Compact robotic cleaner for hazardous environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank cleaning methods are hazardous, labor-intensive, and inefficient due to the bulkiness and maneuverability issues of existing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which often require human operators to enter confined spaces for troubleshooting and debris removal.
Innovation Solution
A compact robotic cleaner with elongated track members and a nested cleaning head, equipped with a vacuum system and sensors, designed to navigate and clean within confined spaces, reducing the need for human intervention and improving debris removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ROVs are used for tank cleaning, then cleaning capability is provided, but the ROVs are bulky and difficult to position and maneuver within closed containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is nested between the elongated track members in a compact configuration, allowing the components to be space-efficient while maintaining full functionality. This nesting arrangement enables the ROV to fit within confined tank spaces without sacrificing cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV employs movable and adjustable components including the cleaning head position relative to the track members, and the pump mounting at an oblique angle. These dynamic configurations allow the system to adapt to different tank geometries and cleaning requirements, improving maneuverability within confined spaces.
2Extent of automation
If existing ROVs are used for tank cleaning, then automated cleaning is achieved, but the ROVs are susceptible to clogging due to debris within the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into distinct functional segments: the cleaning head for debris collection, the pump for debris removal, and the vacuum hose for debris transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the pump positioned to efficiently receive and remove debris from the cleaning head, reducing clogging susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum hose acts as an intermediary component between the cleaning head and the pump, providing a dedicated debris transport pathway. This intermediary structure facilitates smooth debris flow from the cleaning operation to the pump, reducing the likelihood of clogging and maintaining reliable automated operation.
3Productivity
If existing ROVs are used for tank cleaning, then reduced costs and increased time-effectiveness are achieved, but human workers must still enter hazardous environments to troubleshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV is equipped with sensors and diagnostic capabilities that enable it to monitor its own operation and detect potential issues without human intervention. The system can autonomously troubleshoot and resolve minor problems, eliminating the need for human workers to enter hazardous tank environments and maintaining continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on cleaning performance, debris accumulation, and system status. This feedback mechanism allows the automated system to adjust its operation and detect anomalies early, maintaining productivity while eliminating the need for human workers to enter hazardous environments for monitoring or troubleshooting.
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 robotic cleaner's compact size and maneuverability enable safe and efficient cleaning of tanks, reducing operator exposure to hazardous environments and minimizing clogging issues, while sensors enhance operation control and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a pump supported that generates a vacuum force for drawing the debris into the cleaning head during the cleaning operation
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic cleaner for removing material from a vessel, such as but not limited to a sumps, and storage tank, includes a chassis, elongated track members, and a cleaning head. A first elongated track member is on a first side of the chassis and a second elongated track member is on a second side of the chassis, and the elongated track members enable movement of the robotic cleaner along a surface. The cleaning head is supported by the chassis and is nested between the first and second elongated track members such that the first elongated track member and the second elongated track member overlap the cleaning head in a lateral direction. An inlet of the cleaning head may face a forward direction of the robotic cleaner.