Underwater Connection Cleaning Device with Pressure Compensating Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for cleaning and polishing underwater equipment connections, such as rotary bristle brushes, are inefficient and time-consuming, especially at great depths, due to the inability to control cleaning fluid pressure evenly, leading to high operating costs and increased risk of accidents from operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cleaning fluid discharging mechanism that includes a pressure compensating system, allowing for constant fluid distribution, featuring a piston actuated by a spring and an actuating chamber with openings to equalize internal and external pressure, ensuring effective discharge of cleaning fluid even at high depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotary bristle brushes are used for cleaning underwater equipment connections, then cleaning function is provided, but cleaning efficiency is low and operating time is increased especially at great depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical rotary bristle brush system with a cleaning element that utilizes high-pressure fluid injection. The cleaning element comprises a housing with nozzles that discharge cleaning fluid under pressure directly onto the surface to be cleaned, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and bristle contact, thereby significantly improving cleaning efficiency and reducing operating time even at great depths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where cleaning fluid is stored in a tank and pumped through a pump to the cleaning element. The pump pressurizes the fluid and delivers it through nozzles in the cleaning element housing, creating a high-pressure jet that effectively cleans the surface. This hydraulic mechanism is particularly effective at great depths where mechanical brushes fail due to water pressure
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotary bristle brushes operate at great depths, then underwater cleaning is achieved, but operation is affected by water column pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic pump system that is specifically designed to generate sufficient pressure to overcome the water column pressure at great depths. The pump pressurizes the cleaning fluid to a level that allows effective discharge through the nozzles even when submerged deep underwater, ensuring reliable operation where mechanical brushes fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-pressure fluid injection instead of mechanical rotation. The cleaning fluid is pressurized to high levels (measured in bars) to maintain effective cleaning capability at great depths. This parameter change from mechanical force to hydraulic pressure allows the system to adapt to and overcome the opposing water column pressure
3Ease of operation
If cleaning fluid is injected without pressure control, then cleaning fluid distribution is simplified, but even injection cannot be achieved during cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure control system that monitors and regulates the pressure of the cleaning fluid as it is pumped through the system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pressure remains within optimal ranges to achieve uniform and effective fluid distribution across the cleaning element nozzles, preventing both insufficient injection and excessive pressure that could cause uneven distribution
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 enhances cleaning efficiency and reduces operating time, minimizing resource consumption and operator fatigue, while maintaining consistent fluid distribution under high water pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (13) actuated by a spring (18), said cleaning fluid discharging device (1) having at least one actuating chamber (12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuating chamber (12), wherein said actuating chamber (12) comprises openings (16) providing for equalization of pressure between the interior of said actuating chamber (12) and the surroundings
Implementation Method 3
at least one channel (21) that connects said at least one tank (11) of cleaning fluid to said cleaning element (20)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for cleaning and polishing connections of underwater equipment, comprising a connecting element (3) designed to be connected to a torque generating device; a cleaning fluid discharging device (1) comprising at least one tank (11) of cleaning fluid; and a cleaning element (20) connected to the discharging device (1) via a support (2) for the cleaning element (20), wherein the support (2) for the cleaning element (20) comprises at least one channel (21) that connects the at least one tank (11) of cleaning fluid to the cleaning element (20), wherein the cleaning fluid discharging device (1) comprises a piston (13), which, in its turn, comprises: at least one tank (11) of cleaning fluid; and at least one actuating chamber (12), wherein at least the actuating chamber (12) comprises a pressure compensating system.