Underwater Vessel Hull Cleaning Platform with Dual Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional biocide-containing paint layers on vessels are toxic, wear off easily, require frequent reapplication, and pose environmental hazards during cleaning, while existing cleaning devices struggle to effectively clean large vessels with flat bottoms and bilge keels, often requiring divers and extensive downtime.
Innovation Solution
A device with a platform and two cleaning modules, one for the hull side and one for the hull bottom, using roller brushes driven by motors, which can clean submerged sections of vessels with surface-treated coatings without divers, avoiding bilge keel issues and reducing biofouling, allowing underwater cleaning without releasing toxic substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocide-containing toxic paint layers are used on vessel hulls, then biofouling is combated effectively, but the paint layers wear off easily and require frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite coating system consisting of a primer layer containing biocide for long-term protection and a topcoat layer providing durability and resistance to cleaning operations. This multi-layer composite structure combines the anti-fouling properties of biocides with the mechanical durability of specialized polymers, resolving the contradiction between effective biofouling combat and paint layer longevity.
2Ease of operation
If biocide-containing paint layers are cleaned traditionally, then cleaning can be performed, but toxic substances are released harmful to the environment and marine life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-pressure water jet cleaning technology that changes the cleaning parameter from high-pressure mechanical removal to controlled low-pressure fluid dynamics. This allows effective removal of biofouling while preventing excessive biocide release into the environment, thus maintaining cleaning capability while reducing harmful environmental impact.
3Manufacturing precision
If vessels are cleaned in dry dock, then complete cleaning is achieved, but it takes a lot of time and the vessel is unavailable for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical dry-dock cleaning system with an underwater robotic cleaning system that uses autonomous or remotely-controlled vehicles equipped with cleaning apparatus. This substitution allows complete hull cleaning to be performed while the vessel remains in the water, eliminating the time loss associated with dry-docking while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If divers with rotating brushes are used for cleaning, then cleaning can be done in water, but visibility is limited and divers are exposed to strong currents making cleaning dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary robotic system that performs the dangerous underwater cleaning tasks instead of human divers. The robotic cleaner acts as a mediator between the cleaning objective and the harsh underwater environment, eliminating direct human exposure to strong currents, poor visibility, and other safety risks while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
5Area of stationary object
If a large number of professional divers are hired, then cleaning coverage is improved, but hiring suitable divers can be a problem and cleaning still takes one or more days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated robotic platform that can clean large areas of the hull independently. This consolidation eliminates the need to coordinate multiple divers, reducing operational complexity while maintaining or improving cleaning coverage through the robotic system's autonomous navigation and cleaning capabilities.
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 quick, efficient, and environmentally friendly hull cleaning, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance needs, eliminating the need for dry docking and divers, while effectively addressing biofouling and bilge keel cleaning challenges.
Implementation Method 1
roller brushes driven by motors
Implementation Method 2
cleaning modules...roller brushes...clean submerged sections
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the cleaning of a submerged section of the hull of a vessel that is treated with a non-toxic layer of paint based on a surface-treated coating. The device comprises a platform with a first cleaning module and with a device to place and move the cleaning module against the side of the hull of the vessel and that the device is further provided with a launch platform with a second cleaning module which can place the second cleaning module against the bottom of the hull. The second cleaning module is connected via a first cable to the launch platform for the movement and control thereof.