Intelligent underwater detection device for marine vessels
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521956419.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing underwater detection devices suffer from problems such as significantly increased water resistance, high risk of entanglement, and lack of dedicated gripping points during the recovery process, which affect detection accuracy and safety.
A smart underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels was designed, which adopts a hidden hook mechanism. When not in use, the hook is hidden on the surface of the hull. When needed, it is rotated into a protruding gripping point by the servo motor, which facilitates safe retrieval and avoids entanglement and increased resistance.
It provides a safe and reliable gripping point without affecting underwater performance, reduces the risk of entanglement and drag during underwater operations, and improves recovery efficiency and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN224929212U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of underwater detection technology, and in particular to an intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels. Background Technology
[0002] Underwater detection devices are indispensable key equipment in modern marine engineering, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and the operation and maintenance of underwater facilities. They bear the crucial responsibility of acquiring core data such as underwater topography, biological resources, geological structure, and engineering structural status. These devices typically need to be deployed from a mother ship to the target waters for autonomous or remotely controlled exploration, and must be safely and efficiently recovered back to the mother ship after the mission. The efficiency and safety of the recovery process directly affect the risks to personnel, the reliability of equipment protection, and the overall cost control of the operation cycle.
[0003] However, existing underwater detection devices (especially small and medium-sized or streamlined autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs / ROVs) generally face technical bottlenecks in the recovery process, mainly in the following aspects: Disadvantages of fixed external lifting rings / protrusions: Significantly increased water resistance: Prominent fixed rings or gripping points generate enormous fluid resistance when the device is in motion (especially during high-speed cruising or complex maneuvers), which not only increases energy consumption and shortens the range, but may also induce unnecessary vibrations or yaw, affecting detection accuracy and navigation stability.
[0004] High risk of underwater entanglement: Exposed fixed ring or rod-shaped structures are easily entangled by underwater fishing nets, cables, seaweed and other debris. This can lead to the device getting stuck and the mission being interrupted, or even serious damage or loss of the equipment. The risk is especially high when operating in complex seabed environments such as dense vegetation, shipwrecks, or pipelines.
[0005] The problem of lacking dedicated grab points: Difficult and unsafe to grasp: To circumvent the aforementioned drawbacks of fixed lifting rings, some devices employ a smooth, streamlined outer shell, relying entirely on operators to directly grasp the shell or the area near the stern thruster for retrieval. This method poses a significant safety hazard: in windy and wavy environments, the slippery shell is difficult to grip. Therefore, an intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels is proposed to address these issues. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical defects.
[0007] Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to propose an intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels to solve the problems mentioned in the background art and overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides an intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels, including a body, the body being cylindrical in shape, an end head fixedly connected to the front end of the body, a light installed on the end head, and a camera fixedly connected to the end head; Several strip-shaped ribs are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the fuselage, and small wings are fixedly connected to both sides of the fuselage; The tail of the machine body retracts, and a drive unit is fixedly connected to the tail of the machine body; The output end of the drive unit is fixedly connected to a propeller, the two sides of the drive unit are fixedly connected to a first fixed rudder plate, and the top and bottom of the drive unit are fixedly connected to a second fixed rudder plate. The tail of the first fixed rudder plate is movably connected to a first movable rudder plate, which can move up and down. The tail of the second fixed rudder plate is movably connected to a second movable rudder plate, which can swing left and right. A servo motor is fixedly connected to the top of the body. A storage slot is provided on the top surface of the body. A hook is movably connected to the inside of the storage slot. The hook is hidden. The output end of the servo motor is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the hook. The hook can be retracted into the storage slot.
[0009] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the spotlight is in a ring shape and is located around the camera.
[0010] The above technical solution is adopted: This device is specifically designed for underwater detection. This device has a built-in battery and control board, and it is remotely controlled via wireless signals.
[0011] The device operates on the following principle: when the drive unit is working, the propeller rotates, driving the body forward. When the first movable rudder moves up and down, the body moves up and down. When the second movable rudder swings left and right, the body swings left and right.
[0012] Detection principle: The head of the device has a built-in lamp for illumination, and the camera captures and transmits images of the water to detect the underwater environment. At the same time, the head can be equipped with an ultrasonic detection device to achieve the detection purpose.
[0013] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the ribs protrude from the surface of the fuselage, and the first fixed rudder plate and the second fixed rudder plate are arranged in a cross shape.
