An unmanned aerial vehicle type plume absorption purification device based on deep sea mining operations

Abstract

This invention relates to the fields of underwater drones, plume suction and purification technology, specifically to a drone-type plume absorption and purification device for deep-sea mining operations. It includes a guide vane structure capable of outputting jets in multiple directions to generate reverse thrust and maintain the stability of the base structure. The plume suction conveying structure has a pump inlet and a pump outlet at both ends of its suction path. The plume filtration structure includes a multi-stage filter screen section and a filter cotton core section connected sequentially. The input end of the multi-stage filter screen section is connected to the pump outlet end of the plume suction conveying structure, and the sediment outlet end of the multi-stage filter screen section is connected to a sediment bottom discharge pipeline, while the water outlet end of the filter cotton core section is connected to a filtered water pipeline. This invention solves the technical problem in the prior art where improving the mining and travel structure alone is insufficient to suppress the diffusion of sediment plumes caused by deep-sea mining processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of underwater drones, plume extraction and purification technology, and specifically to a drone-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, deep-sea mineral resource exploration and development has gradually become a hot research topic of great importance in the mining industry. The current mainstream deep-sea mining approach still follows the technology and process of onshore mining, that is, modifying onshore mining vehicles to be suitable for underwater use, such as underwater tracked ore collecting machines.

[0003] With technological improvements and innovations, various sectors have increased their research and development efforts in deep-sea mining technology, and through repeated improvements and testing, underwater unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has been developed. The application of underwater UAV technology has improved the efficiency, operability, and adaptability of deep-sea mining systems, but certain limitations still exist.

[0004] Current underwater drone applications generally focus on underwater cameras, underwater grippers, and underwater data collection as their core functions. In response to the plume diffusion problem generated during deep-sea mining, some devices aim to directly reduce plume diffusion by improving mining and travel methods. However, due to the influence of terrain, geology, and water flow conditions during actual mining operations, plume diffusion problems are still inevitable downstream (behind) the mining area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device for deep-sea mining operations, which solves the technical problem that existing technologies are not very effective in suppressing plume diffusion caused by bottom sediment diffusion during deep-sea mining by improving the mining and travel architecture.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations, comprising:

[0007] Basic frame structure;

[0008] The duct propeller structure is assembled on the base frame structure, and the duct propeller structure can output jets in multiple directions and generate reverse thrust to maintain the stability of the base frame structure.

[0009] The plume suction conveying structure is assembled on the foundation frame structure, and the suction power end of the plume suction conveying structure is provided with a pump inlet end and a pump outlet end at both ends of its suction passage, and the pump inlet end and the pump outlet end are connected together.

[0010] The feather filtration structure includes a multi-stage filter screen section and a filter cotton core section connected in sequence;

[0011] The input end of the multi-stage filter screen is connected to the pump outlet end of the feather suction conveying structure, and the sediment outlet end of the multi-stage filter screen is connected to a sediment bottom discharge pipeline, while the water outlet end of the filter cotton core is connected to a filtered water pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, the duct paddle structure is provided in several groups, and all groups of the duct paddle structure are facing away from the base frame structure and are inclined at a 45-degree angle.

[0013] Furthermore, the foundation frame structure includes a foundation frame body, and each set of duct propeller structures includes a directional jet duct, a duct propeller hub, and duct propeller blades; several sets of directional jet ducts are respectively assembled at different positions on the upper part of the foundation frame body, and the jet direction of several sets of directional jet ducts is opposite to the foundation frame body and is inclined at a 45-degree angle towards different directions; the duct propeller hub is flexibly assembled inside the directional jet duct, and several duct propeller blades are assembled on the outer wall of the duct propeller hub. The buoyancy generated by the rotation of the duct propeller blades, combined with the directional jet action of the directional jet duct, keeps the foundation frame body stable underwater.

