Hull Robot Garage Rotation System for Safe Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hull cleaning robots face challenges with bio-fouling, difficulty in launch and recovery, safe stowage, and maintenance due to their size and weight, and the need for a reliable method to secure and retrieve them from a vessel while underway.
Innovation Solution
A vessel hull robot garage with a stowage compartment and rotation system to transition between launch/recovery and stowed positions, including a cleaning fluid dispenser, heater, and charging system, along with a portable suitcase chamber for easy extraction and maintenance, utilizing magnetic spacers to reduce attraction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot uses magnetic attraction to grip the hull, then the robot can be securely attached to the hull during operation, but it becomes difficult to remove the robot from the hull for servicing, cleaning, and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent magnetic base attached to the hull and a removable robot unit with separate magnetic components. This segmentation allows the robot to be easily detached and reattached without dealing with the entire magnetic system, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic spacer or intermediary component is introduced between the robot's magnetic elements and the hull surface. This intermediary reduces the magnetic attraction force during removal operations while allowing the robot to function normally when attached, thus enabling easy removal without compromising operational security.
2Productivity
If the robot is designed with sufficient size and weight for effective hull cleaning, then the robot can perform its cleaning function effectively, but it becomes difficult to manually launch and recover the robot
Solution Approach 1:
A buoyant platform or counterweight system is provided that offsets the robot's weight during launch and recovery operations. This allows one or two operators to manually handle the robot by providing upward buoyant force to counteract the robot's weight, while the robot maintains its full weight and size for effective cleaning operations on the hull.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic or pneumatic assistance systems are used to lift and position the heavy robot during launch and recovery. Fluid pressure systems provide the necessary force to move the robot without requiring manual lifting, thus maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing operational difficulty.
3Reliability
If the robot operates on a stationary vessel only, then the robot can be controlled and powered reliably, but the robot cannot operate on moving vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The robot and its platform are designed with dynamic stabilization systems that actively adjust to vessel motion. Gyroscopic stabilizers, active suspension, or real-time control systems compensate for ship movement, allowing the robot to maintain its position and function reliably whether the vessel is stationary or moving.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient storage, launch, and recovery of hull robots, enabling effective cleaning and maintenance while reducing the impact of bio-fouling and environmental concerns, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation system configured to rotate the stowage compartment relative to the vessel between a launch/recovery attitude and a stowed position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic spacers to reduce attraction forces
Implementation Method 3
The garage may include a heater system
Implementation Method 4
The garage may include a cleaning fluid dispenser system for cleaning the robot
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel hull robot garage includes a stowage compartment for stowing a hull robot and a rotation system for rotating the stowage compartment relative to the vessel between a launch/recovery attitude and a stowed position.