Marine surveying equipment with self-cleaning function
By using photovoltaic panels for power supply and a gourd-shaped surveying cage structure, combined with wave energy to drive the cleaning of the probe, the energy and sensor cleaning problems of marine surveying equipment have been solved, achieving self-powered and self-cleaning capabilities, and improving the automation level and data quality of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO GUOMAO ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
Smart Images

Figure CN224409549U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of surveying and mapping equipment technology, and in particular to a marine surveying and mapping equipment with self-cleaning function. Background Technology
[0002] Marine surveying is a crucial foundation for marine resource development, shipping safety, and marine scientific research. Among various marine surveying equipment, buoy platforms are widely used due to their long-term deployment and wide monitoring range. However, traditional marine surveying equipment faces two significant challenges during long-term operation: firstly, the energy supply issue, as the equipment typically relies on batteries that require regular replacement or charging, resulting in high maintenance costs and operational difficulties in remote areas; secondly, the sensors, especially the underwater probes, are easily covered by algae, shellfish, and other marine organisms, or by sediment deposits, leading to decreased sensor sensitivity, distorted measurement data, or even complete failure. Currently, addressing the fouling problem mainly relies on periodic manual retrieval and cleaning, which not only interrupts continuous monitoring tasks but also incurs significant maintenance costs. Utility Model Content
[0003] This utility model relates to a marine surveying and mapping device with self-cleaning function, which effectively solves the two core problems of energy supply and sensor self-cleaning, and significantly improves the automation level, service life and data quality of marine surveying and mapping equipment.
[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a marine mapping device with a self-cleaning function, specifically comprising: a float; a triangular signal frame, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, fixedly connected to the upper end of the float; a battery fixedly mounted on the signal frame; multiple photovoltaic support plates evenly spaced vertically on the signal frame, the upper surface of the photovoltaic support plates being a photovoltaic surface for generating electricity to store energy for the battery; a signal transmitter fixedly mounted at the upper end of the signal frame; and a mapping cage with a probe rod located in the middle of the float.
[0005] Optionally, the float has a tire-shaped structure with a central hole running through the middle.
[0006] Optionally, a signal light is provided on one side of the signal frame, and the signal light is powered by a storage battery.
[0007] Optionally, the signal transmitter is externally encased in a protective cage.
[0008] Optionally, the upper end of the surveying cage is fixedly connected to the bottom of the central hole by a hoisting rod. The surveying cage is a gourd-shaped structure that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The probe is looped in the middle. The lower end of the surveying cage is provided with a cleaning disc. The probe slides vertically through the cleaning disc. During the reciprocating movement of the probe, the cleaning disc is used to clean the dirt on the surface of the probe.
[0009] Optionally, the upper end of the probe is fixed with a float that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The float passes through the central hole upwards. A spring is fitted on the probe at the bottom of the float. The lower end of the spring abuts against the upper end of the surveying cage. When the waves push the float upwards, the probe moves vertically.
[0010] This utility model provides a marine mapping device with self-cleaning function, which has the following beneficial effects:
[0011] First, by employing a design combining multi-layered photovoltaic panels and batteries, the abundant solar energy resources of the ocean are fully utilized, achieving self-sufficiency in energy supply for the equipment. This completely eliminates dependence on traditional energy sources, significantly extending its continuous operating time in remote sea areas and reducing maintenance frequency and costs. Second, the innovative design of the mapping cage into a gourd-shaped structure, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, and its suspension and fixation using booms, effectively reduces water resistance and enhances the equipment's underwater stability, providing a stable working environment for the probe. The most crucial benefit lies in the ingenious utilization of the natural energy of the marine environment—the fluctuation of ocean waves. The buoyancy of the waves is converted into the vertical reciprocating motion of the probe relative to the cleaning disc. This passive mechanical motion requires no additional electrical energy consumption, allowing the probe to continuously perform mapping work while its surface is constantly scraped by the cleaning disc, automatically and efficiently removing attached marine dirt. This fundamentally solves the technical problem of sensor fouling, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of long-term monitoring data. In addition, the external cage of the signal transmitter provides physical protection, the signal lights enhance the nighttime warning function, and the tire-shaped float and the tripod-shaped signal frame together form a stable floating platform. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below.
