Underwater Sensor Tube Cleaning With Transparency-Based Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater sensors require periodic manual cleaning, which increases operating costs and relies on human resources, and existing automated cleaning methods are inadequate for maintaining sensor accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An automated underwater sensor cleaning device with a movable cleaner and controller that vertically moves along a sensor protection tube, using a cleaning brush to remove contaminants, and is controlled by a motor and processor based on transparency measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed periodically, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but operating costs increase and human resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to automatically clean the sensor protection tube without human intervention. The motor-driven cleaning tube moves along the protection tube and uses a cleaning brush to remove contaminants, enabling the system to maintain sensor accuracy autonomously and reduce operating costs by eliminating manual cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated mechanical cleaning system. The motor-driven cleaning tube and cleaning brush constitute a mechanical system that automatically performs the cleaning function, substituting human labor and reducing operating costs while maintaining sensor accuracy
2Extent of automation
If automated cleaning mechanism is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into distinct functional segments: a motor for driving, a cleaning tube for movement along the protection tube, and a cleaning brush for actual cleaning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and less complex despite the automation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both the moving component along the protection tube and the housing for the cleaning brush. The motor serves both as the power source and as the control mechanism for the cleaning tube's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If cleaning brush is used to remove contaminants, then sensor protection tube is cleaned, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the cleaning brush and cleaning tube to reduce friction and wear. By selecting appropriate materials with suitable friction coefficients and wear resistance, the system effectively cleans the protection tube while minimizing damage to its structure, maintaining sensor protection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning brush operates periodically rather than continuously. The motor-driven cleaning tube moves along the protection tube in periodic cycles, cleaning contaminants during these cycles and then stopping. This periodic action reduces cumulative friction and wear on the cleaning brush and protection tube compared to continuous contact
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
Automated cleaning improves sensor accuracy and extends its lifetime while reducing operating costs by minimizing environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning brush that is installed inside the movable cleaning tube and cleans an exterior of the sensor protection tube according to an operation of the movable cleaning tube
Implementation Method 2
The controller may include a motor configured to vertically move the movable cleaning tube, and a processor configured to control driving of the motor
Implementation Method 3
The underwater sensor may include a non-contact sensor configured to measure a transparency of the sensor protection tube
Data Source
AI summary
An automated underwater sensor cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor protection tube, a movable cleaner that is installed on the sensor protection tube and cleans the sensor protection tube while vertically moving along the sensor protection tube, and a controller configured to control an operation of the movable cleaner.