[0014] Furthermore, the duct propeller structure also includes a buoyancy control component, which is assembled inside the main body of the foundation frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations also includes a positioning vision structure, a positioning navigation structure, and a plume blocking structure. The plume blocking structure includes a plume monitor, which, in conjunction with the positioning vision structure, detects the diffusion range and concentration of the plume. The positioning navigation structure is used to represent the distribution range, location, and distance information of the diffused plume.

[0016] Furthermore, the plume blocking structure also includes a diffusion obstruction assembly, which includes a curtain receiving chamber, a curtain take-up and release chain, and an obstruction curtain. The curtain receiving chamber is assembled at the front side of the main body of the base frame. The curtain take-up and release chain is wound around an electrically controlled take-up and release roller shaft inside the curtain receiving chamber. The obstruction curtain extends and is fixedly connected to the curtain take-up and release chain, and when the obstruction curtain is released, the obstruction curtain is located at the lower front side of the main body of the base frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the UAV-based plume absorption and purification device for deep-sea mining operations is characterized by further including a plume air resistance structure, wherein the plume air resistance structure includes an air pump and an air pipe connected to the output end of the air pump; the output end of the air pipe extends and is fitted to the side of the two sets of curtain retraction chains, and the airflow output by the air pipe is directed towards the front of the flow-blocking curtain.

[0018] Furthermore, the plume suction conveying structure includes a suction pump drive motor, a volute pump casing, a shaft seal seat, a pump body impeller, and suction blades; the base of the suction pump drive motor is assembled inside the main body of the base frame; the volute pump casing is assembled inside the main body of the base frame, and the volute pump casing is respectively connected to the pump inlet end and the pump outlet end; the pump inlet end faces the front side of the main body of the base frame, and the pump outlet end extends to the top of the main body of the base frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the plume blocking structure also includes a flocculant delivery assembly; the flocculant delivery assembly includes a flocculant delivery pipe and a flocculant docking part; the flocculant delivery assembly is assembled on the main body of the foundation frame; the flocculant docking part is connected to the other end of the flocculant delivery assembly, and the flocculant docking part is connected to the pump suction outlet end.

[0020] Furthermore, the drone-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations also includes a sand-filtering structure, which includes a brush head drive assembly and a sand-filtering brush head. The base of the brush head drive assembly is mounted on the main body of the base frame. The sand-filtering brush head is connected to the kinetic energy output end of the brush head drive assembly, and the running displacement path of the sand-filtering brush head corresponds to the extension surface of the multi-stage filter screen.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. The device can use the basic frame structure as the assembly basis for the overall architecture. At the same time, it can use the electronic control structure in conjunction with the positioning vision structure, positioning navigation structure and duct propeller structure to form a remote electronically controlled underwater drone architecture. In addition, it can effectively push and collect the seabed sediment diffusion plume in front by means of the plume blocking structure, and actively absorb the collected diffusion plume by means of the plume squeegee and guide structure. Then, the actively adsorbed diffusion plume can be conducted to the plume filtration structure and the sand removal structure to achieve plume purification and sand separation.