[0014] The core structure of this device consists of a servo motor, a storage tank, and a hook. Its key advantage lies in the U-shaped metal ring (made of a corrosion-resistant lightweight alloy such as titanium alloy or stainless steel) installed at the center of the top of the device. The base of the ring connects to the output end of the servo motor. When not in use, the hook can be flat and hidden in the storage tank on the surface of the device to reduce water resistance.
[0015] When the device surfaces or needs to be retrieved, the servo motor activates, causing the hook to rotate at a 90-degree angle to the top of the device, creating a prominent gripping point. The spring-loaded mechanism is simple, reliable, and easy to retrieve: workers can directly hook or grasp this ring with a hook, rod, or their hands, avoiding the risks of directly gripping a smooth cylinder or the tail propeller. This retractable design provides an "invisible" gripping point without affecting underwater performance (it adds almost no resistance when retracted), while the automatic spring-loaded mechanism increases practicality. Compared to a fixed ring, it avoids the risk of entanglement during underwater operations.
[0016] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, a drive motor is built into the body, and a connecting rod is installed at the output end of the drive motor and is linked with the first movable rudder plate and the second movable rudder plate to drive them to rotate.
[0017] The above technical solution comprises the following structural components: Body: A streamlined cylindrical shape made of corrosion-resistant alloy, housing a battery and control board. End Cap: Fixed to the front of the body, rounded to reduce water resistance. Illumination: A ring of LED lights fixed to the end cap surface, providing uniform illumination for the camera. Camera: Mounted at the center of the end cap, used to capture underwater images and wirelessly transmit them to the surface terminal. Ribs: Several strip-shaped protrusions, longitudinally fixed to the outer surface of the body, enhancing structural strength and guiding water flow. Wings: Symmetrically fixed to both sides of the body, improving underwater stability. Drive Unit: Connected to the retractable tail of the body, housing a drive motor. Propeller: Fixed to the output end of the drive unit, providing propulsion power. First and Second Fixed Rudders: Arranged in a cross pattern, fixed to the sides and top / bottom of the drive unit respectively. First and Second Movable Rudders: Connected to the tails of the first and second fixed rudders via hinges, allowing for vertical / horizontal swing. Servo: Horizontally fixed to the top of the body, housing a position sensor. Storage slot: A U-shaped groove located on the top surface of the fuselage. Hook: A U-shaped corrosion-resistant alloy ring (such as titanium alloy), with the shaft fixed to the servo output end, which can be stored in the storage slot or rotated to a vertical position.
[0018] Preferably, in any of the above solutions, the servo motor is installed horizontally, and the storage slot and hook are U-shaped.
[0019] The above technical solution employs the following core design: a concealed hook mechanism. Its structural features include: the hook is normally hidden within a storage slot, flush with the top surface of the device, avoiding water flow resistance and the risk of entanglement. After receiving a wireless signal, the servo motor drives the hook to rotate 90°, making it perpendicular to the device surface, thus creating a prominent gripping point. The hook surface is coated with a fluorescent orange / yellow high-visibility coating and covered with reflective strips.
[0020] Functional advantages: Safe retrieval: Workers directly hook onto the sling using hooks or ropes, avoiding contact with the propeller or smooth hull. Rapid hull docking: The hull is equipped with a matching hook that inserts into the sling for instant fixation, facilitating crane lifting. Automation: The steering gear automatically triggers the sling to spring up via wireless signal or a preset buoyancy program.
[0021] Preferably, of any of the above solutions, the adjustable angle of the hook is ninety degrees.
[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels features a U-shaped metal ring (hook) installed at the center of the top of the hull (made of corrosion-resistant lightweight alloys such as titanium alloy or stainless steel). The rotating shaft at the base of the ring connects to the output end of the steering gear. When not in use, the hook can be flatly concealed in a storage groove on the surface of the hull to reduce water resistance.
[0023] When the device surfaces or needs to be retrieved, the servo motor activates, causing the hook to rotate at a 90-degree angle to the top of the device, creating a prominent gripping point. The spring-loaded mechanism is simple, reliable, and easy to retrieve: workers can directly hook or grasp this ring with a hook, rod, or their hands, avoiding the risks of directly gripping a smooth cylinder or the tail propeller. This retractable design provides an "invisible" gripping point without affecting underwater performance (it adds almost no resistance when retracted), while the automatic spring-loaded mechanism increases practicality. Compared to a fixed ring, it avoids the risk of entanglement during underwater operations.
