Underwater Robot 3D Control for Sediment-Clearing Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater exploration, particularly in archeological contexts like shipwreck exploration, faces challenges due to limited dive duration and the presence of sediment, which hinders effective remote control and manipulation by divers and existing robots.
Innovation Solution
An underwater robot equipped with a jet propulsion nozzle, aspiration pipe, and 3D imaging capabilities, controlled via 3D glasses that allow remote operators to guide the robot in three-dimensional virtual environments, enabling efficient sediment clearance and object manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a diver performs underwater exploration manually, then direct manipulation and observation are possible, but the duration is limited by dive time and the diver is hindered by sediment
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with a jet propulsion nozzle that autonomously clears sediment from the exploration area without requiring diver intervention. The system serves itself by automatically removing harmful sediment accumulation, allowing prolonged operation in previously inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual diver exploration with an automated robot equipped with jet propulsion for sediment clearance and 3D imaging for navigation. This substitution eliminates the limitations of human dive duration and physical endurance while continuously removing sediment interference.
2Measurement precision
If 2D images are used for remote control, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the precision of remote guidance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image display to 3D virtual environment visualization, adding a spatial dimension to the control interface. This dimensional enhancement provides depth perception and spatial awareness, significantly improving the precision of remote guidance while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based rendering.
3Productivity
If a robot is equipped with sediment clearance capabilities, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot integrates multiple functions into a single platform: jet propulsion for sediment clearance, 3D imaging for navigation and observation, and remote control capabilities. This multi-functionality improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate equipment while managing complexity through integrated system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sediment clearance function with the propulsion system by using the jet nozzle both for movement and for clearing sediment. The 3D imaging system is merged with the navigation control, allowing the same sensors to serve both observation and guidance functions, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enhances the ability to remotely and efficiently explore and clear underwater environments, reducing the need for human divers and improving the precision and duration of underwater operations.
Implementation Method 1
The robot (1) comprises a jet propulsion nozzle (90) of pressurized water designed to clear away a zone
Implementation Method 2
The robot (1) comprises an aspiration pipe (91) for deposits, especially sediments released by the water jet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to equipment comprising an underwater robot (1) and a device (2) for the remote control of the robot, which can communicate with each other, wherein: the robot comprises means for underwater movement and an image-capturing device; and the control device comprises 3D glasses designed so that a user wearing the glasses views the underwater environment of the robot in three dimensions on the basis of the images captured by the robot, and means for remotely guiding the movement of the robot on the basis of the three-dimensional underwater environment viewed.