[0013] In the attached diagram:
[0014] Figure 1 A first axial view structural schematic diagram of the present invention is shown;
[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the second axial view structure of this utility model is shown;
[0016] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the front view structure of this utility model is shown.
[0017] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0018] 1. Float; 101. Center hole; 2. Signal frame; 201. Photovoltaic support plate; 202. Signal light; 3. Battery; 4. Signal transmitter; 401. Protective cage; 5. Surveying cage frame; 501. Cleaning tray; 502. Borehole; 6. Detector rod; 601. Float bowl; 602. Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the described embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0020] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 :
[0021] Example 1: This utility model proposes a marine mapping device with self-cleaning function, including: a float 1; a triangular signal frame 2 that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom is fixedly connected to the upper end of the float 1; a battery 3 is fixedly mounted on the signal frame 2; multiple photovoltaic support plates 201 are evenly installed on the signal frame 2 at vertical intervals, the upper surface of the photovoltaic support plate 201 is a photovoltaic surface for generating electricity to store energy for the battery 3; a signal transmitter 4 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the signal frame 2; a mapping cage 5 is provided downward in the middle of the float 1, and a probe 6 is provided in the middle of the mapping cage 5.
[0022] Among them, the float 1 has a tire-shaped structure, and the middle part of the float 1 has a central hole 101 that runs through it from top to bottom.
[0023] One side of the signal frame 2 is equipped with a signal light 202, which is powered by a storage battery 3.
[0024] The signal transmitter 4 is encased in a protective cage 401.
[0025] The upper end of the surveying cage 5 is connected to the bottom of the central hole 101 by a hoisting rod 502. The surveying cage 5 is a gourd-shaped structure that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The probe rod 6 is looped around the middle. The lower end of the surveying cage 5 is provided with a cleaning disc 501. The probe rod 6 slides vertically through the cleaning disc 501. During the reciprocating movement of the probe rod 6, the cleaning disc 501 is used to clean the dirt on the surface of the probe rod 6.
[0026] In Example 2, based on Example 1, a float 601 with a wider top and narrower bottom is fixedly provided at the upper end of the probe 6. The float 601 passes upward through the central hole 101. A spring 602 is fitted on the probe 6 at the bottom of the float 601. The lower end of the spring 602 abuts against the upper end of the surveying cage 5. When the waves push the float 601 upward, the probe 6 moves vertically.
[0027] The following provides further explanation and description of the functions and effects of each structure mentioned above, to help those skilled in the art better understand the technical solution:
[0028] The float 1 adopts a tire-shaped structure, providing good buoyancy and stability to ensure that the equipment can float on the sea surface. The central hole 101 in the middle allows the probe rod 6 and related components to move up and down, thereby adapting to wave fluctuations. The upper end of the float 1 is fixedly connected to a triangular signal frame 2 that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. This structure enhances the overall stability and prevents it from tipping over in the marine environment. At the same time, a battery 3 is fixedly mounted on the signal frame 2 to store electrical energy and power the entire equipment, ensuring the energy needs for long-term operation.
[0029] The signal frame 2 is equipped with multiple layers of photovoltaic support panels 201 evenly spaced vertically. The upper photovoltaic surface effectively absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy to store energy for the battery 3, thus enabling the equipment to be self-powered and reducing dependence on external energy sources. A signal transmitter 4 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the signal frame 2 for transmitting mapping data. The outer protective cage 401 protects the signal transmitter 4 from physical collisions or biological interference in the marine environment, ensuring the reliability of signal transmission. In addition, a signal light 202 is installed on one side of the signal frame 2, powered by the battery 3, providing visual warning or marking functions to enhance the visibility of the equipment at night or in low visibility conditions.
[0030] A mapping cage 5 is mounted downwards in the middle of the float 1. This cage has a gourd-shaped structure, narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, which helps reduce water flow resistance and improve stability. Its upper part is hoisted and fixed to the bottom of the central hole 101 by a boom 502, ensuring a secure connection. A probe 6 is looped around the middle of the mapping cage 5 for marine mapping, such as depth or water quality measurements. A cleaning disc 501 is located at the lower end of the mapping cage 5. The probe 6 slides vertically through the cleaning disc 501. As the probe 6 moves back and forth, the cleaning disc 501 can scrape away marine dirt, such as algae or sediment, from the surface of the probe 6, thereby keeping the probe 6 clean, ensuring measurement accuracy, and extending the service life of the equipment.
