Buoy Capsule Camera for Underwater Anchor Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for monitoring the condition of an anchor or objects underwater are either time-consuming, require continuous user monitoring, or fail to provide real-time data, especially when the water depth changes, and do not effectively protect key components from water exposure.
Innovation Solution
A buoy system with a separable capsule containing a camera and lights connected via a UTP cable, which can be lowered to an anchor or person, transmitting data via WiFi to a mobile application, using a rotating mechanism for cable management and a waterproof chamber to protect components, allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic positioning adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If underwater drones or cameras are used to monitor anchor conditions, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the system complexity and preparation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: a floating buoy structure that remains on the surface, and a separable capsule that can be lowered to the anchor. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be separated from the complex drone systems, achieving real-time monitoring through a simpler, more reliable configuration where the buoy handles surface operations and the capsule handles underwater observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy acts as an intermediary device between the user and the underwater anchor. Instead of requiring direct control of complex underwater drones, the buoy provides automated monitoring and communication functions, mediating between the anchor environment and the user interface, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If underwater cameras are used for monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but continuous user monitoring is required which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy system is designed to operate autonomously once deployed. The capsule can be lowered to the anchor and continue monitoring without requiring continuous user intervention. The system self-manages the monitoring process, storing and transmitting data automatically, which eliminates the need for continuous user monitoring and significantly reduces time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is prepared and attached to the buoy in advance, and the buoy is positioned at the desired location before monitoring begins. This preliminary setup allows the system to start monitoring immediately upon deployment without requiring continuous user presence or intervention during the monitoring process.
3Loss of information
If cable-based underwater cameras are used, then data transmission is improved, but cable management becomes complex especially when water depth changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic cable management solution where the cable length can be adjusted based on water depth changes. The buoy can raise or lower the capsule along the cable, and the cable itself can be paid out or retracted as needed, providing a flexible, adaptive system that maintains reliable data transmission without the rigidity of fixed-length cable systems.
4Ease of operation
If key components are exposed in the buoy, then ease of access is improved, but protection from water exposure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy components are segmented into separate functional modules that can be accessed individually. The capsule, which contains sensitive electronics, is housed in a waterproof enclosure that can be sealed when not in use. This modular segmentation allows easy access to specific components for maintenance or replacement while maintaining water protection for the entire system when deployed.
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
Enables efficient, real-time monitoring of anchor conditions and underwater objects or persons, with automatic cable management and protection of key components, ensuring reliable data transmission and improved safety during anchoring and diving operations.
Implementation Method 1
A buoy for marking, which can be used to simply mark a location at the sea bed... the buoy comprises a control mechanism, which releases a weight by using the optimal rope amount
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention belongs to the nautical field, specifically to the area of buoys. The invention relates to a buoy for checking the condition of a person or an object tied to the said buoy. The essence of the buoy according to the invention is in that it comprises a casing, which floats on the water surface, and a capsule with a camera and lights, which can be separated from the casing with a UTP cable and can be lowered down to an anchor, an object or a person. The wire rope, which is connected to the lower part of the capsule can be connected to any anchor, a fixed object on the sea bed or a person. The camera captures images and/or video and sends data via the UTP cable to the processor, and the processors sends data via wireless network (WiFi or similar) to the mobile application installed on the user device, which is preferably a smart phone, a tablet, computer or a similar device. The user can visually check the condition of the anchor and simultaneously monitor the anchor position via one or more satellite systems for global navigation, and the position is displayed graphically and numerically on the application on a mobile telephone, a tablet or a computer.