Seabed Probe Penetration Device with Motor-Driven Static Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seabed observation probe rod penetration methods, such as gravity penetration and static penetration using hydraulic systems, face issues with uncontrollable insertion depth, soil disturbance, and inefficiency, particularly in challenging geological conditions, leading to potential damage and compromised observation results.

Innovation Solution

A seabed static penetration device featuring a probe rod stand with a latch and electromagnet, a pressure capping structure, and a motor-driven system that ensures constant speed and vertical penetration, utilizing a guide device and O-ring plate for stability and guidance, allowing for deep penetration and efficient deployment of multiple probe rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If gravity penetration is used to insert the probe rod into the seabed, then the penetration process is simple, but the insertion depth is uncontrollable and the soil mass is greatly disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of penetration processVSAvoidcontrol of insertion depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the uncontrolled mechanical gravity penetration system with a controlled static penetration system using a penetration device that applies controlled force through a guide mechanism, enabling precise depth control while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a penetration device as an intermediary between the probe rod and the seabed, which mediates the penetration process by providing controlled force application and depth limitation, preventing direct uncontrolled impact with the seabed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If gravity penetration is used, then the penetration process is simple, but the penetration position cannot be controlled vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of penetration processVSAvoidvertical insertion position control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the uncontrolled gravity-based mechanical penetration with a guided static penetration system that uses a guide mechanism to ensure vertical alignment and precise positioning during insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary positioning actions through the guide mechanism and penetration device before the actual penetration occurs, ensuring the probe rod is correctly aligned and positioned vertically before force is applied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If hydraulic transmission device is used for static penetration, then the penetration force is provided, but the penetration efficiency is low due to fluid flow resistance and hydraulic oil leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration forceVSAvoidpenetration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic transmission system with a direct mechanical penetration device that applies force through a guide mechanism, eliminating fluid flow resistance and hydraulic oil leakage while maintaining penetration force and improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the hydraulic transmission components from the penetration system, removing the source of fluid flow resistance and leakage, and replaces them with a direct mechanical force application system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Force

If hydraulic transmission device is used, then penetration force is provided, but the equipment is bulky and heavy causing great disturbance to soil mass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration forceVSAvoidequipment size and weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the bulky hydraulic transmission equipment from the penetration system, replacing it with a compact mechanical penetration device that provides sufficient penetration force without the excessive size and weight of hydraulic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex hydraulic mechanical system with a simplified direct mechanical penetration device that achieves the required penetration force through a more compact and lighter design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Force

If hydraulic penetration equipment is used, then penetration force is provided, but the performance is easily affected by temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration forceVSAvoidperformance stability under temperature changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic transmission system with a direct mechanical penetration device that does not rely on fluid-based hydraulic oil, eliminating the performance degradation caused by temperature changes on hydraulic fluid properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 stable, efficient, and deep seabed penetration with minimal soil disturbance, ensuring high-quality observation data and adaptable deployment for various seabed conditions, with the ability to penetrate deep and measure multiple parameters simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

a probe rod positioning device provided with a latch and an electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a motor which are connected with each other, and the motor is connected to the pressure capping structure through a driving rope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the pressure capping structure includes a cap, a contact rod provided with a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

utilizing a guide device and O-ring plate for stability and guidance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3798365B1Seabed static penetration device and penetration method based on marine observation probe rod
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 OCEAN UNIV OF CHINA
  • EP3798365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3798365B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3798365B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of oceanic engineering geologies and in-situ long-term observations of seabed, and in particular discloses a seabed static penetration device based on an oceanographic observation probe rod and a penetration method thereof. The seabed static penetration device based on the oceanographic observation probe rod comprises a probe rod stand, an outer clasp, and a base, wherein: a probe rod positioning device and a pressure capping structure are installed on the outer clasp; the base comprises an upper base plate, a lower base plate, and a separating plate between the two, wherein the upper base plate is provided with a battery compartment, a driver compartment, and a motor which are connected with each other, and the motor is connected to the pressure capping structure through a driving rope; and a probe rod is correspondingly clamped and fixed between the outer clasp and the base. The present disclosure has the advantages of a reasonable structural design, a stable performance, high operation efficiency and a small equipment volume, which not only realizes stable, vertical and constant-speed penetration of the seabed observation probe, but also enables high penetration efficiency and a large penetration depth, thus ensuring the quality of seabed observation parameters.