Dredging Platform With Aerial Tool Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dredging systems face challenges in operating in confined spaces and require significant personnel and resources, especially when dealing with heterogeneous sediments, and often compromise fish fauna protection and safety due to their operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

A dredging system featuring a platform with flotation and anchoring winches, a dredging tool with adjustable lifting mechanisms, sediment detection systems, and remote control capabilities, utilizing either a bucket for heterogeneous sediments or a dredging pump for finer sediments, with advanced cable tensioning and control systems to manage sediment collection and unloading efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional dredging devices are used, then dredging operation can be performed, but they cannot operate in confined spaces with limited dimensions and drafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating spaceVSAvoidadaptability to confined spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dredging system is divided into modular components: a platform unit, a dredging tool, and a control unit that can be operated remotely. This segmentation allows the system to be compact yet functional in confined spaces while maintaining dredging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional water-based dredging to air-based dredging by positioning the platform above the water surface and using aerial manipulation of the dredging tool. This dimensional change allows operation in confined water areas that would be inaccessible to conventional water-based dredgers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional dredging systems are deployed, then sediment removal can be achieved, but significant personnel and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesediment removal efficiencyVSAvoidpersonnel and resource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated control capabilities where the control unit can remotely operate the platform and dredging tool without requiring extensive on-site personnel. The automated navigation and dredging operations reduce manual intervention and resource requirements while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If mechanical dredging means are used, then sediment can be removed, but fish fauna protection is compromised and safety issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesediment removal capabilityVSAvoidimpact on fish fauna and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional heavy mechanical dredging systems with a lighter, more controllable platform-based system that uses aerial manipulation rather than direct water contact. This substitution reduces the harmful mechanical impacts on aquatic ecosystems while maintaining sediment removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If specialized dredgers with trained companies are deployed, then sediment management can be performed, but operational costs become very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesediment management capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform various dredging operations and be deployed in different water bodies. This universality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each operation, thereby lowering operational costs while maintaining sediment management capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient sediment removal in confined spaces with reduced personnel and operational costs, effectively handling both large and sandy sediments while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring safety.

Implementation Method 1

a platform provided with flotation means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

at least three connection points connecting with the ends of respective warping cables, suitably anchored to the shore at the opposite ends, and provided with suitable tensioning means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3976890B1System for the dredging of underwater sea-beds
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 MONGIARDINO BARTOLOMEO
  • EP3976890B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3976890B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3976890B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

System for dredging underwater sea-bed comprising : - a platform provided with flotation means, a dredging tool being provided on the portion of said platform facing the surface of the water, provided with means suitable for lowering and lifting it, and being provided with at least three connection points associated with said platform, for connection to the ends of respective warping cables, suitably anchored to the shore at the opposite ends, and provided with suitable tensioning means; sediment collection means collected by the dredging tool, means for detecting the absolute position of said platform; means for detecting the position of said dredging tool; - means for detecting the seabed configuration; - means for detecting the quantity of sediment removed from the seabed; remote command and control means of said means suitable for lowering and lifting said dredging tool, tensioning means for the warping cables, and all detection means; - means for supplying the equipment on board the platform.