Underwater Dredging Robot With Adjustable Buoyancy for Muddy Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the retention basins of hydroelectric dams are logistically cumbersome, disrupt electricity production, and have negative ecological impacts, failing to address sedimentation issues downstream of the dam.
Innovation Solution
An underwater cleaning robot with adjustable buoyancy and a movable dredging head that can operate without reducing water levels, allowing for efficient sediment removal while preserving biodiversity and maintaining electricity production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional dry dredging operations are performed by draining the basin, then sediment removal is achieved, but electricity production is completely halted and biodiversity is devastated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dry dredging systems with an autonomous underwater robot that uses hydraulic suction mechanisms. The robot employs a dredging head with suction nozzles powered by hydraulic pumps to remove sediments underwater, eliminating the need to drain the basin and halt electricity production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary hydraulic fluid system that enables sediment removal through water-based suction rather than direct mechanical contact. The hydraulic system acts as a mediator between the robot's mechanical components and the sediment, allowing efficient removal while maintaining water in the basin.
2Loss of substance
If surface dredging techniques are used, then sediment removal is achieved, but water level must be controlled and biodiversity downstream is not protected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level dredging operations to three-dimensional underwater operation. The robot can navigate and dredge at various depths within the water column, accessing sediments on the basin floor and slopes without requiring specific water level conditions, thus providing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from surface-based mechanical dredging to underwater hydraulic suction. By operating in the underwater dimension with adjustable suction pressure and flow rate, the system can remove sediments effectively while maintaining normal water levels and protecting downstream biodiversity through controlled sediment suspension.
3Productivity
If the dredging head protrudes beyond the robot's dimensions, then dredging efficiency is improved, but the robot becomes vulnerable to collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable dredging head that can extend forward during dredging operations to maximize efficiency, then retract into the robot's body when moving or when obstacles are detected. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize dredging performance while protecting the vulnerable dredging head from collision damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sonar and sensing systems that detect obstacles ahead of the robot before collision occurs. The system preliminarily identifies potential hazards and automatically retracts the dredging head in advance, preventing collision damage before it happens while maintaining dredging efficiency during safe operations.
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 effective cleaning of aquatic beds without reducing electricity production or harming downstream ecosystems, allowing for controlled sediment release that mimics natural sediment flow.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment means allow the Archimedes' thrust applied to the robot to be adjusted so that the movement tracks can gain support on a heterogeneous medium whose density fluctuates, such as a muddy bottom
Implementation Method 2
a dredging head (4) configured to excavate and suction natural sediments
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an underwater cleaning robot (1) configured to move and clean aquatic beds, the underwater robot (1) comprising: - a chassis (2) on either side of which are mounted two movement tracks (3), the movement tracks (3) being configured to move on muddy ground, and - a dredging head (4) mounted on the chassis (2), the dredging head (4) being configured to excavate and suck up natural sediments, The invention comprises means for adjusting the buoyancy of the underwater robot (1), the adjustment means make it possible to adjust the Archimedes thrust which is applied to the robot (1) so that the movement tracks (3) are able to rest on a heterogeneous medium whose density fluctuates such as muddy ground. The invention also relates to a cleaning system and method involving the underwater robot (1) according to the invention.