[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from a second perspective; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from a third-view perspective; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.
[0026] In the diagram: 1-Fuse, 2-End point, 3-Lighting lamp, 4-Camera, 5-Fir, 6-Winglet, 7-Drive unit, 8-Propeller, 9-First fixed rudder, 10-Second fixed rudder, 11-First movable rudder, 12-Second movable rudder, 13-Servo, 14-Storage slot, 15-Hook. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0028] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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 utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels includes a body 1, which is cylindrical in shape. A head 2 is fixedly connected to the front end of the body 1. A light 3 is installed on the head 2, and a camera 4 is fixedly connected to the head 2. Several strip-shaped ribs 5 are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the fuselage 1, and small wings 6 are fixedly connected to both sides of the fuselage 1. The tail of the machine body 1 retracts, and the tail of the machine body 1 is fixedly connected to the drive unit 7. A propeller 8 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive unit 7, first fixed rudder plates 9 are fixedly connected to both sides of the drive unit 7, and second fixed rudder plates 10 are fixedly connected to the top and bottom of the drive unit 7. The tail of the first fixed rudder plate 9 is movably connected to the first movable rudder plate 11, which can move up and down. The tail of the second fixed rudder plate 10 is movably connected to the second movable rudder plate 12, which can swing left and right. A servo motor 13 is fixedly connected to the top of the body 1. A storage slot 14 is provided on the top surface of the body 1. A hook 15 is movably connected to the inside of the storage slot 14. The hook 15 is hidden. The output end of the servo motor 13 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the hook 15. The hook 15 can be stored in the storage slot 14.
[0030] Example 1: The illumination lamp 3 is ring-shaped and located around the camera 4. Ribs 5 protrude from the surface of the body 1, and the first fixed rudder plate 9 and the second fixed rudder plate 10 are arranged in a cross shape. A drive motor is built into the body 1, and a connecting rod is installed at the output end of the drive motor and is linked with the first movable rudder plate 11 and the second movable rudder plate 12 to drive their rotation. The servo motor 13 is horizontally mounted, and the storage slot 14 and the hook 15 are U-shaped. The adjustable angle of the hook 15 is ninety degrees.
[0031] Example 2: This device is specifically designed for underwater exploration. It has a built-in battery and control board and is remotely controlled via wireless signal. The device's operating principle is as follows: When the drive unit 7 operates, the propeller 8 rotates, driving the body 1 forward. When the first movable rudder 11 moves up and down, the body 1 moves up and down; when the second movable rudder 12 swings left and right, the body 1 swings left and right.
[0032] Detection principle: The head 2 at the front of the body 1 has a built-in lamp 3 to provide illumination, and the camera 4 captures images in the water and transmits them to realize the detection of the underwater environment. At the same time, the head 2 can be equipped with an ultrasonic detection device to achieve the purpose of detection.
[0033] Device Structure: Body 1: A streamlined cylindrical shape made of corrosion-resistant alloy, housing a battery and control board. End Cap 2: Fixed to the front of Body 1, rounded to reduce water resistance. Illumination Light 3: A ring-shaped LED light assembly fixed to the surface of End Cap 2, providing uniform illumination for Camera 4. Camera 4: Mounted at the center of End Cap 2, used to capture underwater images and wirelessly transmit them to a surface terminal. Ribs 5: Several strip-shaped protrusions, longitudinally fixed to the outer surface of Body 1, enhancing structural strength and guiding water flow. Wings 6: Symmetrically fixed to both sides of Body 1, improving underwater stability. Drive Unit 7: Connected to the retractable tail of Body 1, housing a drive motor. Propeller 8: Fixed to the output end of Drive Unit 7, providing propulsion power. First Fixed Rudder Plate 9 and Second Fixed Rudder Plate 10: Arranged in a cross pattern, fixed to the sides and top / bottom of Drive Unit 7 respectively. The first movable rudder plate 11 and the second movable rudder plate 12 are hinged to the tails of the first fixed rudder plate 9 and the second fixed rudder plate 10 respectively, allowing them to swing up and down / left and right. The servo motor 13 is horizontally fixed to the top of the body 1 and has a built-in position sensor. The storage slot 14 is a U-shaped groove on the top surface of the body 1. The hook 15 is a U-shaped corrosion-resistant alloy ring (such as titanium alloy), with its shaft fixed to the output end of the servo motor 13, and can be stored in the storage slot 14 or rotated to a 90° vertical position.
