thereby adjusting the position of the housing 102. The water adjustment capability of the weight-adjustment mechanism 156 enables the buoyancy system 108 to maintain neutral buoyancy during the storage period and positive buoyancy during ascent operations.

[0065] The pump 158 can facilitate movement of water in and out of the ballast tank 154. The pump 158 can work as a component of the weight-adjustment mechanism 156 to physically move water through the buoyancy system 108, working with the ballast tank 154 and weight-adjustment mechanism 156 to achieve the desired buoyancy changes. The pump 158 can operation to either fill the ballast tank 154 with water to increase weight and maintain depth, or to expel water to reduce weight and enable ascent. The pressure sensor 128 can work in conjunction with the ballast tank 154 and pump 158 to monitor depth conditions and provide feedback for optimal buoyancy control operation. As described herein, the pressure sensor 128 can continuously monitor the external water pressure to determine the current depth of the water 105. The pressure sensor 128 can enable the buoyancy system 108 to make appropriate adjustments and can serve to activate other systems, such as the recovery beacon 124, when the housing 102 reaches surface conditions. The weight-adjustment mechanism 156 can include the one-way valve 160 to regulate water flow and maintain proper pressure differentials within the ballast tank 154. The one-way valve 160 ensures that water movement occurs in a controlled and directional manner, militating against unwanted backflow and maintaining system integrity. The one-way valve 160 can work with the pump 158 and ballast tank 154 to ensure that buoyancy adjustments occur effectively throughout the operational cycle.

[0066] The buoyancy system 108 can operate automatically upon activation of the release mechanism 134, ensuring that the transition from anchored to ascending occurs reliably without requiring external intervention. The buoyancy system 108 can account for the changing weight distribution as the housing 102 transitions from an anchored state to a free-floating state after release from the tethering system 106, which can include compensation for the loss of anchor 132 weight and any changes in a center of gravity of the housing 102 that occurs when the connection between the housing 102 and the anchor 132 is severed.

[0067] The undersea aid delivery system 100 can also include a power source 162. The power source 162 can include multiple power sources configured to power the receiver 120, the transponder 122, the recovery beacon 124, and the guillotine device 144 throughout the operational cycle of the undersea aid delivery system 100. The power source 162 can include a dual power supply including long duration and short duration power sources to meet the varying power requirements of different components of the undersea aid delivery system 100. The long duration power source can provide continuous low-power operation for monitoring and communication functions during the deployment period, while the short duration power source can provide higher power output for activation function such as the guillotine device 144 and recovery beacon 124 when the communication system 104, the tethering system 106, and the buoyancy system 108 are triggered for ascent and recovery. The power source 162 can operate reliably in the underwater environment during the deployment period.

[0068] It should be appreciated that, to assist with retrieval of the housing 102, the housing 102 can include a load carrying point 164. The load carrying point 164 can facilitate recovery of the housing 102 by providing secure attachment points for lifting, towing, or manual handling operations. The load carrying point 164 can enable recovery personnel or an isolated community to retrieve and transport the housing 102 once the housing 102 surfaces and drifts towards shore. The load carrying point 164 can be strategically positioned on the housing 102 to provide balanced lifting capabilities and can accommodate various recovery methods depending on the equipment and personnel at the recovery location. For example, the load carrying point 164 can include a handle, a loop, a tow point, a depression, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the housing 102 can include more than one load carrying point 164 to facilitate retrieval oof the housing 102.

[0069] The present disclosure provides a method 200 of using the undersea aid delivery system 100, shown generally in FIG. 8. The method 200 can include a step 202 of providing the undersea aid delivery system 100, as described herein. In a step 204, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can be deployed at the predetermined distance 110 from the surface onto the floor 103 of the water 105. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be anchored to the floor 103 of the water 105 using the anchor 132 in a step 206. In a step 208, the method can include providing an acoustic activation signal to the receiver 120 of the communication system 104, whereby the release mechanism 134 can separate the housing 102 from the anchor 132, the housing 102 can ascend to the coastline using the buoyancy system 108, and the emergency supplies 101 can be provided to the isolated community.

