Underwater robot and system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underwater robot and system inspired by the movement mechanisms of jellyfish, featuring flexible tissues, motors and drive train, and a control system, which can be used in various industries and research fields, characterized in that it comprises a movement module (1) that enables the robot to move by adapting to the underwater environment using flexible materials and biomimetic movement mechanisms, a control module (2) consisting of motors, drive train, and microcontrollers that manage the robot's movements and maneuvers, an energy management module (3) that ensures the energy efficiency of the robot and uses motors consuming low energy with power generation from water flow, an environment detection module (4) that includes sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the robot's movement by detecting water flow, obstacles, and other environmental factors around it, a navigation and communication module (5) that determines the robot's position underwater and enables accurate orientation and data transmission by establishing communication, an application module (6) that includes sensors and special means enabling the robot to perform underwater cleaning, exploration, and environmental monitoring tasks, and a maintenance tracking module (7) that monitors the maintenance requirements of the robot.

Description

[0001] UNDERWATER ROBOT AND SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] This invention relates to an underwater robot and system inspired by the movement mechanisms of jellyfish, featuring flexible tissues, motors and drive train, and a control system, which can be used in various industries and research fields.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] Patent application no. W02021100910A1 describes “Underwater Drone for Ship Management”. The invention relates to an underwater unmanned aerial vehicle for ship management, the underwater unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: an unmanned aerial vehicle body having a plurality of propulsion bodies disposed on one side of a fuselage body portion so as to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle to move underwater, and an unmanned aerial vehicle body having a waterproof structure that generates detection information regarding the underwater environment around the fuselage body portion; a driving apparatus connected to the lower part of the unmanned aerial vehicle body to receive operating power through the unmanned aerial vehicle body and provided to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle body to move reciprocatingly, and a control device connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle body through a cable and providing the unmanned aerial vehicle body with operating power supplied from an external power source and transmitting an input command signal to the unmanned aerial vehicle body to control the operating states of the unmanned aerial vehicle body and the driving apparatus.

[0006] The invention described above uses multiple propulsion bodies and driving apparatus to provide a certain mobility, however, this design shows limitations in terms of flexibility and environmental adaptability, especially when interacting with environmental obstacles underwater. The fixed structure of the vehicle's body can create a lack of flexibility to underwater flow and obstacles. This limits the robot's mobility, especially in narrow spaces or in environments with fluctuating water flows. In addition, receiving operating power from an external power source can limit mobility and shorten the robot's operating time, especially when battery capacity is limited.Wired energy supply is a disadvantage in terms of robot autonomy, as it limits the robot's range of movement, and can lead to efficiency losses in energy management for long-term tasks.

[0007] Patent application no. KR102192725B1 describes the "Drone System Based on Underwater Exploration". The invention is a drone system based on underwater exploration, comprising: a drone levitated by means of a plurality of rotor blade parts placed at the outer end of each of the plurality of blades mounted at a predetermined interval along the outer circumferential surface of a drone main body, and a boat attached to a drone support element mounted on the lower part of the drone main body so that it can be freely detached and navigated on the water with at least one electric screw, wherein the boat comprises an image-acquisition means mounted on the end of a cable submerged underwater by an electric reel cable, and acquires the underwater image to search for those drowning underwater, and wirelessly transmits the underwater image to a receiver in a remote location.

[0008] The invention described above relies on a wireless communication system to acquire and transmit underwater images while the drone system, designed for underwater exploration, works in conjunction with boat support. However, the wireless communication used in this design may be limited when it comes to transmitting data underwater, as the efficiency of wireless signals is severely reduced underwater. This may result in data loss or low-resolution transmissions during image transmission. Furthermore, the connection between the boat and the drone can make it difficult for both systems to operate independently, making coordination during the mission more complex and creating constraints in terms of flexibility. A boat that can be navigated on the water using an electric screw may be incompatible with the underwater movement of the robot, as underwater and surface movements have different dynamics and this can reduce the efficiency of the system.

[0009] Definition of the Invention:

[0010] The present invention is an underwater robot and system capable of overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages, and is characterized by providing high energy efficiency, offering flexible mobility, adapting to environmental factors, being suitable for different areas of use, requiring low maintenance, having high durability and low cost.The present invention has many important advantages for underwater robots. Firstly, the use of flexible materials and biomimetic movement mechanisms increases the robot's ability to adapt to the environment, allowing it to move more efficiently and precisely. This makes it easier for the robot to maneuver in underwater environments and makes it more sensitive to environmental obstacles. In terms of energy efficiency, the motors providing energy from the flow of water and low energy consumption allow the robot to be used for long-term tasks and minimize energy consumption. In addition, thanks to the environmental sensing and navigation modules, the robot optimizes its movement by detecting the factors around it and is steered with high accuracy even in difficult conditions underwater. The application module allows the robot to be used in different tasks, making it an effective means in many areas such as underwater cleaning, exploration, and environmental monitoring. Finally, the maintenance tracking module continuously monitors the maintenance requirements of the robot, increasing the durability of the robot and making the maintenance process more efficient. Combined, these advantages enable the invention to operate underwater robots in an efficient, versatile and sustainable manner.

