ROV seat system

The modularly designed ROV seating system solves the problems of high cost, complex structure, large size and poor flexibility of existing ROV trainers, providing a safe and controllable training environment and improving the training effect and practical operation ability of operators.

CN223770730UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-06BEIJING PIONEER HI-TECH DEV CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423134289.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-18
Publication Date
2026-01-06
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ROV trainers are expensive, complex in structure, large in size, and lack flexibility, making them difficult to train in real time.

Method used

Design a modular ROV seating system, including an ergonomic seat, a display system, a control module, and an electronic control system. The modular design facilitates disassembly and assembly. The control unit is located inside the armrest box, and the electronic control system is hidden inside the seat or in the electronic control cabinet. The ergonomic design is adopted to improve operational comfort and flexibility.

Benefits of technology

It provides a safe and controllable training environment, improves the training effect and practical operation ability of operators, meets the needs of rapid changeover operations at sea, reduces the system size, and improves the convenience and safety of operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides an ROV seat system. The ROV seat system comprises a seat, a display system, a control module and an electric control system. The display system is arranged in front of the seat, the display system comprises a display screen and a support, and the display screen is fixedly connected or rotationally connected with the seat through the support; the bracket is an L-shaped bracket; the control module is arranged in armrest boxes on the two sides of a seat and comprises a first control part and a second control part; the electric control system is connected with the display system and the control module through cables and is arranged in front of or on the back of the seat. The seat system can replace an actual ROV for training and is low in cost and flexible and simple in structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of deep-sea submersible training and suspended mining machines for deep-sea mining, specifically an ROV seating system. Background Technology

[0002] ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) play an irreplaceable role in marine resource exploration, search and rescue of wrecked aircraft, submarine rescue, and offshore oil operations. ROVs can operate underwater continuously for extended periods and transmit underwater video footage in real time. They can carry various tools for scientific research, pipeline maintenance, welding, and other tasks. However, due to the high cost of ROVs, the expenses of sea trials, and the extensive training required for operators, training with actual ROVs is extremely costly. Furthermore, due to limitations on the number or number of ROVs deployed at sea, personnel must train according to the ROV's operational schedule, making real-time training difficult. Therefore, designing a training device that can replace a real ROV for operation is particularly important.

[0003] Existing trainers are expensive, complex in structure, large in size, and lack flexibility. Utility Model Content

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, this utility model provides an ROV seat system that allows trainees to familiarize themselves with the various modules of a marine ROV while seated, including their location and names, in order to meet the needs of marine adaptability and rapid assembly / disassembly.

[0005] This application provides an ROV seating system, including a seat, a display system, a control module, and an electronic control system;

[0006] The display system is located in front of the seat, and the display system includes a display screen and a bracket. The display screen is fixedly or rotatably connected to the seat via the bracket. The bracket is an L-shaped bracket.

[0007] The control module is located in the armrest box on both sides of the seat, and includes a first control part and a second control part;

[0008] The electronic control system is connected to the display system and control module via cables and is located in front of or behind the seat.

[0009] Optionally, the first control unit is equipped with a gimbal joystick, a switching knob, a band switch, an emergency button, a rise / fall button, and an illuminated button, while the second control unit is equipped with a joystick, custom function keys, an illuminated button, and a touchscreen.

[0010] Optionally, the control module may further include a robotic arm control panel, a mouse, and a keyboard.

[0011] Optionally, the electronic control system is housed in an electronic control cabinet, which is located in front of the seat, and the robotic arm control panel, mouse, and keyboard are mounted on the cabinet surface.

[0012] Optionally, the electronic control system is housed inside an electronic control box, which is located inside the seat back. A removable cover is provided on the back of the seat to cover the electronic control box.

[0013] Optionally, the electrical control system includes a PLC controller and its input / output interface module, and the control module is connected to the PLC controller through the input / output interface module.

[0014] Optionally, the electronic control system is also equipped with a secondary power supply for supplementing power to the electronic control system when the main power supply is abnormal.

[0015] Optionally, the L-shaped bracket includes a horizontal arm and a vertical arm; the display screen is a serial port touch screen, which is fixed on the vertical arm of the bracket, and the horizontal arm of the bracket is rotatably connected to the seat; or, the horizontal arm of the bracket is fixed on the seat, and the serial port touch screen is rotatably connected to the vertical arm of the bracket; the vertical arm includes a hydraulic cylinder to drive the vertical arm of the bracket to raise or lower the display screen.