EXAMPLES

[0070] The following examples demonstrate embodiments of the present disclosure in use. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives, and variations of the example can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Example 1: Caribbean Island Hurricane Response

[0071] The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be deployed in littoral waters adjacent to an isolated Caribbean island community that is frequently impacted by tropical cyclones. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be strategically positioned at a predetermined distance 110 of approximately 200 meters below sea level in areas containing sand, gravel, or clay sediments surrounding vulnerable islands, taking advantage of the relative protection the undersea sites afford during hurricane conditions. The housing 102 containing emergency supplies 101 can remain anchored and dormant for extended periods of up to three years without maintenance, providing long-term readiness for disaster response activation in hurricane-prone regions.

[0072] When a major hurricane approaches the Caribbean region, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can provide disaster response capabilities as traditional infrastructure becomes compromised. The communication system 104 can receive an acoustic activation signal from emergency response coordinators when the hurricane strikes and damages the ports and airfields, and roads of island, triggering the tethering system 106 to release the housing 102 from the floor 103 of the water 105. The release mechanism 134 utilizing the burn-wire system 138 can separate the housing 102 from the anchor 132, allowing the buoyancy system 108 to carry the housing 102 containing emergency supplies 101 to the surface.

[0073] Once the housing 102 surfaces, the recovery beacon 124 can emit audible and visual signals to guide retrieval, with the light source 126 providing strobe illumination for nighttime recovery and the audio source 130 generating distinctive sound patterns to help rescue teams locate the module. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can drift towards the hurricane-damaged coastline where isolated communities can access critical food, water, medical supplies, and collapsible shelter materials stored within the interior cavity 112 of the housing 102.

[0074] The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be valuable in Caribbean hurricane scenarios because the undersea aid delivery system 100 can operate independently of the damaged infrastructure that hampers disaster response efforts. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can provide immediate access to life-sustaining supplies while the supply chain remains disrupted, offering an alternative delivery mechanism that capitalizes on the proximity of the island to littoral waters and reduces reliance on fragile conventional logistics systems that are easily compromised during severe weather events.

Example 2: Pacific Island Earthquake and Tsunami Response

[0075] The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be strategically positioned near remote Pacific island settlements that face significant earthquake and tsunami risks due to location along active seismic zones. The undersea aid delivery system 100 can be deployed at the predetermined distance 110 of approximately 200 meters below sea level, positioning the undersea aid delivery system 100 at an optimal depth that balances accessibility with protection from surface disturbances including powerful tsunami wave action. The housing 102 constructed from glass-fiber to withstand underwater pressure while maintaining structural integrity under extreme underwater conditions.

[0076] Following a major earthquake that triggers infrastructure collapse and generates destructive tsunami waves, the undersea aid delivery system 100 can provide rapid disaster response when logistics systems fail. An emergency response team can activate the communication system 104 through acoustic signals transmitted by the receiver 120, which can detect and process the passive, low-power acoustic signal that triggers the tethering system 106. The release mechanism 134 can separate the housing 102 from the anchor 132 through the guillotine device 144 working in conjunction with the burn-wire system 138, ensuring reliable separation from the ocean floor anchoring point.

[0077] The buoyancy system 108 can enable controlled ascent of the housing 102 to the surface through the coordinated operation of the ballast tank 154, pump 158, and weight-adjustment mechanism 156, which manage water intake and expulsion to achieve positive buoyancy. As the housing 102 ascends and reaches surface conditions, the pressure sensor 128 can trigger the recovery beacon 124 systems, including both the light source 126 for visual identification and the audio source 130 for audible location signals, facilitating recovery operations in the post-disaster environment.

[0078] The housing 102 can drift toward shore where isolated coastal communities affected by the earthquake and tsunami can recover the emergency supplies 101 through the door 114. The deployment can be particularly valuable when the seismic event destroys ports, collapses airfields, and renders transportation infrastructure unusable, as the undersea aid delivery system 100 can operate independently of the damaged facilities. The anti-fouling system 116 and anti-trawl device 118 can ensure the system remains functional throughout the extended three-year deployment period, providing reliable disaster preparedness for Pacific island communities that may experience infrequent but devastating seismic events.

[0079] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.