[0023] 2. This drone-based plume absorption and purification device is equipped with plume diffusion suppression equipment, plume suction equipment, and plume purification and discharge equipment. It can automatically capture, locate, suppress, suction, purify, and transport plume diffusion. Compared with the traditional approach of reducing plume diffusion by improving the operation and movement of mining vehicles, the drone-based plume absorption and purification device has significant advantages in suppressing and treating plumes, such as low environmental pollution, high efficiency, convenient operation, high degree of automation, and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view of the overall structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a side view and a front view schematic diagram of the duct propeller structure in the UAV-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial front and side view schematic diagram of the plume suction and conveying structure in the UAV-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the plume suction and conveying structure in the unmanned aerial vehicle-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, corresponding to the position of the pump inlet end.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operational assembly structure of the plume filtration structure and the sand brushing structure in the drone-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the overall side view of the drone-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention after the addition of an extended pump suction component.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a top view of the overall structure of the drone-type plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention after adding an extended pump suction component.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Basic frame structure; 11. Main body of the basic frame; 12. Mooring hook frame; 2. Positioning vision structure; 21. Underwater camera assembly; 22. Underwater lighting assembly; 3. Positioning and navigation structure; 31. Positioning and navigation instrument; 32. Pressure and depth sensor; 33. Rangefinder; 4. Plume blocking structure; 41. Plume monitor; 42. Diffusion obstruction assembly; 421. Curtain containment chamber; 422. Curtain retraction chain; 423. Obstruction curtain fabric; 43. Flocculant delivery assembly; 431. Flocculant delivery pipe; 432. Flocculant docking section; 5. Plume filtration structure; 51. Multi-stage filter screen section; 52. Filter cotton core section; 53. Sedimentation grid plate; 54. Sedimentation funnel; 55. Sediment bottom discharge pipeline; 56. Filtered water pipeline; 7. Low-voltage switch; 6. Flow suction conveying structure; 61. Flow suction pump drive motor; 62. Volute pump casing; 63. Shaft seal seat; 64. Pump body impeller; 65. Flow suction blades; 66. Pump suction inlet end; 661. Electric telescopic rod frame; 662. Hinge shaft; 663. Filter screen; 664. Extended pump suction assembly; 67. Pump suction outlet end; 68. Sealing secondary blades; 69. Weight removal block; 7. Guide tube paddle structure; 71. Directional jet guide tube; 72. Guide tube paddle hub; 73. Guide tube paddle blades; 74. Buoyancy control assembly; 8. Sand removal structure; 81. Brush head drive assembly; 82. Sand removal brush head; 83. Distance sensor; 9. Electrical control structure; 91. Mobile power supply; 92. Water temperature sensor; 93. Fiber optic cable socket. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device for deep-sea mining operations, including a basic frame structure 1, a positioning vision structure 2, a positioning navigation structure 3, a plume blocking structure 4, a plume filtering structure 5, a plume suction and conveying structure 6, a guide tube propeller structure 7, a filter sand brushing structure 8, and an electronic control structure 9. The basic frame structure 1 serves as the assembly base for the overall architecture. At the same time, the electronic control structure 9, in conjunction with the positioning vision structure 2, the positioning navigation structure 3, and the guide tube propeller structure 7, can effectively form a remotely controlled underwater UAV architecture. In addition, the plume blocking structure 4 can effectively push and collect the diffused plume of seabed sediment in front, and the plume suction and conveying structure 6 can actively absorb the collected diffused plume. The actively adsorbed diffused plume can then be further conducted to the plume filtering structure 5 and the filter sand brushing structure 8 to achieve plume purification and filter sand separation. This drone-based plume absorption and purification device is equipped with plume diffusion suppression equipment, plume suction equipment, and plume purification and discharge equipment. It can automatically capture, locate, suppress, suction, purify, and transport plume diffusion. Compared to the traditional approach of reducing plume diffusion by improving the operation and movement of mining vehicles, this drone-based plume absorption and purification device offers significant advantages in plume suppression and treatment, including less environmental pollution, higher efficiency, easier operation, higher automation, and lower cost, thus enhancing its practicality. Specific settings are as follows:

[0042] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The foundation frame structure 1 includes a foundation frame body 11 and a cable tie frame 12 fixedly mounted on the foundation frame body 11, so as to effectively use the foundation frame body 11 as the installation foundation of the overall structure, and to use the cable tie frame 12 as the positioning foundation of optical cables, electrical cables and ropes.

[0043] During the above operation, due to the weight of components such as the plume suction and conveying structure 6 and the UAV itself, the UAV experiences a huge downward force. Therefore, the duct propeller structure 7 was designed to balance the overall weight.

[0044] For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The duct paddle structure 7 is provided in several groups, and the several groups of the duct paddle structure 7 are all fixedly assembled on the upper part of the base frame structure 1, and the several groups of the duct paddle structure 7 are all facing away from the base frame structure 1 and are inclined at a 45-degree angle.

