Above-Water Propulsion Hull for Shallow Obstacle Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structures near water bodies are prone to degradation due to moisture and vegetation ingress, which can lead to structural integrity issues and damage from freeze-thaw cycles, exacerbated by limited personnel access and obstacles that can harm propulsion systems of traditional remotely controlled vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled boat-drone hybrid with a buoyant hull and propulsion system located above the water, featuring a planar base and rotatable turbomachines for maneuverability, enabling navigation around obstacles and eliminating the need for human access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional remotely controlled vehicle is used to access water, then inspection and repair work can be conducted, but personnel accessibility is required which exposes personnel to risk and is limited by steep banks and overgrown vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is equipped with an integrated propulsion system that enables it to navigate, inspect, and perform repair tasks autonomously without requiring human personnel to physically access the water body, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines inspection, repair, and navigation functions in a single autonomous platform, allowing it to perform multiple tasks including navigating to structures, inspecting for vegetation ingress, and conducting repair work without requiring different specialized equipment or personnel
2Speed
If the propulsion system is located below the water, then the device can navigate efficiently, but obstacles within the water can cause damage to the propulsion system
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is extracted from the traditional submerged position and relocated to an above-water configuration, eliminating exposure to underwater obstacles while maintaining the ability to generate propulsive force for efficient navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system operates in the air dimension rather than the water dimension, using aerial propellers to generate thrust that is transmitted to the device, thereby avoiding contact with underwater hazards while preserving navigation efficiency
3Speed
If a non-planar base is used, then the device may have better hydrodynamics, but it increases the risk of grounding in shallow waters and reduces stability
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a circular base geometry that provides uniform distribution of forces and consistent hydrodynamic characteristics in all directions, enhancing both stability on water and resistance to grounding while maintaining efficient movement
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is configured with asymmetric propeller arrangement relative to the circular base, allowing optimized thrust distribution for directional control and maneuverability while the symmetric base provides stable support and grounding resistance
4Device complexity
If the propulsion system can only move in fixed directions, then the device structure is simpler, but it reduces maneuverability for navigating around obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system incorporates rotatable propellers that can dynamically change their orientation and direction of thrust, enabling the device to navigate around obstacles and position itself precisely while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a modular composite structure combining a simple circular base with dynamically adjustable propeller assemblies, achieving enhanced maneuverability through the integration of rotational mechanisms while keeping the base structure straightforward and easy to manufacture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device can navigate through shallow waters, avoid propulsion damage, and perform tasks like weed removal and inspection without human intervention, enhancing maneuverability and stability while reducing the risk of grounding.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant hull having a substantially planar base
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A device for use on water, the device comprising a hull (20) having a substantially planar base (30) and a propulsion system (40) configured to propel the device in any direction across a plane substantially parallel to the base, wherein the propulsion system is located above the water, in use.