Self-Propelled Towing Simulator for Deep-Sea Mining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep-sea mining system tests face inaccuracies and limitations due to small scale ratios and inability to simulate multi-direction navigation conditions, necessitating a high Reynold number fluid dynamic testing device that can mimic actual operation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled towing simulator for deep-sea mining systems, equipped with autonomous sailing capability, remote wireless control, and various systems such as a six-DOF platform, gyro pose control, and propulsion systems, allowing for simulation of complex motion states and navigation scenarios in open natural water bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tests are carried out in a large dynamic experimental water pool with wave and wind functions, then multi-direction navigation conditions can be simulated, but the scale ratio is limited and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a high-scale-ratio model (1:50 to 1:100) that closely copies the actual deep-sea mining vessel geometry and hydraulic lift subsystem configuration. This high-fidelity copying enables accurate fluid dynamic testing while maintaining the ability to simulate multi-direction navigation conditions in the natural water body environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional pool testing to three-dimensional natural water body testing. By utilizing the vertical dimension and open water environment, the system can simulate complex six-degree-of-freedom motions and multi-direction navigation scenarios that are difficult to achieve in conventional pool facilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smaller-scale-ratio model is used in a large circulating water channel, then wave and wind functions can be added, but the device size is reduced and multi-direction navigation conditions cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator is equipped with autonomous sailing capability, allowing it to navigate and position itself in natural water bodies without requiring external assistance. This self-navigation ability enables the system to access various sea conditions and simulate complex motion scenarios independently, eliminating the need for large circulating water channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single simulator platform: autonomous navigation, six-degree-of-freedom motion simulation, wave and wind condition generation, and hydraulic lift subsystem testing. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform diverse experiments in natural water bodies without requiring separate specialized facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If experiments are conducted in natural water bodies, then comprehensive sea conditions can be simulated, but control and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gyro pose control system that provides real-time feedback on the simulator's orientation and position. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the simulator's six-degree-of-freedom motions in natural water bodies, allowing accurate simulation of various sea conditions while maintaining manageable control complexity through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic and sensor-based control mechanisms. By using gyroscopes, accelerometers, and other sensors to detect motion states, the system substitutes complex mechanical control arrangements with more precise and manageable electronic control systems, reducing overall device complexity.
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 comprehensive and accurate simulation of deep-sea mining vessel motions and hydraulic lift subsystem dynamics, overcoming previous limitations and improving experimental efficiency by allowing real-time data collection and flexible simulation of sea conditions without relying on specific sea conditions or schedules.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion system, disposed at a tail part of the simulator
Implementation Method 2
a floating body unit, fixedly connected to the workbench through a cross beam structure
Implementation Method 3
a gyro pose control system, secured in a suspended manner at the lower part of the six-DOF platform
Implementation Method 4
Six-DOF motion states including swaying, surging, yawing, rolling, pitching and heaving generated by a mining vessel may be simulated
Implementation Method 5
an underwater acoustic positioning system, disposed on a lower work surface of the work bench
Implementation Method 6
a GPS positioning system, secured on two sides of the top of the working tower
Implementation Method 7
a wave height determination system, disposed on a lower work surface of the work bench
Implementation Method 8
a flow velocity determination system, disposed on a lower work surface of the work bench
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled towing simulator for a hydraulic lift system carries a gyro pose control system and a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) platform to control the overall pose of the simulator, so that the simulator simulates six-DOF motion states including swaying, surging, yawing, rolling, pitching and heaving generated by a mining vessel under the combined action of waves and flows and required by the experimental working conditions; interventions in the pose of the simulator may be positive or negative, so that the simulator may be applied to the uncontrollable natural water bodies so as to approximate to the working conditions of the experimental requirements. The simulator may carry out experiments in open natural water bodies by use of its own autonomous sailing capability under remote wireless control and may acquire parameters such as dynamic characteristics and spatial configuration and the like of a deep-sea mining hydraulic lift subsystem in real time.