[0045] For more specific details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 4Each set of the duct propeller structure 7 includes a directional jet duct 71, a duct propeller hub 72, and duct propeller blades 73. Several sets of directional jet ducts 71 are fixedly mounted at different positions on the upper part of the base frame body 11, and the jet direction of these directional jet ducts 71 is opposite to the base frame body 11 and is inclined at a 45-degree angle towards different directions. The duct propeller hub 72 is flexibly mounted inside the directional jet duct 71, and several duct propeller blades 73 are fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the duct propeller hub 72. This utilizes the buoyancy generated by the rotation of the duct propeller blades 73 in conjunction with the directional jet action of the directional jet ducts 71 to effectively stabilize the base frame body 11 underwater. Simultaneously, the 45-degree inclination of the duct propeller blades 73 effectively prevents the jet generated by the directional jet ducts 71 from disturbing the seabed, thereby avoiding the spread of bottom sediment, reducing damage to the underwater environment, and improving overall functionality and practicality.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the duct propeller structure 7 further includes a buoyancy control component 74, which is fixedly installed inside the base frame body 11. The buoyancy control component 74 may adopt, but is not limited to, a controllable inflatable buoyancy structure, in order to further balance the overall weight of the device, the suction force of the plume squeegee transport structure 6, and the jet impact force on the plume blocking structure 4 in the application state through the buoyancy control component 74 in conjunction with the duct propeller structure 7, thereby improving the operational stability of the device.

[0047] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 The positioning vision structure 2 includes an underwater camera component 21 and an underwater lighting component 22; the positioning navigation structure 3 includes a positioning navigator 31, a pressure and depth sensor 32, and a rangefinder 33; and the plume blocking structure 4 includes a plume monitor 41. Several sets of the underwater camera component 21 and the underwater lighting component 22 are provided, and these sets are respectively fixedly and intermittently mounted at the front and bottom of the base frame body 11. The positioning navigator 31 is fixedly mounted at the top of the base frame body 11; the pressure and depth sensor 32 and the rangefinder 33 are respectively fixedly mounted at the bottom of the base frame body 11. This allows the plume monitor 41, in conjunction with the positioning vision structure 2, to effectively detect the plume's diffusion range and concentration, and simultaneously, the positioning navigation structure 3 can further indicate the distribution range, location, and distance of the mining operation's diffused plume.

[0048] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 and Figure 2The plume blocking structure 4 further includes a diffusion obstruction component 42, which includes a curtain receiving chamber 421, a curtain take-up chain 422, and an obstruction curtain 423. The curtain receiving chamber 421 is fixedly mounted on the front side of the base frame body 11. The curtain take-up chain 422 is wound around an electrically controlled take-up roller inside the curtain receiving chamber 421. The obstruction curtain 423 extends and is fixedly mounted on the curtain take-up chain 422. When the obstruction curtain 423 is released, it is positioned at the lower front side of the base frame body 11, thereby effectively pushing and collecting the diffused plume of seabed sediment in front of it.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device further includes a plume air resistance structure. The plume air resistance structure includes an air pump and an air pipe connected to the output end of the air pump. The output end of the air pipe extends to the side of the two sets of curtain retraction chains 422, and the airflow output by the air pipe is directed towards the front of the flow-blocking curtain 423. This is to use the airflow output by the plume air resistance structure to push back the water overflowing to both sides when the flow-blocking curtain 423 is moving, thereby further improving the plume convergence in front of the flow-blocking curtain 423.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6The plume suction conveying structure 6 includes a suction pump drive motor 61, a volute pump casing 62, a shaft seal seat 63, a pump body impeller 64, and suction blades 65. The base of the suction pump drive motor 61 is fixedly mounted inside the base frame body 11, and the volute pump casing 62 is also fixedly mounted inside the base frame body 11. The volute pump casing 62 is connected to both a pump inlet end 66 and a pump outlet end 67. The pump inlet end 66 faces the front of the base frame body 11, and the pump outlet end 67 extends to the top of the base frame body 11. The pump inlet end 66 serves as the pump suction end for diffusing the plume, while the pump outlet end 67 effectively connects to the plume blocking structure 4 and the plume filtration structure 5 to achieve plume purification and sand separation. The suction pump drive motor 61... The output shaft passes through and extends into the interior of the volute pump housing 62. The shaft seal 63 is fixedly and enclosedly mounted on the exterior of the volute pump housing 62, and the shaft seal 63 is correspondingly fitted and surrounded by a sealing ring on the outer side of the output shaft of the sluice pump drive motor 61, thereby effectively improving the sealing performance of the volute pump housing 62 at the shaft connection position. The pump body impeller 64 is rotatably mounted inside the volute pump housing 62, and six sets of sluice blades 65 are evenly fixedly mounted on one side wall of the pump body impeller 64. The output shaft of the sluice pump drive motor 61 corresponding to the inside of the volute pump housing 62 is connected to the rotating shaft of the pump body impeller 64 through a transmission and fixed assembly, so that the sluice pump drive motor 61 drives the pump body impeller 64 to effectively form a sluice suction and guiding effect from inside the volute pump housing 62 for pushing, converging and diffusing the plume.

