Key information

Title: Combined Power and Data Cable with Integrated Wireless Charging and Communication Points for Subsea Infrastructure
Application number: 20250322
Case type: National
Status: 25.03.2025 Første realitetsuttalelse foreligger
Filed: 25.03.2025
Divided from: 20250183
Effective date: 18.02.2025
Publicly available: 19.08.2026
Next annual fee due: 28.02.2027
Applicant: VESPER AS (NO)
Inventor: ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN (NO)

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

A subsea power and data transfer system employs a backbone cable for distributing electrical power and data signals. Spaced along the cable are multiple male connector assemblies (pucks) each featuring an inductive coil, a wireless data transceiver, and a magnetic/ mechanical alignment mechanism. Complementary female connectors mounted on underwater equipment (e.g., AUVs, diver tools, sensors) allow secure attachment, inductive charging, and data communication without exposed conductive connections. The system reduces risk of corrosion, biofouling, or mechanical connector failure in subsea environments, while enabling real-time broadband data exchange and contactless power delivery for extended autonomous operations.

Publications

Checking availability of the latest published version...

Documents

Expand

Download files (10)

Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
18.01.2026	03-03	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	NIPO Response 20250322	VESPER AS
18.01.2026	03-02	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Application_amended_with_claims_vFinal	VESPER AS
18.01.2026	03-01	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	VESPER AS
24.10.2025	02-02	Saksbehandling	20250322	UT	PT report 01:48:27
24.10.2025	02-01	Saksbehandling	20250322	UT	Substantive examination	VESPER AS
25.03.2025	01-05	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Project SPINE	ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN
25.03.2025	01-04	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Project SPINE	ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN
25.03.2025	01-03	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Project SPINE	ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN
25.03.2025	01-02	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	erklaering_rett_oppfinnelsenb	ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN
25.03.2025	01-01	Saksbehandling	20250322	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

(Title:)

Combined Power and Data Cable with Integrated Wireless Charging and Communication Points for Subsea Infrastructure

*Cross reference to Norwegian patent application 20250183 System and Method for Detection, Early Warning, and Precise Localization of Threats or Damage to Subsea Infrastructure, Claims: 13,14. This paper has priority.

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates generally to underwater or subsea power and data transfer systems. More particularly, it pertains to a combined subsea cable infrastructure system that provides:

1. Power distribution (AC and/or DC),

2. Data communication,

3. Wireless charging capability, and

4. Wireless data transfer interface

5. Docking solution

for a variety of underwater applications and devices, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater sensors, submarines, diver equipment, or other submerged apparatus and offshore equipment.

2. Background of the Invention:

Operators of undersea equipment, such as AUVs, ROVs, sensors, and other underwater devices, face continual challenges in powering and communicating with these systems.

Traditional subsea cables may deliver power or fiber-optic data paths, but physical metallic connectors are prone to failure from corrosion, sediment intrusion, and marine organism fouling. Furthermore, mechanical docking or plugging operations in the harsh subsea environment increase risk of damage and system downtime.

Recharging, data retrieval and programming of AUV´s and subsea sensors by resurfacing the unit, often by manned vessels, is both time consuming, expensive and inefficient.

The need across many existing and emerging subsea industries for solutions that improve autonomy is clearly expressed. As is the need for flexible sensorized solutions in surveillance and monitoring of subsea infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines and subsea power and communication cables.

To overcome these challenges, various methods of wireless power and data transfer have been proposed. Inductive or resonant charging systems provide a means to deliver power without direct electrical contact, and certain high-frequency or broadband wireless protocols can enable data exchange. However, efficiently integrating these technologies into a single subsea cable “backbone” that allows multiple access points for docking or attaching devices has not been fully addressed.

The present invention aims to provide a reliable and robust cable-based infrastructure for both power and data distribution, with connection points that offer:

o Wireless power transfer using inductive or resonant coupling,

o Wireless data transfer through an appropriate high-frequency or radio-frequency channel (e.g., Wi-Fi, acoustic, or specialized electromagnetic systems),

o Magnetic or mechanical alignment to ensure simple and secure docking,

o Resistance to the hostile subsea environment, including depths, currents, marine growth and debris.

3. Summary of the Invention:

The present invention provides a subsea wireless charging and data communication system consisting of a power and data transmission backbone cable, universal connection points for wireless power and data transfer, and compatible male and female connectors that enable easy, secure attachment of various underwater devices.