[0016] Optionally, the panel of the first control unit and the panel of the second control unit are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the seat, and are rotatably connected to the armrests on both sides of the seat, and can be unfolded laterally or folded up vertically on both sides of the seat.

[0017] Optionally, the seat has a footrest at the bottom, which is rotatably connected to the bottom of the seat and can be folded up or opened. When opened, it extends horizontally, and when folded, it is vertically folded under the seat.

[0018] Optionally, the armrest box includes an armrest box cover, a control module, and an armrest box base from top to bottom; the control module is embedded in the armrest box cover, and the armrest box cover and the armrest box base are fixed by a long screw at the bottom of the armrest box, which is fixed to the armrest box cover from bottom to top.

[0019] This application's seat system includes a seat, a display system, a control module, and an electronic control system. The display system is located in front of the seat and is fixedly or rotatably connected to the seat via a bracket. The bracket is L-shaped. The control module is located in the armrest boxes on both sides of the seat and includes a first control section and a second control section. The electronic control system connects the display system and the control module via cables and is located in front of or behind the seat. The modules in this seat system are flexibly arranged, with the control sections integrated into the armrests on both sides of the seat for easy operation. The electronic control system can also be concealed, making the overall system smaller and more flexible. Centralized wiring enhances safety and aesthetics. The foldable design in various locations effectively reduces the size of the seat system, saving space. The modular design facilitates disassembly and replacement of each part to meet the needs of rapid replacement operations at sea. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the ROV seating system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the components of the ROV seating system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view of the components of an ROV seating system provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a front view schematic diagram of the components of an ROV seating system provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Number: 1. Seat; 2. First control unit; 3. Second control unit; 4. Display system; 41-Display screen; 42-Bracket; 5. Electrical control cabinet; 6. Electrical control box. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] This application provides an ROV seating system, including a seat 1, a display system 4, a control module, and an electronic control system;

[0028] See Figure 1 The display system 4 is located in front of the seat 1. The display system 4 includes a display screen 41 and a bracket 42. The display screen 41 is rotatably connected to the seat 1 through the bracket 42. The bracket 42 is an L-shaped bracket.

[0029] The control module includes a first control part 2 and a second control part 3 located on the side of the seat 1;

[0030] The electronic control system is connected to the display system 4 and the control module via cables and is located in front of or behind the seat 1.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, the first control unit 2 is provided with a gimbal joystick, a switching knob, a band switch, an emergency button, a rise / fall button, and an illuminated button, and the second control unit 3 is provided with a joystick, a custom function key, an illuminated button, and a touch screen.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the control module further includes a robotic arm control panel, a mouse, and a keyboard.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the electronic control system is housed in an electronic control cabinet 5, which is located in front of the seat 1. The robotic arm control panel, mouse, and keyboard (not shown in the figure) are mounted on the surface of the electronic control cabinet 5.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the electronic control system is housed within an electronic control box 6, which is located within the backrest of the seat 1. A removable cover is provided on the backrest of the seat 1 to cover the electronic control box 6. Specifically, the electronic control box 6 may be flush with or protrude from the backrest of the seat 1.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the electrical control system includes a PLC controller and its input / output interface module, and the control module is connected to the PLC controller through the input / output interface module.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, the electronic control system is further provided with a secondary power supply for supplementing power to the electronic control system when the main power supply is abnormal.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the L-shaped bracket 42 includes a horizontal arm and a vertical arm; the display screen 41 is a serial port touch screen, which is fixed on the vertical arm of the bracket, and the horizontal arm of the bracket is rotatably connected to the seat 1, or the horizontal arm of the bracket is fixed on the seat 1, and the serial port touch screen is rotatably connected to the vertical arm of the bracket; the vertical arm includes a hydraulic cylinder, which drives the vertical arm of the bracket to raise or lower the display screen 41.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the panel of the first control unit and the panel of the second control unit are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the seat, and are rotatably connected to the armrests on both sides of the seat, and can be unfolded laterally or folded up vertically on both sides of the seat.

[0039] The bracket 42 can be fixedly or rotatably installed on the first control part 2 or the second control part 3, that is, set on the right side of the seat or on the left side, depending on habit and ease of use, and this application does not limit it.

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, the seat has a footrest at the bottom, which is rotatably connected to the bottom of the seat and can be folded up or opened. When opened, it extends horizontally, and when folded up, it is vertically folded under the seat.