[0051] The front side of the pump inlet end 66 also has an electrically telescopic rod frame 661, a hinge shaft portion 662, and a filter screen 663. Specifically, the top two ends of the pump inlet end 66 are respectively connected to one end of the two sets of electrically telescopic rod frames 661 via a hinge shaft portion 662. The other ends of the two sets of electrically telescopic rod frames 661 are respectively connected to the top two ends of the filter screen 663 via the hinge shaft portion 662. The bottom rod of the filter screen 663 is connected to the bottom of the pump inlet end 66 via the hinge shaft portion 662. The components are connected by a transition assembly; the plume monitor 41 is fixedly mounted on the top side rod of the filter screen 663, and the flow-blocking curtain 423 extends correspondingly below the bottom side of the pump inlet end 66; this arrangement effectively provides a foldable filter screen 663 at the pump inlet end 66, avoiding the accidental collection of excessively large pieces such as broken ore. At the same time, the electric telescopic rod 661 and the hinge shaft 662 allow for flexible adjustment of the outer extension length, angle, and extension area of ​​the filter screen 663, effectively improving the structural adaptability and practicality.

[0052] As another preferred embodiment, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The suction blades 65 are configured in a three-dimensional twisted shape to increase the suction effect while improving efficiency and head pressure.

[0053] As another preferred embodiment, a plurality of sealing secondary blades 68 are uniformly fixed to the other side wall of the pump body impeller 64, so that the sealing secondary blades 68 can be used as back blades to rotate coaxially with the suction blades 65. Thus, when the suction plume of the suction blades 65 flows to the sealing secondary blades 68, the pressure generated by the rotation of the sealing secondary blades 68 can effectively balance the axial force and play a certain shaft sealing role.

[0054] As another preferred embodiment, a weight-removing block 69 is built into and fixed on one side of the pump body impeller 64. The weight-removing block 69 is used to effectively prevent the impeller 64 of the scissor pump from vibrating unbalancedly during rotation, thereby helping to improve the service life of the plume scissor pumping structure 6.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 7 The plume blocking structure 4 further includes a flocculant delivery assembly 43, which includes a flocculant delivery pipe 431 and a flocculant docking part 432. The flocculant delivery assembly 43 is fixedly mounted on the base frame body 11 and is used to connect to a flocculant container through one end of the flocculant delivery assembly 43. The flocculant docking part 432 is connected to the other end of the flocculant delivery assembly 43 and is also connected to the pump suction outlet 67. This allows the flocculant continuously input through the flocculant docking part 432 to cause flocculation in the plume output from the pump suction outlet 67, forming large flocculent particles as much as possible.

