Underwater Robotic Device With Center-of-Gravity Depth Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater robotic devices, such as turtle-like devices, have complex structures due to numerous components like motors, gears, and belts, leading to bulkiness and high manufacturing costs, with the need for waterproof motors.
Innovation Solution
An underwater robotic device with a housing unit, control unit, and propelling unit, featuring a center-of-gravity transferring module with a movable weight member and transfer driving mechanism to vary the center of gravity, and a propelling unit to control ascending and descending movements, eliminating the need for waterproof motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional drive mechanisms with motors, gears, pulleys, belts and linkages are used to drive front and hind limbs, then the robotic device can move similar to real turtles, but the entire structure becomes relatively complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical drive system (motors, gears, pulleys, belts) with a water jet propulsion system. Water is pumped through nozzles to generate thrust, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and waterproof motors, thus simplifying the overall structure while maintaining swimming capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic pump system to generate propelling force by pumping water through nozzles. This hydraulic approach replaces mechanical drive mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while achieving effective water propulsion for the robotic device
2Reliability
If waterproof motors are used to drive the robotic device, then the device can operate underwater, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces waterproof motors with a pump-based hydraulic system. Standard pumps (not requiring waterproofing) are used to pump water through nozzles for propulsion, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable underwater operation
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device uses the surrounding water itself as the working fluid for propulsion. By pumping ambient water through nozzles, the system eliminates the need for specialized waterproof components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If conventional drive mechanisms with multiple components are used, then the robotic device can achieve controlled movement, but the construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into separate modular components: a pump unit, nozzle assembly, and control system. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to construct and maintain, while collectively achieving controlled movement through coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a direct water jet propulsion system where pump output directly controls thrust. This eliminates intermediate mechanical components like gears and belts, simplifying construction while maintaining movement control capability
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 achieves a simplified construction, reduced manufacturing costs, and easier control of ascending and descending in water by using a center-of-gravity transferring module and propelling unit, while maintaining a liquid-tight structure.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer driving mechanism which is coupled with the weight member to drive movement of the weight member in the front-rear direction so as to vary a position of a center of gravity of the underwater robotic device and to control downward and upward moving directions of the underwater robotic device in the water
Implementation Method 2
The propelling unit is connected with the housing unit and is electronically connected with the control unit to produce a propelling force to move the underwater robotic device forward in the water
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater robotic device includes a housing unit, a control unit and a propelling unit. The housing unit includes a base seat and an upper cover in liquid-tight engagement with the base seat. The control unit is disposed within the housing unit and includes a circuit module and a center-of-gravity transferring module which is electronically connected with the circuit module. The center-of-gravity transferring module has a movable weight member and a transfer driving mechanism which drives movement of the weight member so as to vary a position of a center of gravity of the underwater robotic device and to control downward and upward moving directions of the underwater robotic device in the water. The propelling unit is connected with the housing unit and is electronically connected with the control unit to produce a propelling force to move the underwater robotic device forward in the water.