Automated Sensor Deployment System for Underwater Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for seafloor inspections using self-elevating vessels are inefficient and pose safety risks due to manual handling of sensors, requiring larger vessels, increased fuel consumption, and longer operational times, while also risking accidental damage to the underwater environment.
Innovation Solution
An automatic sensor deployment system comprising a frame, a retractable arm, a cable guide, a lifting cable, a sensor apparatus, a winch, and at least one actuator, which automates the deployment and recovery of underwater sensors, reducing human interaction and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of sensor instruments is used for seafloor inspection, then crew members can directly operate the equipment, but this increases safety risks to personnel and requires larger vessels with more resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated deployment mechanisms. The sensor instrument is automatically deployed using a controlled release system that eliminates the need for manual handling by crew members. The apparatus self-manages the deployment process through mechanical control systems, reducing human involvement to minimal supervision only.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling by crew members is replaced with an automated mechanical deployment system. The system uses a controlled release mechanism with cable management and automatic positioning systems to deploy the sensor instrument, substituting human-operated cranes and manual handling procedures with automated mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor instruments are stored and handled manually onboard, then the equipment is readily available, but this consumes valuable storage space and increases operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor instrument is pre-positioned in a deployed state on the seafloor before the vessel arrives at the inspection location. The apparatus is lowered and positioned in advance, so that when the vessel reaches the target area, the instrument is already in place and ready for immediate data collection, eliminating the time required for on-site deployment and setup.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable management system acts as an intermediary between the onboard storage and the seafloor deployment. The cable allows the instrument to be lowered and positioned on the seafloor while maintaining connection to the vessel, enabling the instrument to be prepared and positioned without requiring extensive onboard storage space or complex manual handling procedures at the inspection site.
3Productivity
If repeated manual deployment and recovery of sensors is performed, then measurements can be taken at multiple locations, but this increases fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous deployment and recovery operations without requiring the vessel to stop or reposition frequently. The automated apparatus allows for sequential deployment at multiple locations along the vessel's path, maintaining continuous productive action. The instrument can be rapidly recovered and redeployed at adjacent locations, maximizing measurement coverage during each vessel transit and reducing unnecessary fuel consumption from repeated stop-and-go operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic sensor deployment system is provided for automatically deploying a sensor from a vessel to an underwater position. The automatic sensor deployment system comprises: a frame; a retractable arm supported by the frame, wherein a distal portion of the retractable arm is configured to be actuated from a retracted position to a deployed position in a direction away from the frame; a cable guide located at the distal portion of the retractable arm; a lifting cable supported by the cable guide; a sensor apparatus attached to the lifting cable, the sensor apparatus comprising a sensor for underwater sensing; a winch configured to retract and let out the lifting cable to raise and lower the sensor apparatus; and at least one actuator configured to actuate the retractable arm and the winch. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.