[0056] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 7The plume filtration structure 5 includes a multi-stage filter screen section 51, a filter cotton core section 52, a sedimentation grid plate 53, a sedimentation funnel 54, a sediment bottom discharge pipe 55, and a filtered water pipe 56, all fixedly mounted on the base frame body 11. The input end of the multi-stage filter screen section 51 is connected to the flocculant docking part 432, allowing the flocculated plume to be further guided to the multi-stage filter screen section 51 for multi-stage filtration. The filter cotton core section 52 is a PP cotton filter assembly, and its input end is connected to the output end of the multi-stage filter screen section 51, allowing the plume filtered by the multi-stage filter screen section 51 to be further filtered. The filter cotton core 52 is used to filter out small or residual mud, making the filtered plume cleaner. The sedimentation grid 53 is located below the multi-stage filter screen 51, and the inlet end of the sedimentation funnel 54 is located below the sedimentation grid 53. One end of the sediment bottom discharge pipe 55 is connected to the outlet end of the sedimentation funnel 54, and the other end of the sediment bottom discharge pipe 55 extends to the rear lower side of the base frame body 11, so as to discharge the filtered sediment from the bottom to the seabed. One end of the filtered water pipe 56 is connected to the output end of the filter cotton core 52, so as to discharge the water after the plume has filtered out the sediment to the outside.

[0057] Low-pressure switches 57 are installed in the pipelines between the multi-stage filter screen section 51 and the filter cotton core section 52, the sediment bottom discharge pipeline 55, and the filtered water pipeline 56. These low-pressure switches 57 are used to make the plume filtration more thorough and to make the deposited sediment easier to discharge.

[0058] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 7 The sand removal structure 8 includes a brush head drive assembly 81, a sand removal brush head 82, and a distance sensor 83. The base of the brush head drive assembly 81 is fixedly mounted on the base frame body 11. The sand removal brush head 82 is connected to the kinetic energy output end of the brush head drive assembly 81 via a transmission assembly. The running displacement path of the sand removal brush head 82 corresponds to the extension surface of the multi-stage filter screen section 51, allowing the brush head 82 to periodically scrape away accumulated sand from the multi-stage filter screen section 51. The distance sensor 83 is fixedly mounted on the sedimentation grid plate 53, enabling real-time monitoring of the forward and backward movement of the sand removal brush head 82 to prevent excessive displacement.

[0059] The electrical control structure 9 includes a mobile power supply 91, a water temperature sensor 92, and an optical cable socket 93. The mobile power supply 91 is built-in and fixedly mounted on one side of the base frame body 11 to balance the overall weight of the device, ensuring that the center of gravity of the entire device is closer to the center, thereby enhancing the stability of the UAV device during operation. The water temperature sensor 92 is fixedly mounted on the top of the base frame body 11 to effectively monitor the underwater ambient temperature in real time. The optical cable socket 93 is fixedly mounted on one side of the base frame body 11 to connect to a gravity-free cable and optical fiber. It can also be used to further extend the gravity-free cable, optical fiber, and self-floating cable to the surface equipment after positioning with the help of the mooring bracket 12.

[0060] It should be noted that the mobile power supply 91 is also electrically connected to a control module, which is built-in and fixedly mounted on the base frame body 11. The control module can be, but is not limited to, an AT80C51 microcontroller control board or an STM32 microcontroller. The underwater camera component 21 in the positioning vision structure 2, the positioning navigator 31, pressure and depth sensor 32, and rangefinder 33 in the positioning navigation structure 3, the plume monitor 41 in the plume blocking structure 4, the distance sensor 83 in the sand filtering structure 8, and the water temperature sensor 92 in the electronic control structure 9 are respectively connected to… The control input terminals of the control module are connected by circuits, and the control output terminals of the control module are respectively connected by circuits to the underwater lighting component 22 in the positioning vision structure 2, the diffusion obstruction component 42 and flocculant delivery component 43 in the plume blocking structure 4, the sluice pump drive motor 61 and electric telescopic rod 661 in the plume sluice conveying structure 6, the duct propeller hub 72 and buoyancy control component 74 in the duct propeller structure 7, and the brush head drive component 81 in the sand filtering structure 8, so as to effectively realize automated seabed mining operations with the help of the control module and its related electrical connection equipment.

