Remotely Operable Dredging Vehicle for Deep-Sea Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dredger systems face limitations in reaching greater depths due to increased mechanical stress in suction tubes and frames, restricting the maximum length and depth of dredging operations.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable dredging vehicle with a riser is used, connected to the suction tube of a standard dredging vessel, allowing for greater depths without structural changes, using a flexible riser and existing vessel equipment, and enabling communication and control via a communication cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of the suction tube is increased to reach greater depths, then the dredging depth is improved, but the mechanical stress in the tube and frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube system is divided into two separate components: a relatively short rigid suction tube connected to the vessel, and a flexible riser that extends from the tube end to the dredging head on the seabed. This segmentation allows the rigid tube to maintain structural integrity while the flexible riser accommodates the increased length and depth requirements without imposing excessive mechanical stress on the vessel frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible riser instead of extending the rigid frame-reinforced tube sections. The flexible riser can bend and adapt to the increased depth and positioning requirements, eliminating the mechanical stress constraints that would otherwise limit the suction tube length and dredging depth.
2Length of moving object
If the suction tube length is increased to achieve greater depth, then the dredging depth is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the suction tube from the riser, the system avoids the complexity of constructing an extremely long rigid tube with adequate structural reinforcement. The rigid tube remains short and simple, while the flexible riser handles the length extension without requiring complex frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible riser acts as an intermediary component between the rigid suction tube and the dredging head. It mediates the connection, allowing the system to achieve greater depth without requiring the rigid tube structure to be both long and structurally sound, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a remotely operable dredging vehicle is used instead of a standard suction head, then the dredging depth and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely operable dredging vehicle is designed to be compatible with existing dredging vessels and infrastructure. It can be deployed on various vessel types and works with standard suction tubes and hoses, allowing one device to serve multiple vessel configurations and dredging scenarios, thereby justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The remotely operable vehicle replaces the need for complex mechanical positioning systems on the vessel itself. Instead of having elaborate mechanical arrangements for deploying and positioning long suction tubes, the system uses a remotely controlled vehicle that can autonomously position itself and the dredging head, substituting mechanical complexity with automated control systems.
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 dredging operations at depths of 150-400 meters or more with minimal time and equipment adjustments, maintaining standard vessel functionality while allowing for retrofitting for deeper operations.
Implementation Method 1
a suction head and a riser that is at a first riser end in fluid communication with the suction head for removing the material from the bottom surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A dredger system (100) for collecting material (112) from a sea floor (110), comprising a dredging vessel (102) with a hopper (116) for storing the material (112), and a suction tube (118) which at a first tube end (122) is arranged for discharging the material (112) into the hopper (116), the suction tube (118) having a second tube end (124) for receiving the material (112). The dredger system (100) comprises a remotely operable dredging vehicle (130) with a suction head (132) and a riser (134) that is at a first riser end (136) connected to the suction head (132). During use, the remotely operable dredging vehicle (130) is situated on the sea floor (110), and a second riser end (138) of the riser (134) is releasably connected to the second tube end (124), for guiding the material (112) from the bottom surface (110) to the hopper (116).