ROV Anchor Installation Using Rotational Thrusters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing helical anchors in underwater substrates often require large surface vessels, cause significant seabed disturbance, and are inefficient in terms of mass, cost, and installation noise.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) equipped with rotational thrusters and a tether system that allows for precise installation of helical anchors with minimal seabed disturbance, using a combination of rotational torque and vertical thrust to embed the anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large surface vessels are used to install helical anchors with hydraulic drilling rigs, then installation capability is achieved, but mass, cost, and environmental impact increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic drilling rig system mounted on large surface vessels with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) equipped with electric motors and thrusters. This substitution of the mechanical installation system eliminates the need for large support vessels, dramatically reducing mass and operational costs while maintaining anchor installation capability through direct underwater deployment of the ROV to the installation site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an underwater ROV as an intermediary device between the surface and the seabed anchor installation point. This intermediary vehicle carries the installation equipment directly to the work location, eliminating the need for large vessels to position equipment over the installation site, thereby reducing mass and cost while preserving installation functionality
2Reliability
If traditional hydraulic drilling rigs are used for anchor installation, then anchors can be installed, but torque reaction causes seabed disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drilling rig system that generates torque reaction disturbing the seabed with an ROV using electric motors and thrusters. The new system applies rotational force more efficiently and with better control, reducing unnecessary seabed disturbance while maintaining effective anchor installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the installation system by using an ROV with controlled thrusters and motors that can precisely regulate torque application. This allows for optimized installation parameters that achieve anchor embedment while minimizing harmful torque reaction and seabed disturbance compared to traditional hydraulic systems
3Reliability
If conventional anchor installation methods are used, then anchors are installed, but operational costs and installation noise are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hydraulic drilling rigs operated from large vessels with a remotely operated underwater vehicle using electric motors. This substitution eliminates the noise generated by hydraulic systems and large vessel operations, significantly reducing installation noise while maintaining effective anchor installation through the ROV's direct underwater operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a smaller, less expensive ROV system compared to the costly large surface vessels and hydraulic drilling rigs. This more economical installation platform reduces operational costs while performing the necessary anchor installation function, making the process more cost-effective without compromising installation reliability
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 enables efficient and precise installation of helical anchors with reduced environmental impact, lower operational costs, and quieter operations compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
rotational thrusters and a tether system that allows for precise installation of helical anchors with minimal seabed disturbance, using a combination of rotational torque and vertical thrust to embed the anchors
Implementation Method 2
a tether system that allows for precise installation of helical anchors with minimal seabed disturbance, using a combination of rotational torque and vertical thrust to embed the anchors
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor installation vehicle that includes a vehicle frame having a top end and bottom end, one or more arms extending outward from the vehicle frame, one or more rotational thrusters disposed at distal ends of the one or more arms, and an anchor system configured to hold an anchor extending from the bottom end of the vehicle frame with the anchor aligned with a central axis Y. The anchor installation vehicle is configured to drive the anchor downward into an underwater substrate at an anchor installation location based on reaction torque generated by the one or more rotational thrusters and without reaction torque generated by contact between the anchor installation vehicle and the underwater substrate.