Buoyancy-Adjusted Service Frame for Angled Marine Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine or aquatic support structures suffer from ageing and degradation in the splash zone, requiring servicing such as cleaning and coating, which is difficult and hazardous for divers to perform effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame that can be opened and closed around the structure, equipped with buoyancy tanks and adjustable arms with wheels, allowing it to be angled and moved along the structure for servicing, and controlled remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If divers are used to service marine structures, then human intervention and inspection quality improve, but safety risks and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is equipped with self-propelling wheels that can climb along the marine structure autonomously, eliminating the need for divers to manually position and move the servicing equipment. The device services itself by climbing the structure while carrying out inspection and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human diver system with an automated apparatus featuring electric motors, self-propelling wheels, and remote control capabilities. This substitution eliminates human exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining inspection quality through automated imaging and sensing systems.
2Productivity
If a frame apparatus is used to service marine structures, then servicing effectiveness improves, but the ability to adapt to different structure angles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamically adjustable buoyancy tanks that can change their buoyant force independently. This allows the device to adapt its orientation and attachment angle to match various marine structure angles (vertical, battered, or raked piles) while maintaining effective servicing capability through active buoyancy control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buoyancy parameter of the tanks to adjust the apparatus's orientation. By varying the buoyant force in different tanks, the device can align itself with structures at different angles without requiring mechanical reconfiguration or manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If cranes or lifting apparatus are used to move the servicing device between structures, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses its own self-propelling wheels to climb between marine structures autonomously. The device positions itself by climbing along the structure using motor-driven wheels, eliminating the need for external cranes or lifting apparatus and reducing operational complexity.
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
Facilitates safe and effective servicing of marine structures by enabling convenient movement and angle adjustment, reducing the need for cranes and enhancing operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may have a longitudinal axis which is adjustable relative to the horizontal or vertical, so as to match the angle of a pile or other structure to be serviced. The apparatus may be floated to the next pile to be serviced, and attached thereto.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for servicing a structure has one or more buoyancy chambers attached thereto such that the angle of the apparatus when floating may be adjusted. The attachment may be by a pivotal connector with a pivot point at or near a midpoint or centre of gravity of the structure. The apparatus may comprise a frame that can be opened to fit around the structure to be serviced. This may facilitate attachment of the apparatus to angled structures in an aquatic environment.