The system enables:

1. Continuous wireless power transfer for AUVs, sensors, submarines, and other subsea equipment.

2. High-bandwidth, secure data communication in subsea environments.

3. A durable, non-corrosive, and easily maintainable connection system.

System Components:

1. Backbone Cable:

o Contains power supply lines capable of delivering AC, DC, or both.

o Incorporates high-speed data transmission channels using suitable technologies such as Ethernet, CAN bus, or fiber optics.

o Optionally integrated with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology for realtime monitoring.

2. Male Connector (“Puck”):

o Integrated at fixed intervals along the backbone cable or at necessary locations. o Enclosed in a watertight, depth-rated housing with potted electronics.

o Features an induction charging coil for wireless power transfer.

o Wireless data communication module (Wi-Fi or other suitable protocol for underwater use).

o Permanent or controllable electromagnet for a secure and flexible connection to the female counterpart.

o Circular puck geometry ensures multi-directional alignment, even in strong currents. o Optional edge or ridge at the bottom for additional mechanical connection security.

3. Female Connector (“Slot”):

o Cylindrical receptacle counterpart to the male puck, incorporating the same power and data transmission capabilities.

o Integrated in or attached to the underwater device (e.g., on an AUV, diver tool, sensor package, or submarine hull).

o Slightly oversized to facilitate easy docking and allow water egress, preventing hydrolock and increasing biofouling resistance.

o Equipped with either a permanent or controllable electromagnet for reliable alignment, connection and retention.

o Optionally features a claw mechanism to engage ridge on puck for additional security in turbulent or high-current environments.

4. Brief Description of the Drawings:

o Figure 1: A schematic of the backbone cable with spaced-apart male connection pucks. -Page X

o Figure 2: A cross-sectional view of a male puck connector showing the inductive charging coil, data transceiver, and magnet. -Page X

o Figure 3: A cross-sectional view of the complementary female connector mounted on an underwater device. -Page X

o Figure 4: An example docking sequence, illustrating alignment, magnet engagement, and wireless data/power transfer. -Page X

*Drawings are not included in preliminary draft, but will be added to final application.

5. Detailed Description of Embodiments:

I. Backbone Cable Structure

o Power Conductors: One or more conductors arranged to carry AC or DC voltage sufficient to power devices or recharge batteries. An optional shield or insulation layer may be used to protect from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

o Data Lines: May include twisted pairs (for Ethernet or CANBus), fiber-optic strands, or other suitable data-transmission media. The invention does not limit the choice of data protocol.

o Environmental Protection: The cable jacket may consist of polyurethane, polypropylene, or other marine-rated elastomeric material. It should be rated for the depth and hydrostatic pressure in the intended environment.

o Spaced along this cable are Connection Node Assemblies (male “pucks”). Each puck is molded, clamped, or otherwise attached through a watertight junction to prevent cable damage or water intrusion.

II. Male “Puck” Connector

1. Inductive Coupling Coil: An induction coil or resonant circuit capable of delivering power wirelessly when paired with a corresponding coil in the female connector. This coil may support both continuous power transfer (for stationary or moored devices) or on-demand charging (for battery-powered AUVs, diver gear, or sensors).

2. Data Transceiver: A short-range wireless link. Various frequencies could be used— some embodiments employ electromagnetic wave transmissions (in or near the Wi-Fi range), acoustic modems, or specialized waveguides for underwater data transfer. Antenna design, frequency selection, or acoustic transducer type can be adapted to the environment.

3. Magnetic / Mechanical Alignment:

• A permanent magnet or an electromagnet is integrated to pull or hold the female connector into proper alignment for optimal coil coupling.

• An optional mechanical ridge or latching ring can further secure the female connector.

4. Electronics Module: Embedded or potted control circuitry to handle power regulation (rectifiers, voltage regulators, charge controllers) and data functions (authentication, encryption, data routing).

5. Anti-Fouling Options: An optional heating coil or chemical release mechanism to minimize marine growth on critical surfaces. (dual use of existing charge coil for heating may be feasible)

III. Female “Slot” Connector

This component is typically installed on the underwater device

(e.g., an AUV hull or sensor node).

1. Corresponding Inductive Coil: Matches the male coil’s geometry/frequency to ensure efficient coupling. The coil is also potted or encased for subsea use.

2. Data Transceiver: Communicates wirelessly with the puck’s transceiver. Includes necessary antennas or transducer components.

3. Magnetic / Mechanical Interface:

• If magnets are used in the puck, the female side may use ferromagnetic or magnetized surfaces to lock onto the puck. Alternatively, one or both sides can have electromagnets.

• Mechanical latching or clamping mechanisms (e.g., a claw) may supplement or replace magnetic holding force in high-current conditions.

