ROV Drill Assembly for Magnetic Hull Tapping Underwater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting fluids from disabled vessels, such as sunken ships, are labor-intensive, risky, and limited to shallow waters, involving manual drilling and reliance on diver-operated systems, which are costly, time-consuming, and pose environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A remotely-operated underwater drilling system comprising a ROV and a drilling assembly with a linear and rotary actuator, capable of installing a tap assembly into a ship's skin, allowing for fluid extraction and injection, utilizing magnets for attachment and a hose connection assembly for fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drilling and diver-operated systems are used, then the system can operate in shallow waters, but the operation becomes labor-intensive, risky, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical drilling operations with an automated drilling system that includes a motor-driven drill bit, linear actuator for positioning, and rotary actuator for drilling. This substitution eliminates the need for diver-operated manual drilling, reducing labor intensity and operational risks while maintaining drilling functionality in aquatic environments
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system is designed to autonomously perform drilling operations through integrated actuators and control mechanisms. The linear actuator automatically positions the drill bit against the vessel hull, and the rotary actuator executes drilling without continuous human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself during critical operations
2Productivity
If diver-operated systems are used, then fluid extraction can be performed, but the operation becomes time-consuming and poses environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fluid extraction operations with an automated pump system controlled by the drilling apparatus. The pump can be remotely activated to extract fluids through the drilled access points, significantly reducing the time required for fluid extraction compared to manual diver operations while eliminating associated environmental hazards
3Device complexity
If manual drilling methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the system cannot operate in deeper waters safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual drilling tools with a sophisticated automated drilling system that includes motor-driven components, multiple actuators for positioning and drilling, and a pump system. This increased complexity enables the system to operate safely in deeper waters where manual methods are impractical or dangerous, providing adaptability across various water depths
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various operational requirements: positioning via linear actuator, drilling via rotary actuator, fluid extraction via pump, and attachment to vessel hulls. This universal design allows the same system to adapt to different water depths and vessel types without requiring fundamentally different equipment
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
Enables efficient and safe extraction and injection of fluids from disabled vessels in deeper waters, reducing environmental risks and operational costs, with the system capable of diver-less operation and repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
The base comprises a plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system configured to install a tap assembly into a ship skin is disclosed. The drilling system comprises a remotely-operated underwater vehicle and a drilling assembly configured to be operated by the remotely-operated underwater vehicle. The drilling assembly comprises a frame comprising an attachment element configured to hold the drilling assembly to a surface of the ship skin. The drilling assembly further comprises a drill actuation system comprising a linear actuator attached to the frame and a rotary actuator, wherein an actuation of the linear actuator is configured to move the rotary actuator relative to the frame to install the tap assembly into the ship skin by driving the tap assembly with the rotary actuator and the linear actuator.