[0041] The armrest box comprises, from top to bottom, an armrest box lid, a control module, and an armrest box base. The control module is embedded within the armrest box lid. The armrest box lid and base are secured by a long screw installed at the bottom of the armrest box, which is then fixed to the lid from the bottom up. Both the armrest box base and lid have screw holes, and the long screw secures the armrest box base and lid together. Because the control module is embedded within the lid, the lid and control module can be easily separated or installed from the base, facilitating quick replacement or installation practice for trainees. This design, by eliminating the need for extra screws, meets the requirements for rapid disassembly and assembly.

[0042] The following section provides a further explanation of this application in conjunction with the working principles of each module.

[0043] The control module is connected to the electronic control system and can be used to generate control information and transmit it to the electronic control system. This step is an inherent property of the control module itself, and how it generates the control system is existing technology and not the technical solution to be protected in this application, so it will not be described in detail.

[0044] Understandably, the seat 1 is an ergonomic marine seat, designed with professional ergonomic principles to ensure the operator maintains a comfortable posture during extended work periods and offers good adjustability. The seat combines genuine leather with an alloy frame, effectively enhancing its durability in offshore working environments.

[0045] Understandably, the control modules are integrated into one unit and located on the left and right sides of the seat 1, which can be tightly integrated with the ergonomic marine seat 1 in the form of armrest boxes. The layout of the controls inside the armrest boxes follows ergonomic principles. For example, the left armrest box houses the first control unit 3, which includes a gimbal joystick, a switching knob, a band switch, an emergency button, an ROV elevation button, and multiple illuminated buttons; the right armrest box houses the second control unit 2, which is equipped with an ROV joystick, nine customizable function buttons, and illuminated buttons, enabling precise all-around control of the ROV.

[0046] It is important to emphasize that this application only seeks to protect the hardware module structure and connection relationship of the seat system, and does not involve any improvement to the software, computer program or control method therein.

[0047] As one embodiment of this application, the control module further includes a robotic arm control panel, a mouse, and a keyboard. To facilitate user input of commands and parameter adjustment, this application may further equip the device with a scroll wheel mouse and keyboard. This device features a user-friendly design, is easy to operate, and offers high precision, effectively improving the operator's efficiency in controlling various functions of the ROV.

[0048] Understandably, the electrical control system can be located inside electrical control cabinet 5, positioned in front of seat 1 for easy operator access. The cabinet surface can be equipped with auxiliary control modules such as the ROV robotic arm control panel, mouse, and keyboard. Additionally, the rear of electrical control cabinet 5 has pre-installed O-holes for connecting various controls. Internally, it is equipped with core components such as a secondary power supply and data acquisition modules, including a PLC, multiple digital input / output interfaces (DIO), analog input interfaces (AI), RS422 / 485 communication interfaces, low-voltage power monitoring, and a low-voltage switching power supply, enabling comprehensive data acquisition and equipment control.

[0049] This application connects to the electrical control system inside the electrical control cabinet 5 via a serial port, enabling operators to train or test in a simulated or practical environment, thereby greatly improving the training effect and practical operation ability of ROV operators.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, the seat system mainly includes: an ergonomic marine seat 1, a left armrest box (including a first control part 3), a right armrest box (including a second control part 2), an electrical control cabinet 5, and a display system 4;

[0051] The ergonomic marine seat 1 is a crucial component of this structure. Seat 1 is designed strictly according to ergonomic principles and employs precision manufacturing processes to ensure the operator maintains a comfortable posture even during extended work periods. Seat 1 is equipped with height and tilt angle adjustments to meet individual needs, and its surface is covered with wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant genuine leather, combined with a high-strength alloy frame to withstand the harsh working conditions of the marine environment.

[0052] The left armrest box (including the first control unit 3) and the right armrest box (including the second control unit 2) are cleverly installed on both sides of the ergonomic marine seat 1, forming an integrated layout. Controls conforming to human hand operating habits are embedded within the left and right armrest boxes, and their placement is ergonomically designed to provide operators with an intuitive and convenient operating interface. Furthermore, the controls within the left and right armrest boxes can be flexibly customized according to actual task requirements to achieve precise control in different application scenarios.

[0053] In this application, the overall design concept of the seat is modular and concealed, and all modules can be independently and quickly disassembled and replaced.