[0061] This invention also provides a method for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification based on deep-sea mining operations, specifically including the following steps:

[0062] The control base frame structure 1 uses the positioning vision structure 2, positioning navigation structure 3 and plume monitoring instrument 41 in the plume blocking structure 4 to locate and track the plume flow, and activates the diffusion obstruction component 42 in the plume blocking structure 4 to push and collect the seabed sediment diffusion plume located in front of the base frame structure 1.

[0063] Continue to control the extension of the electric telescopic rod 661 corresponding to the pump inlet end 66 in the plume suction and conveying structure 6, so that the filter screen 663 corresponding to the pump inlet end 66 is extended.

[0064] Further control starts the suction pump drive motor 61 in the plume suction and conveying structure 6. Through the suction and conveying effect formed by the plume suction and conveying structure 6, the plume that is pushed and collected is conveyed from the pump inlet end 66 to the pump outlet end 67. The flocculant docking part 432 in the plume blocking structure 4 continuously inputs flocculant, causing the plume output from the pump outlet end 67 to flocculate, so that the plume forms large flocculent particles.

[0065] The flocculated plume is then further guided to the multi-stage filter screen section 51 in the plume filter structure 5 through the flocculant docking section 432. The filtration and interception function of the multi-stage filter screen section 51 is used to filter out the mud and sand in the flocculated plume. The brush head drive assembly 81 and the distance sensor 83 in the sand removal structure 8 are used to control the sand removal brush head 82 to rotate up and down at regular intervals to clean the multi-stage filter screen section 51. The filtered mud and sand are discharged into the sand settling funnel 54 through the sand settling grid plate 53. Then, the mud and sand inside the sand settling funnel 54 are automatically discharged to the back of the working area of ​​the foundation frame structure 1 through the low-pressure switch 57 and the mud and sand bottom discharge pipeline 55.

[0066] After being filtered by the multi-stage filter screen section 51, the plume further passes through the filter cotton core section 52. With the help of the strong water permeability and filtration performance of the filter cotton core section 52, tiny or residual mud impurities in the plume are further filtered out. The low-pressure switch 57 located in the filtered water pipe 56 ensures that the plume is fully filtered in the filter cotton core section 52. After the water pressure increases and opens the low-pressure switch 57 located in the filtered water pipe 56, the water after the silt is removed is discharged into the undisturbed seawater through the filtered water pipe 56.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] In Example 2, the same symbols are used for the same structures as in Example 1, and the same descriptions are omitted. Example 2 is an improvement on Example 1. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pump inlet 66 is also equipped with an extended pump suction assembly 664, which includes several extended pipes and suction heads that are respectively connected to the extended pipes. The extended pipes are configured as flexible pipes and / or rigid pipes, so that the suction heads can be positioned on the outer periphery of the base frame body 11 after flexible extension, or directly corresponding to a specific position of the base frame body 11 after rigid extension, thereby achieving a wider range of plume absorption and significantly improving the targeted efficiency and applicability of local plume absorption.