[0031] In embodiment two, a float 601, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the probe 6. The float 601 passes upward through the central hole 101. Utilizing its buoyancy structure, when waves push against the float 601, it can drive the probe 6 to move vertically, achieving automatic adjustment to adapt to changes in the sea surface. A spring 602 is fitted onto the probe 6 at the bottom of the float 601. The lower end of the spring 602 abuts against the upper end of the surveying cage 5, providing a restoring force. When the waves recede, the spring 602 helps the probe 6 return to its original position, ensuring the continuity and stability of the surveying operation.
[0032] Working principle:
[0033] The entire device floats stably on the sea surface, supported by the buoyancy provided by the tire-shaped float 1. The photovoltaic panels 201 on the signal frame 2 continuously absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery 3. This provides a continuous and stable power supply to the signal transmitter 4, signal light 202, and any other sensors, achieving energy self-sufficiency. The signal transmitter 4 wirelessly transmits the collected data to the receiver, and its external protective cage 401 effectively prevents damage from collisions with marine life or entanglement with debris. The signal light 202 emits warning light in low-light conditions, improving the device's visibility and preventing accidental collisions with ships.
[0034] The core mapping and self-cleaning functions work together: the probe rod 6 extends deep into the sea for continuous measurement. Due to ocean currents and waves, the float 1 will rise and fall accordingly. In the preferred embodiment of Example 2, the wave fluctuations directly act on the float bowl 601, causing the probe rod 6 to reciprocate vertically relative to the float 1 and the mapping cage 5. When the probe rod 6 moves downward, it passes through the cleaning disc 501 at the lower end of the mapping cage 5; when it returns to its original position, it is pushed back by the restoring force of the spring 602 and may also be pushed by the waves again, thus passing through the cleaning disc 501 again. During this continuous reciprocating motion, the cleaning disc 501 effectively scrapes the surface of the probe rod 6, automatically removing marine organisms, sediment, and other dirt attached to it, thereby keeping the sensing surface of the probe rod 6 clean at all times and ensuring the long-term accuracy and reliability of the mapping data.
[0035] The following points should be noted in this article:
[0036] 1. The accompanying drawings of this utility model embodiment only involve the structure involved in this utility model embodiment; other structures can refer to general designs.
[0037] 2. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.
[0038] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A marine surveying device with self-cleaning function, comprising: A float (1); a triangular signal frame (2) that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom is fixedly connected to the upper end of the float (1); characterized in that a storage battery (3) is fixedly mounted on the signal frame (2); multiple photovoltaic support plates (201) are evenly installed on the signal frame (2) at intervals, and the upper surface of the photovoltaic support plate (201) is a photovoltaic surface used to generate electricity for the storage battery (3); a signal transmitter (4) is fixedly provided at the upper end of the signal frame (2); a surveying cage (5) is provided downward in the middle of the float (1), and a probe rod (6) is provided in the middle of the surveying cage (5).
2. The marine surveying equipment with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float (1) has a tire-shaped structure, and the middle part of the float (1) has a central hole (101) that runs through it from top to bottom.
3. A marine surveying device with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal frame (2) is equipped with a signal light (202) on one side, and the signal light (202) is powered by a battery (3).
4. A marine surveying device with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmitter (4) is encased in a protective cage (401).
5. A marine mapping device with self-cleaning function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end of the surveying cage (5) is connected to the bottom of the central hole (101) by a hoisting rod (502). The surveying cage (5) is a gourd-shaped structure that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The probe (6) is looped around the middle. The lower end of the surveying cage (5) is provided with a cleaning plate (501). The probe (6) slides vertically through the cleaning plate (501). During the reciprocating movement of the probe (6), the cleaning plate (501) is used to clean the dirt on the surface of the probe (6).
6. A marine surveying device with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the probe (6) is fixed with a float (601) that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The float (601) passes upward through the central hole (101). A spring (602) is fitted on the probe (6) at the bottom of the float (601). The lower end of the spring (602) abuts against the upper end of the surveying cage (5). When the waves push the float (601) upward, the probe (6) moves vertically.