Seafloor Dredging Equipment with Bell-Shaped Suction and Canalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dredging systems for seafloors with pollutants and toxicants suffer from non-selective dredging, leading to the dispersion of pollutants during the process, as they fail to effectively contain sediments, resulting in re-pollution of nearby areas.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled dredging equipment with a bell-shaped machine equipped with suction pipelines and adjustable weight control, featuring a system of canalization and electronic management to prevent pollutant dispersion by selectively collecting sediments and channeling them to a collection center, using sensors and motors for precise operation and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-selective dredging systems are used, then dredging operation is simple and fast, but pollutants are dispersed to wider areas
Solution Approach 1:
The dredging system is segmented into multiple independent suction pipelines (first and second pipelines) with separate intake ports positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows selective dredging of specific polluted areas without disturbing surrounding sediments, thereby preventing pollutant dispersion while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by providing different suction capabilities at different locations through multiple pipelines with independently controllable suction means. Each pipeline can be activated selectively based on the specific pollution distribution, enabling precise targeted dredging that removes pollutants without causing widespread dispersion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If eco-buckets are used to contain sediments, then pollutant containment is improved, but pollutant dispersion occurs during bucket approach, rotation, and exit
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts pollutants directly from the seafloor through suction pipelines and removes them via canalization means before they can cause harm. By extracting pollutants in situ and transporting them away through sealed channels, the system eliminates the need for bucket containment operations that cause dispersion during approach, rotation, and exit
Solution Approach 2:
The canalization means acts as an intermediary that receives polluted sediments directly from the suction means and transports them to the collection center without exposure to the environment. This intermediary system prevents pollutant dispersion by providing a sealed transport path, eliminating the harmful effects associated with bucket operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If selective dredging is implemented, then pollutant dispersion is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dredging device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple suction pipelines, electronic control means, sensor systems, and canalization means into a single autonomous platform. This universal system can selectively target different polluted areas while maintaining relatively simple individual components, balancing complexity with effective pollutant containment
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous navigation means, electronic control means, and sensor systems that enable self-service operation. The electronic control means automatically coordinates the suction pipelines, motion means, and canalization based on sensor data, reducing the need for complex manual operation while maintaining selective dredging capabilities
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 equipment ensures environment-friendly dredging by preventing pollutant dispersion, allowing for selective collection and recording of dredging data, enabling autonomous operation and efficient containment of pollutants, thus minimizing re-pollution and ensuring effective sediment management.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pipeline (54) which sucks the suspensions of sediments caused by the extraction of the obstacle from the seafloor
Implementation Method 2
a device which allows reducing and setting the weight of the bell immersed in water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3
AI summary
The equipment (1) dredges the seafloors with pollutants and/or toxicants and comprises: - a self-propelled machine (3) moving on a seafloor (2); - canalization means (4) of the pollutant and/or toxicant removed from the seafloor (2) sending to a collection center (5); and - an electronic management and control unit (8) of the dredging equipment (1) itself. The self-propelled machine (3) comprises: - a bell (11) adapted to rest on the seafloor (2); - a sediments sucking device (13) installed in the underwater bell (11) interior; the sediments sucking device (13) being jointed to the canalization means (4); - a weight setting device (14) of the underwater bell (11) immersed in the water; and - a motion device (16) of the underwater bell (11) along the seafloor (2). The equipment also comprises pipelines (27, 28) having their intake port turned towards the seafloor (2); each pipeline (27, 28) having an end turned towards the seafloor (2) and an end that canalizes the collected sediments into a chamber (29) from which the canalization means (4) originate.