[0054] Regarding the setup of the electronic control system, this application provides two implementation methods: the electronic control system is located in the electronic control cabinet 5 in front of the seat or in the electronic control box 6 behind the seat, with a cover to close it. All button wiring passes through pre-drilled holes below the left and right armrest boxes to the electronic control box 6 or electronic control cabinet 5, connecting to the PLC controller and power module. The wiring can be uniformly arranged within a cable protection conduit. Simultaneously, network cables and debugging cables can be further reserved within the cable protection conduit for connecting the screen and PLC controller to a computer for debugging and use.

[0055] In one embodiment, the display screen 41 of the display system 4 is located on the left or right side of the seat and connected to the left or right armrest box of the seat. The bracket 42 is an L-shaped bent tube bracket, which is fixed or rotatably connected to the left armrest box. The display screen 41 is connected to the bent tube bracket by an adjusting nut, which can be tightened to fix the display screen 41 after it is rotated to a suitable position.

[0056] In one embodiment, the seat has an adjustable backrest and adjustable height. The seat base has six mounting holes for easy fixation to the ground or cabin to maintain stability; normally, it can be fixed to an 80cm x 80cm metal disc for stability.

[0057] In one embodiment, the armrest box cover is fixed by a 20cm threaded screw that runs from the bottom of the armrest box upwards, facilitating quick disassembly and fixing. A rubber ring at the connection between the armrest box cover and the armrest box box provides a sealing function.

[0058] In one embodiment, the button panel is fixed to the armrest box by four flat-head screws, allowing for quick disassembly and replacement of the button panel. A rubber ring at the connection point provides a sealing effect.

[0059] In one embodiment, the seat is provided with a removable cushion.

[0060] In summary, by tightly integrating the aforementioned elements, the seat system of this application aims to create a comprehensive and realistic seat for simulated or hands-on training environments, providing users with an ideal practice space. This not only allows learners to more easily acquire practical experience but also avoids the dangers and uncertainties faced in actual operation at sea. Maritime operations are often challenged by complex and ever-changing marine environments, technical malfunctions, operating depths, and pressures. The design of this application aims to provide a relatively safe and controllable learning environment, enabling operators to learn, master, and continuously improve their operational skills in remotely operated vehicles and related fields, become familiar with various operating buttons or levers, and master the skills of quickly changing modules, thereby better coping with various complex situations that may be encountered in actual operation.

[0061] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ROV seating system characterized by, The seat, the display system, the control module, and the electric control system are provided. The display system is arranged in front of the seat and includes a display screen and a support, and the display screen is fixedly or rotatably connected to the seat through the support. The control module is arranged in the armrest box on both sides of the seat and includes a first control part and a second control part. The electric control system is connected to the display system and the control module through a cable and is arranged in front of or at the back of the seat.

2. The ROV seat system of claim 1, wherein The first control part is provided with a holder control lever, a switch knob, a wave band switch, an emergency button, a heave button, and a light button, and the second control part is provided with a joystick, a custom function key, a light button, and a touch screen.

3. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The electric control system is arranged in an electric control cabinet, and the electric control cabinet is arranged in front of the seat.

4. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The electric control system is arranged in an electric control box, and the electric control box is arranged in the back of the seat.

5. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The electric control system includes a PLC controller and an input / output interface module thereof, and the control module is connected to the PLC controller through the input / output interface module.

6. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, A secondary power supply is further arranged in the electric control system to supply power to the electric control system when the main power supply is abnormal.

7. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The L-shaped support includes a horizontal arm and a vertical arm, the display screen is a serial touch screen, the serial touch screen is fixed on the vertical arm of the support, the horizontal arm of the support is rotatably connected to the seat, or the horizontal arm of the support is fixed on the seat, the serial touch screen is rotatably connected to the vertical arm of the support, and the vertical arm includes a hydraulic cylinder to drive the vertical arm of the support to drive the display screen to ascend or descend.

8. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The panels of the first control part and the second control part are arranged on the left side and the right side of the seat respectively and are rotatably connected to the armrests on both sides of the seat, and are horizontally expanded or vertically folded on both sides of the seat.

9. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The seat bottom is provided with a footrest, and the footrest is rotatably connected to the seat bottom and can be folded or unfolded, and is horizontally extended when unfolded and is vertically folded under the seat when folded.

10. The ROV seating system of claim 1, wherein, The armrest box includes an armrest box cover, a control module, and an armrest box base from top to bottom, the control module is embedded in the armrest box cover, and the armrest box cover and the armrest box base are fixed by a long screw arranged at the bottom of the armrest box base and fixed to the armrest box cover.