4. Controller Circuitry: Coordinates handshake protocols for wireless charging (e.g., controlling resonant frequency, regulating power flow, preventing overcharge) and data authentication.

IV. Operational Method

1. Cable Deployment: The backbone cable is laid or secured in a desired subsea installation (e.g., along the seafloor, attached to subsea structures, or suspended in any orientation). Pucks are placed at intervals suited to the operational area where vehicles or devices will dock.

2. Docking: When a subsea device needs power/data, it maneuvers to one of the puck locations. In the presence of currents or tides, the magnetic or mechanical capture draws the device into alignment.

3. Power Transfer: Once aligned, the inductive coils commence power transfer.

Charging or powering can be continuous or on an as-needed basis.

4. Data Exchange: A short-range wireless link (e.g., Wi-Fi-like protocol, acoustic, or electromagnetic waves) automatically negotiates with the device. This secure, highbandwidth channel can upload operational data (e.g., sensor logs) to the backbone or download new mission parameters from a control center onshore or on a vessel.

5. Undocking: If an electromagnet is used, the system can de-energize the magnet to release. For permanent magnets, the AUV or device may apply mechanical or forcebased methods to disengage. Mechanical latches, if present, can be actively released via hydraulic or electric actuators.

V. Advantages

o Increased Autonomy: Enables endless autonomy for AUV´s as they can remain at operational depth indefinitely, recharging, transmitting and receiving data without ever surfacing

o Sensor Agnostic Monitoring and Surveillance Backbone: Any kind of sensor can be easily attached at any point, supplied with constant power and real-time two-way broadband communication.

o Infrastructure Enabler: Provides a complete modular infrastructure for attaching and powering sensors, tools, and other subsea devices as needed.

o Corrosion and Fouling Resistance: No exposed metallic contacts to corrode or degrade in saltwater, reducing the risk of mechanical failure, seawater shorts and data interrupts or distortion.

o Flexible Deployment: The cable can be scaled to any length; multiple pucks can serve multiple devices. Horizontal orientation on seafloor or suspended from vessels or infrastructure. Fixed in place or mobile for mission-type applications.

o Reduced Maintenance: Wireless interfaces avoid delicate wet-mate connectors. o Security: High attenuation of certain RF signals in seawater naturally limits eavesdropping range, offering security benefits and enhancing operational security by minimizing the risk of data and communication intercepts and being inherently resistant to jamming or other disruptive efforts.

o Simplifies Maneuvering: Puck-Slot interface with round geometry and magnet guiding make docking maneuvers easier, as approach and connection procedures can be initiated and completed from any angle, even in turbulent water and strong tidal currents.

o Damage Resistance: If equipment is dislodged by accident while connected by magnetic force, no damage will result to the equipment or connectors.

o Secure Docking: Provides a secure docking station for subsea vehicles, keeping them fully charged, online and mission-ready at all times.

o Subsea Communication: Allows real-time broadband communication between divers, tools, equipment and mission control. Also enables loitering submarines to access broadband communication points on the seafloor, avoiding the risk of exposing their positions by radio transmissions or surfacing.

VI. Potential Applications

o Unlimited Autonomy for any AUV operations.

o Environmental monitoring: Deployment of subsea sensors for real-time data collection.

o Offshore Oil and Gas: Continuous monitoring and power supply for underwater infrastructure.

o Scientific research: Powering and communicating with deep-sea research equipment.

o Sensor networks – real time high-speed data, unlimited power supply and interchangeable sensor setup.

o Search And Rescue: Extended mission capabilities for underwater drones and divers.

o Continuous AUV patrol activity on Submarine Cables and Oil/Gas Pipelines. o Pipeline protection and surveillance systems.

o Seafloor Mining Operations: Enabling infrastructure for extended operations. o Aquaculture submersible technology: Umbilical free operations.

o Sensored fiberoptic communication lines and seafloor Power Cables.

o Fixed and deployable military sensor networks. (Power and Data)

o Surveillance Sensors (Power and Data)

o Harbor Security Systems infrastructure.

o Oil Spill Mitigation: technology backbone – power and control.

o Navy AUV´s, pre-positioned or loitering, charging and data.

o Secure Submarine Communications without surfacing or compromising radio silence.

o Secure Navy Diver Communication Points. (umbilical free)

o Deployable mobile subsea infrastructure (mission based)

o Autonomous and manned surface vessels can access and connect to charging infrastructure and secure non-radio data transfer by lowering a female connector onto a cable.

o Offshore diver´s tools recharge point and data exchange point (umbilical free) o Spool mounted on ship or barge for mobile deployment of infrastructure for AUV and sensors

o Sensors, tools and equipment can be connected to the wireless interface by an extender cable for permanent power supply and data, extending possible mission times and network reach

o AUV swarm receptacle and storage

Claims

6. Claims:

The following claims define a range of possible embodiments and features.

