Conductive Fluid Probe for ROV Electrical Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting electrical shorts or faults in remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) do not allow for localized detection within the electrical circuitry, requiring submersion in water to identify faults, which is inefficient and non-specific.

Innovation Solution

An electrical test probe and method using a detector with a body containing electrically conductive fluid, which is sprayed onto a localized area of the ROV to create a closed circuit and detect faults, allowing for precise identification of electrical shorts or faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If submersion in water is used to detect electrical shorts or faults, then fault detection is possible, but localized detection within the electrical circuitry is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection precisionVSAvoiddetection method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into localized applications of electrically conductive fluid on specific areas or components of the ROV, rather than submerging the entire vehicle. This allows systematic isolation and identification of fault locations by testing individual segments of the electrical circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An electrically conductive fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to create temporary electrical pathways on insulated surfaces. This mediator enables current flow through areas that would normally be electrically isolated, allowing detection of faults without direct electrical contact or submersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If submersion in water is used to detect electrical shorts or faults, then fault detection is possible, but diagnostic efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection reliabilityVSAvoiddiagnostic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive fluid is prepared and applied in advance to specific suspected areas before formal testing begins. This preliminary action allows targeted detection rather than exhaustive testing of all components, improving diagnostic efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical process of submersion is replaced with a chemical/electrical approach using conductive fluid application. This substitution enables faster, more precise testing without the time-consuming process of complete submersion and drying, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If submersion in water is used to detect electrical shorts or faults, then fault detection is possible, but maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault location precisionVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection method applies local quality by using electrically conductive fluid on specific localized areas rather than universal submersion. This allows rapid testing of individual components or cable sections, precisely locating faults without requiring time-consuming complete submersion procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductivity parameter is changed locally by applying conductive fluid to specific areas, creating temporary test conditions without altering the overall system state. This enables quick fault detection and reduces the time loss associated with maintaining submersion conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 localized and precise detection of electrical shorts or faults in ROVs, improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy without the need for submersion, thereby facilitating quicker maintenance and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

a stream of electrically conductive liquid to run in a first direction from the outlet to a localized area of the item; and during step 'c' a current running through the stream of electrically conductive liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11867722B1Remote detection of electrical fault via electrically conductive fluid probe

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 CABA JOSEPH

AI summary

Disclosed is a detector 10 using a liquid spray 2000 for detecting electrical faults or shorts with the detector including a body 100 having an interior 120; a hose or pipe 130 fluidly connected to interior 120; a trigger valve 140 operatively connected to hose 130; a conductor 200 attached to detector 10; and/or a pump 110 fluidly connected to interior 120. In various embodiments the detector 10 can cause liquid spray 2000 to be sprayed on a subregion of an item such as a remotely operated vehicle to create a closed electrical circuit through the liquid spray and the conductor in the detector.