Submerged Generator Maintenance via Robotic Part Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater electricity generation apparatuses face challenges with maintenance, as they often require divers to operate in dangerous conditions, are costly to install and maintain, and defective units cannot be easily replaced without disrupting power generation or causing environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control system with rotator means for aligning and installing replacement parts without divers, using raising and lowering mechanisms and transport means to manage defective parts, allowing for online maintenance and minimizing drag in water currents, enabling efficient replacement of parts in submerged generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If maintenance is performed by divers, then repair capability is achieved, but safety risks increase and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic maintenance system acts as an intermediary between the surface control and the submerged electrical generator, performing repair operations without requiring human divers to enter dangerous deep-water environments. The robotic system can be lowered to the apparatus, perform maintenance tasks, and return to surface, eliminating direct human exposure to safety risks while maintaining repair capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human divers performing manual repairs with an automated robotic system that can be remotely controlled or autonomously operated. This substitution eliminates the safety risks associated with human divers working in dangerous conditions while preserving the ability to perform maintenance and repair operations on the submerged electrical generator
2Object-affected harmful factors
If apparatus is removed when defective, then environmental safety is maintained, but costs increase due to complete replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical generator is divided into modular components that can be independently replaced. Instead of removing and replacing the entire apparatus when a defect occurs, only the specific defective component needs to be accessed, replaced, and the apparatus can remain in its operational location. This segmentation enables partial maintenance that preserves environmental safety while reducing manufacturing and installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the main apparatus body by allowing selective replacement of only the defective components. The functional parts of the apparatus are recovered and continue to operate, while only the specific failed components are discarded and replaced, thereby reducing the need for complete apparatus replacement and associated manufacturing costs
3Ease of operation
If replacement part is lowered without rotation control, then installation simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator means incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the orientation of the replacement part during lowering and automatically adjust its rotation to achieve the correct alignment with the electrical generator. This feedback-controlled rotation ensures precise alignment while maintaining operational simplicity, as the system self-corrects rather than requiring complex manual alignment procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If apparatus operates in varying water movement, then adaptability to ocean conditions is achieved, but operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator means is designed as a dynamic system that can actively adjust the orientation of replacement parts in response to varying water movement conditions. By dynamically compensating for currents and wave action during the lowering and installation process, the system maintains operational reliability despite the challenging and changing ocean environment, while preserving adaptability to different sea states
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (2) for generating electricity using water movement, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) at least one electrical generator (4) which is for generating the electricity and which comprises a housing (6), a rotor (8) and a stator (10); (ii) at least one control means (12) for use in the maintenance of the apparatus (2), and the apparatus (2) being such that: (iii) the control means (12) is configured to enable the removal of at least a defective part (14) in the electrical generator (4); (iv) the control means (12) is configured to enable the reception of a replacement part (16) for the defective part (14); (v) the apparatus (2) includes transport means (18) for transporting the defective part (14) around the apparatus (2) such that the defective part (14) is able to be removed from the apparatus (2), and for transporting the replacement part (16) around the apparatus (2) such that the replacement part (16) is able to be installed in place of the defective part (14); and (vi) the defective part (14) and the replacement part (16) are parts whereby the defective part (14) is able to be removed by the control means (12), the replacement part (16) is able to be installed by the control means (12), and the removal and replacement are able to be effected without the need for divers even although the apparatus (2) in use is submerged at depth in the water.