[0034] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: Underwater propulsion and steering control: The drive motor drives the propeller 8 to rotate via its output end, propelling the fuselage 1 forward. The drive motor's output end is linked to a linkage mechanism (such as a crank-slider) to control the first movable rudder 11 to swing up and down, achieving pitch motion of the fuselage 1; the second movable rudder 12 to swing left and right, achieving yaw motion of the fuselage 1. The winglets 6 and the ribs 5 work together to maintain lateral stability.
[0035] Detection process: The illumination lamp 3 is turned on and illuminates the target area in a ring to eliminate underwater dark areas; the camera 4 captures real-time images, which are then compressed by the control board and wirelessly transmitted to the surface terminal; the optional ultrasonic detection module (built-in end 2) emits sound waves and receives echoes to construct underwater topographic data.
[0036] Hook operation procedure: After the device floats to the water surface, the control board sends a signal to the servo motor 13; the servo motor 13 drives the hook 15 to rotate 90° and stand upright, waiting to be retrieved or docked; after the operation is completed, the servo motor 13 resets the hook 15 to the storage tank 14.
[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: This intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels features a U-shaped metal ring, or hook 15, installed at the center of the top of the hull (made of a corrosion-resistant lightweight alloy such as titanium alloy or stainless steel). The rotating shaft at the base of the ring is connected to the output end of the servo motor 13. When not in use, the hook 15 can be flatly concealed in a storage groove 14 on the surface of the hull to reduce water resistance.
[0038] When the device surfaces or needs to be retrieved, the servo motor 13 activates, causing the hook 15 to rotate at a 90-degree angle to the top surface of the body 1, forming a prominent gripping point. The spring-loaded mechanism is simple, reliable, and easy to retrieve: workers can directly hook or grab this ring with a hook, rod, or hand, avoiding the risks of directly grabbing a smooth cylinder or tail propeller. This retractable design provides an "invisible" gripping point without affecting underwater performance (it adds almost no resistance when retracted), while the automatic spring-loaded mechanism increases practicality. Compared to a fixed ring, it avoids the risk of entanglement during underwater operations.
Claims
1. An intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels, characterized in that, Includes a body (1), the body (1) is columnar in shape, the front end of the body (1) is fixedly connected to an end head (2), an illumination lamp (3) is installed on the end head (2), and a camera (4) is fixedly connected to the end head (2). The outer surface of the body (1) is fixedly connected with several strip-shaped ribs (5), and small wings (6) are fixedly connected to both sides of the body (1). The tail of the body (1) is retracted, and a drive unit (7) is fixedly connected to the tail of the body (1). The output end of the drive unit (7) is fixedly connected to a propeller (8), the two sides of the drive unit (7) are fixedly connected to a first fixed rudder plate (9), and the top and bottom of the drive unit (7) are fixedly connected to a second fixed rudder plate (10). The tail of the first fixed rudder plate (9) is movably connected to a first movable rudder plate (11), which can move up and down. The tail of the second fixed rudder plate (10) is movably connected to a second movable rudder plate (12), which can swing left and right. A servo motor (13) is fixedly connected to the top of the body (1). A storage slot (14) is provided on the top surface of the body (1). A hook (15) is movably connected to the inside of the storage slot (14). The hook (15) is hidden. The output end of the servo motor (13) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the hook (15). The hook (15) can be stored in the storage slot (14).
2. The intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The illumination lamp (3) is in a ring shape and is located around the camera (4).
3. The intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The rib (5) protrudes from the surface of the body (1), and the first fixed rudder plate (9) and the second fixed rudder plate (10) are arranged in a cross shape.
4. The intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The body (1) has a built-in drive motor. The output end of the drive motor is equipped with a connecting rod and is linked with the first movable rudder plate (11) and the second movable rudder plate (12) to drive them to rotate.
5. The intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The servo motor (13) is installed horizontally, and the storage slot (14) and hook (15) are U-shaped.
6. The intelligent underwater detection device for marine engineering vessels as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The adjustable angle of the hook (15) is ninety degrees.