[0011] With the easy fastening of the parts that make up the invention to each other, it is easy to install, and thanks to the short assembly time, costs are low. Also, the invention has a solid structure.

[0012] Description of the Drawings:

[0013] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated, however it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended all alternatives, modifications and equivalences that may be included in the field of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims are within the scope. It should be understood that the details shown are for the sole purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to provide the most useful and easily understandable description of both the embodiment of the methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In the drawings;

[0014] Figure 1 The schematic view of the product of the invention.The figures which will help understand this invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and are given below with their names.

[0015] Description of the References:

[0016] 1. Movement Module

[0017] 2. Control module

[0018] 3. Energy Management Module

[0019] 4. Environment Detection Module

[0020] 5. Navigation and Communication Module

[0021] 6. Application Module

[0022] 7. Maintenance Tracking module

[0023] Description of the Invention:

[0024] The invention comprises a movement module (1) that enables the robot to move by adapting to the underwater environment using flexible materials and biomimetic movement mechanisms, a control module (2) consisting of motors, drive train, and microcontrollers that manage the robot's movements and maneuvers, an energy management module (3) that ensures the energy efficiency of the robot and uses motors consuming low energy with power generation from water flow, an environment detection module (4) that includes sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the robot's movement by detecting water flow, obstacles, and other environmental factors around it, a navigation and communication module (5) that determines the robot's position underwater and enables accurate orientation and data transmission by establishing communication, an application module (6) that includes sensors and special means enabling the robot to perform underwater cleaning, exploration, and environmental monitoring tasks, and a maintenance tracking module (7) that monitors the maintenance requirements of the robot.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0026] The constituent parts of the system of the invention are essentially: movement module (1), control module (2), energy management module (3), environment detection module(4), navigation and communication module (5), application module (6), and maintenance tracking module (7).

[0027] The present invention consists of a series of modules to enable underwater robots to work in an efficient and versatile manner. Firstly, the movement module (1) directing the robot's movement uses flexible materials and biomimetic movement mechanisms, allowing the robot to move efficiently by adapting to the environment. This module (1) adapts to the flow and environmental conditions underwater, inspired by the movements of biological organisms such as jellyfish. The control module (2) managing the robot's movements and maneuvers controls the robot's precise maneuvers underwater with a system consisting of motors, drive train, and microcontrollers. This module (2) ensures the correct orientation of the movement and mobility suitable for any underwater environment. The energy management module (3) optimizes the robot's energy efficiency and uses the water flow as an energy source for the movement, enabling long-term operation with low-energy consuming motors. In this way, the robot's uptime is extended and energy consumption is reduced to a minimum. The environment detection module (4) optimizing the robot’s movement by sensing its environment, uses sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to detect water flow, obstacles, and other environmental factors, continuously improving the robot’s movement based on this data. This module (4) enables the robot to move sensitively within its environment and optimally assess environmental interactions while carrying out its tasks. The navigation and communication module (5) determines the robot’s position underwater and allows it to be guided correctly by communicating when necessary. It also enables underwater data transmission, making it more efficient to monitor and control the robot's tasks. The application module (6) allows the robot to be equipped with sensors and special means so that it can perform different tasks such as underwater cleaning, exploration, and environmental monitoring. This module (6) allows the robot to be used in specific applications and can be customized for different functions. Finally, the maintenance tracking module (7) monitors the maintenance requirements of the robot and keeps track of the maintenance process, ensuring that the robot runs efficiently for a long time. This module (7) increases the durability of the robot by using low-wear materials, while detecting maintenance requirements with automated monitoring systems. The present invention enables all these modules to work in harmony, allowing the robot to effectively perform its underwater tasks and provide long-term performance in an environmentally friendly manner.The movement module mentioned in the system (1) can be manufactured from elastomer-based materials and may comprise biomimetric movement mechanisms (structures such as fish fins, water jets, propellers, etc.). It can also comprise servo motors or piezoelectric motors, which will provide high flexibility. Control of the system can be assumed by a microcontroller. Gearboxes, belts, or chain mechanisms can be used during movement transmission. The energy management module (3) may comprise a hydrokinetic generator. The environment detection module (4) can comprise ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, camera, and LIDAR, and can work synchronously with artificial intelligence algorithms. GPS and acoustic positioning systems can be used to determine the underwater position. Data communication can be wired or wireless. The system may comprise motor temperature, battery charge status, mechanical wear sensors to analyze its own status.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An underwater robot and system, characterized in that it comprises:— a movement module (1) that enables the robot to move by adapting to the underwater environment using flexible materials and biomimetic movement mechanisms,— a control module (2) consisting of motors, drive train, and microcontrollers that manage the robot's movements and maneuvers,— an energy management module (3) that ensures the energy efficiency of the robot and uses motors consuming low energy with power generation from water flow,— an environment detection module (4) that includes sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the robot's movement by detecting water flow, obstacles, and other environmental factors around it,— a navigation and communication module (5) that determines the robot's position underwater and enables accurate orientation and data transmission by establishing communication,— an application module (6) that includes sensors and special means enabling the robot to perform underwater cleaning, exploration, and environmental monitoring tasks, and— a maintenance tracking module (7) that monitors the maintenance requirements of the robot.

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