Deep-Sea Mining Vehicle Suction Head Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep-sea mining vehicles face inefficiencies in collecting mineral deposits at great depths due to high pressures and challenging seabed conditions, requiring improved methods for seabed height measurement and suction head control to enhance mineral extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A deep-sea mining vehicle equipped with a support frame, multiple suction heads, and advanced measuring means such as multibeam systems to generate and measure geophysical signals, allowing for precise seabed height adjustment of the suction plane to maintain optimal collection efficiency, with features like caterpillar tracks and adjustable suction heads for efficient mineral collection and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction head height is not precisely controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of mineral deposit collection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring seabed heights at positions that precede the suction head relative to the direction of movement. This allows the control system to anticipate seabed topography changes before the suction head reaches them, enabling proactive height adjustment rather than reactive correction, thereby maintaining optimal collection efficiency without requiring overly complex real-time control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using measured seabed heights to continuously adjust the suction head height. The control device receives seabed elevation data and automatically modifies the suction head position to maintain a predetermined optimal distance from the seabed, ensuring consistent mineral deposit collection efficiency while adapting to varying seabed topography
2Productivity
If advanced measuring means are used to map seabed topology, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with acoustic signaling methods. Instead of using mechanical sensors or direct contact probes to measure seabed topography, the system employs acoustic signals transmitted through water to determine seabed heights, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability for productivity optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to indirectly measure seabed topography. Rather than directly contacting or mechanically scanning the seabed, the system transmits acoustic waves that reflect off or propagate through the seabed environment, allowing height measurement without complex mechanical interaction with the difficult deep-sea terrain
3Productivity
If the suction head operates at variable heights to adapt to seabed topography, then the productivity improves, but the reliability of operation decreases due to high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the suction head to dynamically adjust its height relative to the seabed based on real-time or pre-measured topography data. This dynamic positioning allows the suction head to maintain optimal collection efficiency across varying seabed elevations while the control system manages the adjustments to ensure reliable operation under high-pressure deep-sea conditions
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 solution significantly increases the efficiency of mineral deposit collection by maintaining the suction plane within predetermined limits relative to the seabed, optimizing the quantity of mineral deposits taken up per unit of power, and providing a comprehensive seabed topology image for safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring means for obtaining seabed heights at positions which precede the open suction side relative to the direction of movement
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a deep-sea mining vehicle for taking up mineral deposits from a seabed at great depth, and optionally transporting said deposits to a floating device. The vehicle comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward on the seabed, a storage for the mineral deposits taken up, and further a suction head with an open suction side which is directed toward the seabed and along which the mineral deposits are taken up. The deep-sea mining vehicle is further provided with a control device for keeping the height of the suction plane within predetermined limits relative to the seabed. The control device makes use of measuring means for obtaining seabed heights at positions which precede the open suction side relative to the direction of movement and which extend over a width of the deep-sea mining vehicle. An actuator which is incorporated in a control circuit adjusts the height of the suction head on the basis of the seabed heights measured at the positions.