Underwater Brushing Mechanism with Universal Joint for Curved Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater cleaning devices face challenges in maintaining stability and efficiency when cleaning curved, non-uniform, or irregular surfaces due to traction and gravitational forces, which disrupt the orientation and motion of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Innovation Solution
A motorized cleaning device with a universal joint and alignment mechanism that allows for passive self-adjustment, enabling the cleaning mechanism to maintain a prescribed angle relative to the surface, minimizing traction and gravitational forces, and utilizing a dual concentric brush system with planetary gears for enhanced stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional cleaning mechanism is used on curved surfaces, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but stability and cleaning efficiency deteriorate due to traction and gravitational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism incorporates a universal joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the cleaning tool orientation relative to the ROV body. This enables the cleaning mechanism to adapt its angle automatically in response to surface curvature and force vectors, maintaining optimal cleaning efficiency while minimizing destabilizing forces on the ROV.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism provides passive self-adjustment capability, where the cleaning mechanism automatically orients itself perpendicular to the target surface through the universal joint's degrees of freedom. This self-aligning feature eliminates the need for active control systems to maintain stability, allowing the mechanism to counteract traction and gravitational forces autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning mechanism contacts curved surfaces, then cleaning action is achieved, but motion control and orientation stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint provides dynamic motion control by allowing the cleaning mechanism to rotate and adjust its orientation freely in response to surface geometry. This dynamic capability enables smooth adaptation to curved surfaces while maintaining stable orientation relative to the surface normal, improving ease of operation on complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint acts as an intermediary between the ROV's fixed mounting structure and the cleaning mechanism's contact with the curved surface. It mediates the transmission of forces and motions, allowing the cleaning mechanism to maintain stable orientation perpendicular to the surface while the ROV remains stationary or moves slowly.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning devices are used on irregular surfaces, then basic cleaning function is provided, but cleaning efficiency and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic alignment capability through the universal joint allows the cleaning mechanism to maintain optimal contact with irregular surfaces automatically. This eliminates the need for manual repositioning or complex control interventions, significantly increasing cleaning speed while reducing the time required to effectively remove biofoul from complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive self-aligning mechanism continuously adapts to the surface geometry without external control input, maintaining peak cleaning efficiency throughout the operation. This self-adjusting capability ensures that the cleaning brushes or tools remain optimally positioned on irregular surfaces, maximizing productivity and minimizing total cleaning time.
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 device effectively adapts to curved surfaces, maintaining optimal orientation and improving cleaning efficiency by reducing destabilizing forces, thus enhancing the removal of biofoul from underwater surfaces like pipelines and boat hulls.
Implementation Method 1
a universal joint having a first end and a second end, in which the first end is coupled to the distal end of the first shaft, and the second end is coupled to a proximal end of a second shaft
Implementation Method 2
an alignment mechanism disposed about the second shaft. The alignment mechanism can be shaped and sized to restrict movement of the second shaft to within a prescribed maximum angle relative to the first shaft
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a dual concentric brush system with planetary gears for enhanced stability and efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device that passively self-adjusts to improve biofoul removal across curved, non-uniform, or irregular underwater surfaces. The cleaning device includes a motor, one or more shafts coupled to the motor and coupled to one another via at least one universal joint, and a cleaning mechanism for removing biofoul from the target surface. The cleaning device includes an alignment mechanism that restricts the cleaning mechanism's movement to improve biofoul removal. The alignment mechanism can include bearings, spring components, dampening material, adhesion components, floatation objects, or a combination thereof.