[0069] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone-based plume absorption and purification device for deep-sea mining operations, characterized in that, include: Basic frame structure (1); The duct propeller structure (7) is assembled on the base frame structure (1), and the duct propeller structure (7) can output jets in multiple directions and form reverse thrust to maintain the stability of the base frame structure (1). A plume suction conveying structure (6) is assembled on a base frame structure (1), and the suction power end of the plume suction conveying structure (6) is provided with a pump inlet end (66) and a pump outlet end (67) at both ends of its suction passage, and the pump inlet end (66) and the pump outlet end (67) are connected to each other. The feather filter structure (5) includes a multi-stage filter screen section (51) and a filter cotton core section (52) connected in sequence; The sand removal structure (8) includes a brush head drive assembly (81) and a sand filter brush head (82). The sand filter brush head (82) is connected to the kinetic energy output end of the brush head drive assembly (81) for transmission assembly, and the running displacement path of the sand filter brush head (82) corresponds to the extension surface of the multi-stage filter screen section (51). The input end of the multi-stage filter screen section (51) is connected to the pump suction outlet end (67) of the feather suction conveying structure (6), and the mud and sand outlet end of the multi-stage filter screen section (51) is connected to a mud and sand bottom discharge pipeline (55), and the water outlet end of the filter cotton core section (52) is connected to a filtered water pipeline (56). The duct paddle structure (7) is provided in several groups, and the several groups of the duct paddle structure (7) are all facing away from the base frame structure (1) and are inclined at a 45-degree angle. The basic frame structure (1) includes a basic frame body (11). Each set of the duct propeller structure (7) includes a directional jet duct (71), a duct propeller hub (72), and duct propeller blades (73). Several sets of directional jet ducts (71) are respectively assembled at different positions on the upper part of the basic frame body (11), and the jet direction of several sets of directional jet ducts (71) is opposite to the basic frame body (11) and is inclined at a 45-degree angle towards different directions. The duct propeller hub (72) is flexibly assembled inside the directional jet duct (71), and several duct propeller blades (73) are assembled on the outer wall of the duct propeller hub (72). The buoyancy generated by the rotation of the duct propeller blades (73) combined with the directional jet action of the directional jet duct (71) makes the basic frame body (11) stable underwater.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The duct propeller structure (7) also includes a buoyancy control component (74), which is assembled inside the base frame body (11).

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning vision structure (2), a positioning navigation structure (3), and a plume blocking structure (4). The plume blocking structure (4) includes a plume monitor (41). The plume monitor (41) works in conjunction with the positioning vision structure (2) to detect the spread range and concentration of the plume. The positioning navigation structure (3) is used to represent the distribution range, location, and distance information of the spread plume.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The plume blocking structure (4) further includes a diffusion obstruction assembly (42), which includes a curtain receiving chamber (421), a curtain take-up chain (422), and an obstruction curtain (423). The curtain receiving chamber (421) is assembled on the front side of the base frame body (11). The curtain take-up chain (422) is wound around an electrically controlled take-up roller shaft inside the curtain receiving chamber (421). The obstruction curtain (423) extends and is fixedly connected to the curtain take-up chain (422), and when the obstruction curtain (423) is released, the obstruction curtain (423) is located at the lower front side of the base frame body (11).

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a plume air resistance structure, which includes an air pump and an air pipe connected to the output end of the air pump; the output end of the air pipe extends to the side of the two sets of curtain retraction chains (422), and the airflow output by the air pipe is directed toward the front of the flow-blocking curtain (423).

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The plume suction conveying structure (6) includes a suction pump drive motor (61), a volute pump casing (62), a shaft seal seat (63), a pump body impeller (64), and suction blades (65). The base of the suction pump drive motor (61) is assembled inside the base frame body (11). The volute pump casing (62) is assembled inside the base frame body (11), and the volute pump casing (62) is respectively connected to the pump inlet end (66) and the pump outlet end (67). The pump inlet end (66) faces the front side of the base frame body (11), and the pump outlet end (67) extends to the top of the base frame body (11).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The plume blocking structure (4) further includes a flocculant delivery assembly (43); the flocculant delivery assembly (43) includes a flocculant delivery pipe (431) and a flocculant docking part (432); the flocculant delivery assembly (43) is assembled on the base frame body (11); the flocculant docking part (432) is connected to the other end of the flocculant delivery assembly (43), and the flocculant docking part (432) is connected to the pump suction outlet end (67).

8. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plume absorption and purification device based on deep-sea mining operations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base of the brush head drive assembly (81) is assembled on the base frame body (11).

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