Rotating Disk Cleaning Device for Ship Hulls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently cleaning large submerged surfaces like ship hulls due to limited accessibility and the need to avoid damaging toxic paints, while also addressing the issue of increased fuel consumption caused by barnacle growth and fouling.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with a rotatably supported disk member having nozzles that discharge pressurized liquid, featuring through holes and radially extending ridges to enhance cleaning efficiency and minimize suction forces, allowing operation at higher speeds and pressures without damaging hull coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized water spraying devices are used to clean ship hulls, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging toxic paint coatings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the cleaning medium by using compressed air to generate a foam structure instead of liquid water. This foam delivers cleaning agents in a gentler, more distributed manner that reduces mechanical impact on the paint coating while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through chemical action and mild mechanical agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oxidizing cleaning agents delivered through the foam structure to chemically break down organic fouling and barnacles. This chemical oxidation process allows effective cleaning without requiring high-impact mechanical forces that would damage the protective paint coating.
2Productivity
If conventional cleaning equipment is used on submerged surfaces, then cleaning capability is achieved, but accessibility and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be self-propelled and self-positioning on the ship hull using the reaction force from its air nozzle. The device automatically maintains contact with the surface and progresses along the hull without requiring external manipulation or complex positioning systems, greatly improving ease of operation on submerged surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses compressed air delivered through a hose from the surface to power both the foam generation system and the propulsion mechanism. This pneumatic system allows the device to operate autonomously underwater without requiring electrical power or complex mechanical drive systems, simplifying operation and improving accessibility.
3Productivity
If high pressure water jets are used to remove fouling, then cleaning speed increases, but fuel consumption benefits are reduced due to paint damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cleaning mechanism from high-impact liquid water jets to a foam-based system delivered at lower pressures. The foam structure distributes cleaning force over a larger area and longer duration, maintaining cleaning speed through sustained chemical action rather than brief high-impact mechanical forces, thereby preserving paint integrity and reducing the need for frequent repainting that would increase fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
By using oxidizing agents in the foam, the patent achieves effective fouling removal through chemical breakdown that works progressively over time during the cleaning operation. This maintains cleaning effectiveness and speed without relying on high mechanical impact that would damage the paint and require premature repainting, thus preserving fuel efficiency benefits.
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 provides a more efficient and simpler operation for cleaning submerged surfaces, reducing fuel consumption by effectively removing fouling without damaging hull paints, and maintaining stability and control in varying orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid under pressure against the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the disk member comprises a plurality of through holes, spaced at regular intervals and arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of ridges is arranged at regular intervals on the first side and extending radially
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device (60) for cleaning of ship's hulls or other submerged surfaces, comprises a disk member (80) rotatably supported by a spindle (67) and configured for rotation about a rotational axis (r) by drive means (63). The disk member has one side facing the surface and comprises a plurality of nozzles (82) for discharging liquid under pressure against the surface to be cleaned. The disk member (80) also comprises a plurality of through holes (83), spaced at regular intervals and arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotational axis. The disk may also comprise a plurality of ridges (84) arranged at regular intervals on the side facing the surface, and extending radially. An hull-cleaning ROV (1) comprises a pair of first trimming means (10a,b) arranged in a plane which is parallel with the vehicle's x-y plane, and a distance away from the centre of gravity (CG); and a pair of second trimming means (12a,b) arranged in the x-y plane and along the x axis. The trimming means (10a,b, 12a,b) are autonomous in that the trimming means' individual centre of gravity is automatically shifted when the vehicle is accelerating or changes its orientation in the water.