Autonomous Hull Cleaning Robot Using Water Flow Turbines
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hull cleaning robots are tethered and can only operate on stationary vessels, leading to high fuel consumption, increased emissions, and environmental contamination due to frequent manual cleaning with toxic paints, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous hull cleaning robot powered by turbines driven by water flow, equipped with a drive subsystem, cleaning apparatus, and navigation and communication systems, allowing it to operate continuously while the vessel is underway, reducing frictional resistance and minimizing paint toxicity release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning by scuba divers is used, then the hull can be cleaned effectively, but the cost is high and toxic anti-fouling paint contaminates the water
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is autonomous and self-powered, harvesting energy from water flow through turbines to operate cleaning apparatus without requiring external tether connections or manual intervention, thereby eliminating the need for toxic paints and manual cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning by divers with an autonomous robotic system that uses turbine-driven mechanisms to power cleaning apparatus, substituting human labor and toxic chemicals with a self-sustaining mechanical system
2Extent of automation
If tethered robotic cleaners are used on stationary vessels, then cleaning can be automated, but the vessels must remain stationary and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot generates its own power through water-flow-driven turbines, eliminating the need for tether connections to vessel power systems and enabling operation on moving vessels without increasing their fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is designed to operate dynamically on moving vessels rather than requiring stationary positioning, with adaptive cleaning mechanisms that function effectively during vessel motion through water flow energy harvesting
3Reliability
If frequent manual cleaning is performed, then bio-fouling is controlled, but operational time is lost and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot enables continuous or periodic cleaning operations without requiring vessel shutdown or docking, maintaining bio-fouling control while preserving operational continuity through onboard power generation from water flow
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs cleaning actions proactively during normal vessel operation rather than waiting for scheduled dry-docking, preventing bio-fouling accumulation before it significantly impacts performance
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 autonomous robot decreases fuel costs, lowers carbon emissions, and reduces hull maintenance costs by continuously cleaning the hull while the vessel is in operation, using turbines to harness water flow for power and navigation, thus enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one turbine actuatable by water flowing past the hull
Implementation Method 2
The robot is magnetically attached to the hull when the vessel is stationary
Data Source
AI summary
A hull cleaning robot includes at least one cleaning apparatus for cleaning the hull of a vessel, at least one drive track holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull, and at least one turbine actuatable by water flowing past the hull for operating the at least one drive track and, optionally, the cleaning apparatus.