1. An underwater power and data transfer system comprising:

a. A subsea backbone cable carrying at least one power conductor and at least one data conductor;

b. A plurality of male connector assemblies (pucks) attached along said subsea backbone cable at spaced intervals, each male connector assembly including:

i) An inductive charging coil configured to transfer power wirelessly;

ii) A wireless data communication module configured to transmit and receive data; iii) A protective enclosure adapted to withstand underwater pressure and prevent water ingress; and

iv) A magnetic and/or mechanical alignment mechanism adapted to align with a corresponding female connector;

c. A female connector assembly, installed on an underwater device, comprising a complementary inductive charging coil, a wireless data communication module, and a retention system adapted to engage with said alignment mechanism of the male connector;

whereby, upon alignment of the male connector and the female connector, wireless power transfer and data communication are established underwater without the need for direct physical metallic contact.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said magnetic alignment mechanism comprises at least one permanent magnet in one connector assembly and a ferromagnetic element in the other connector assembly.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said magnetic alignment mechanism comprises at least one electromagnet that is selectively powered to provide docking or release forces.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heating coil or anti-fouling element on at least one connector assembly to remove or prevent marine growth at or around the inductive charging interface.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said wireless data communication module comprises a high-frequency electromagnetic transceiver configured for broadband data exchange over short distances in seawater.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical claw or latch disposed on the female connector assembly to engage a rim or edge on the male connector assembly for increased holding force in high-current or turbulent conditions.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the connector assemblies includes an embedded control circuit that automatically activates wireless power transfer and data functions upon detecting proximity of the complementary connector.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the subsea backbone cable further includes fiber-optic lines for broadband data communication, with each male connector assembly tapping into said fiber-optic lines through an integrated transceiver system.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable jacket and connector enclosures are composed of a wear-resistant material selected from the group consisting of PTFE, ceramic, polyurethane, and rubber compounds, to withstand biofouling, abrasion, and high-pressure underwater conditions.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein alternative puck/slot geometries are utilized for special connection requirements, including but not limited to cone-shaped or spherical connectors.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power management module that dynamically adjusts the power transfer frequency or power level based on the receiving device’s charging requirements, battery level, or operational mode.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the male connector (puck) incorporates a low frequency electromagnetic signal emitter to facilitate RF navigation and puck homing.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the male connector (puck) incorporates a source of light (i.e. LED) to facilitate Optical navigation and puck homing.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the male connector (puck) incorporates an acoustic signal emitter to facilitate navigation and puck homing.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the female connector is a standalone add-on unit for retrofitting to existing equipment or AUV´s

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the male connector is a standalone add-on unit for retrofitting or integration to existing cables, umbilcals and infrastructure that carry data transmissions and/or electrical power.

17. A method of underwater docking and data transfer using the system of claim 1, comprising:

a. Deploying the subsea backbone cable with multiple male connector assemblies at predetermined intervals;

b. Guiding an underwater device equipped with a female connector assembly towards one of said male connectors;

c. Allowing magnetic or mechanical forces to draw the female connector into alignment with the male connector;

d. Establishing wireless power transfer between the inductive coils; and

e. Executing wireless data communication through the wireless data communication module while maintaining underwater alignment and environmental sealing.

18. The system and method above, in configuration on land for ground use.

19. The system and method above, configured above ground, in air suspension for use by aerial drones and uav´s.

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

H02J 50/00

H02J 50/10

H02J 50/90

H01Q 1/04

H02J 7/00

CPC classes

H02J 50/005

H02J 50/10

H02J 50/90

H01Q 1/04

H02J 7/00034

Citations

CN 118156892 A (A)

US 2018006506 A1 (A1)

WO 2010124165 A1 (A1)

CN 107154681 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Applicants

VESPER AS

Ekornveien 7B

1444 DRØBAK

NO (FROGN Municipality, Akershus county)

Org. number: 934376587

Inventors

ALEXANDER M RAFAELSEN

Glosliveien 14

1443 DRØBAK

NO (FROGN Municipality, Akershus county)

Agent

No agent

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

No oppositions or appeals

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries found

Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

Combined Power and Data Cable with Integrated Wireless Charging and Communication Points for Subsea...