Underwater Dredging Head With Flow Obstruction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater dredging methods lack precision and efficiency, requiring multiple tools and frequent tool changes, leading to slow and costly operations when laying or removing underwater cables, pipes, and structures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for underwater dredging that combines a pipe with a dredging head and thruster tube, featuring obstruction mechanisms to control fluid flow, allowing for seamless transitions between suction and mass-flow excavation modes, enhancing precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools (dredger and mass-flow excavator) are used for different operations, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and operational time increase due to frequent tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a dredger and mass-flow excavator into a single integrated apparatus. The dredger component includes a dredging head with suction ports and a pump, while the mass-flow excavator component includes a thruster. Both components are integrated into one device that can perform both suction-based dredging and jet-based mass-flow excavation operations, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a traditional suction dredger for material removal, as a mass-flow excavator using jet propulsion for substrate disturbance, and can switch between these modes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, improving versatility while managing device complexity through unified design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for dredging operations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to work stoppage during tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus enables continuous operation by eliminating the need to remove and replace separate tools. The device can switch between dredging and mass-flow excavation modes without interrupting the overall work process, as both functions are available within the same apparatus. This continuity of useful action directly improves productivity by removing downtime associated with tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic switching capabilities between different operational modes (dredging and mass-flow excavation). The system can adapt its function in real-time based on operational requirements, allowing seamless transitions between modes without physical reconfiguration or tool replacement, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If surface vessels are used for dredging operations, then operational capability is provided, but measurement precision and environmental protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional surface vessel-based mechanical dredging with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) carrying the integrated dredging apparatus. This substitution allows the system to operate directly at the seabed with precise positioning controlled from the surface, eliminating the imprecision and environmental damage associated with large surface vessel operations while maintaining full operational capability.
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 precise and efficient removal or addition of material from the seabed by integrating suction and mass-flow excavation functions into a single tool, reducing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster disposed between the first thruster aperture and the second thruster aperture, wherein the at least one thruster tube is in fluid communication with the at least one second sidewall aperture
Implementation Method 2
performing a dredging operation, wherein a dredging head issues a first fluid flow into a pipe via an at least one first sidewall aperture
Implementation Method 3
a first obstruction mechanism configured to selectively deter reverse fluid flow into the dredging head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for underwater dredging includes a pipe (10) and a dredging head (2). The pipe (10) has a first aperture (11) and a second aperture (12) each disposed at opposing ends of the pipe (10). The pipe (10) also has at least one first sidewall aperture (13). The dredging head (2) is circumferentially arranged on a sidewall of the pipe (10) and has at least one input (20), at least one output (21) and a plenum chamber (22). The at least one output (21) is in fluid communication with the at least one first sidewall aperture (13). A first obstruction mechanism (23) is configured to selectively deter reverse fluid flow into the dredging head (2). The first obstruction mechanism (23) is configured to be selectively transformable between: a first, obstructing, configuration in which at least reverse fluid flow through the dredging head (2) is deterred; and a second, open, configuration in which fluid flow through the dredging head (2) is permitted. A method of underwater dredging is also described.