Pin Point Corer Positioning for Seabed Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seabed sampling technologies face challenges in reliable vertical and horizontal positioning of corers, leading to inconsistent and often unreliable sample collection from seabeds, particularly due to complex arrangements and hazardous deployment conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pin point corer system equipped with a control unit, top lift unit, and positioning unit that allows bi-directional communication for precise control of the corer unit's position, utilizing sensors and thrusters for accurate positioning and stabilization, enabling reliable and precise sample collection from seabeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gravity corers or piston corers are used, then sample collection is simple in design, but positioning reliability and precision are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning unit as an intermediary component between the corer system and the seabed. This positioning unit includes sensors (depth sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, positioning sensor) and optionally thrusters that act as mediators to detect and adjust the corer's position, thereby improving positioning reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire coring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning unit establishes a feedback loop by continuously monitoring the corer's position through sensors and communicating this information bi-directionally with the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustments to maintain accurate positioning, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity through controlled information flow rather than structural overhaul.
2Measurement precision
If complex positioning systems are added to improve positioning precision, then sample collection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into independent functional modules: depth sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, positioning sensor, and optional thrusters. Each sensor measures a specific parameter independently, and the control unit processes these separate inputs to achieve precise positioning. This segmentation allows high measurement precision without requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives data from all sensor types, processes positioning information, controls the corer release mechanism, and manages communication with the vessel. This multi-functionality consolidates control capabilities into a single unit, achieving precise positioning without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If bi-directional communication positioning unit is implemented, then corer position control is precise, but loss of information increases due to communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with electronic sensing and communication systems. Sensors electronically detect position parameters and transmit data wirelessly or via cable to the control unit, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing information loss associated with mechanical signal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin point corer for collecting samples from a seabed of a sea, having a control unit to be positioned on a vessel or similar remote position,a top lift unit, which can be attached to a lifting and lowering unit of a vessel via an cable, such that it can be lifted and lowered relative to the seabed, a corer unit, releasable attached to the top lift unit by a fixation unit and arranged for being at least partly driven into layers of the seabed to collect the samples from there, e.g. when released from the top lift unit, wherein the top lift unit comprises a positioning unit bi-directionally communicating with the control unit for controlling the position of the corer unit. The invention also relates to a respective system and a method for collecting samples by use of such a pin point corer.