ROV Shell Picker Device for Gentle Seabed Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shell harvesting technologies are inefficient, costly, and environmentally damaging due to their rigidity, high maintenance requirements, and exposure to weather conditions, with a need for a solution that offers flexibility, gentleness on the seabed, rapid operation, and reduced costs.
Innovation Solution
A shell picker device comprising a collecting unit, a shell picker unit, and a connection device for a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), featuring a quick-release coupling and elastic fingers or teeth for minimal seabed contact, with a brush or transport belt system to efficiently collect and transport shells without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum cleaner-based system with diver operation is used for shell harvesting, then harvesting can be performed, but the costs are high and there is substantial risk to divers
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV autonomously navigates and positions itself using its propulsion means to harvest shells, eliminating the need for manual diver operation. The system serves itself by independently performing navigation, shell collection, and transport functions without human intervention in the hazardous underwater environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual diver operation with an automated ROV system equipped with propulsion means. This substitution eliminates human exposure to risks while maintaining harvesting capability through automated navigation and shell collection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If transport belts and plates are used in engagement with the seabed to move the shell picker, then the shell picker can be moved, but the solution lacks flexibility and degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV employs dynamic propulsion means that provide multiple degrees of freedom for movement, allowing it to navigate freely across the seabed rather than being constrained to fixed belt paths. This dynamic system enables adaptive positioning and flexible operation in varying seabed conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion means of the ROV serves multiple functions: it propels the vehicle across the seabed, positions the shell picker unit, and enables the ROV to navigate to different harvesting locations. This multi-functional capability replaces the single-purpose belt system with a versatile mobile platform.
3Ease of operation
If transport belts and plates are used in engagement with the seabed, then the shell picker can move, but the solution causes damage to the seabed and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt-and-plate engagement system with an ROV propulsion system that moves through water above the seabed. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact and damage to the seabed while maintaining the capability to transport the shell picker unit to harvesting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV acts as an intermediary between the harvesting operation and the seabed environment. By conducting operations through water rather than direct seabed contact, the ROV mediates the interaction to minimize environmental impact while still enabling shell harvesting functionality.
4Productivity
If an oscillating/vibrating fork in engagement with the seabed is used, then shells can be collected in a basket, but the solution lacks flexibility and causes seabed damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV provides dynamic positioning and movement capabilities that allow the shell collection basket to be precisely positioned over target areas without fixed engagement with the seabed. This dynamic system offers flexibility in navigating around obstacles and adapting to varying seabed topography while maintaining collection productivity.
5Extent of automation
If a nozzle and suction chamber system is used with an ROV, then shells can be collected under pressure, but the area covered is small and positioning must be accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-based suction nozzle approach to a broader collection basket approach that covers a larger area. By changing the dimensional footprint of the collection mechanism from a narrow nozzle to an expanded basket structure, the system increases the seabed area covered while maintaining ROV automation.
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 device allows for rapid, effective, and gentle shell harvesting with reduced environmental impact and lower costs, as it minimizes seabed damage and eliminates the need for divers and advanced crane equipment, while being adaptable to varying seabed conditions and weather-independent.
Implementation Method 1
elastic fingers or teeth for minimal seabed contact
Implementation Method 2
with a brush or transport belt system to efficiently collect and transport shells
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
Shell picker device (10) for harvesting shells from the seabed, which comprises a collecting unit (20) and a shell picker unit (70), wherein the shell picker device (10) comprises a connection device (40) arranged for detachable mounting of the collecting unit (20) to underbody/framework (101) of a remotely operated underwater vehicle (100) and that the shell picker device (10) is arranged to be moved for harvesting shells with the shell picker unit (70) by means of propulsion means (102) of the remotely operated underwater vehicle (100).