Underwater crawler vehicle having search and identification capabilities and methods of use

• US 20070276552A1
• Filed: 02/22/2007
• Published: 11/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Donald Rodocker, Jesse Rodocker
• Original Assignee: Donald Rodocker, Jesse Rodocker
• Inventors: Rodocker, Donald, Rodocker, Jesse
• Application Number:
  US11/710,013
• Publication Number:
  US 20070276552A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 57/00 Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground- engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track sledges B62B; motor sledges B62M
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/34 Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base manipulators B25J; externally attached cofferdams and the like B63B17/0018; diving chambers without mechanical link to a base B63G8/00; caissons adapted to laying foundations E02D23/00 - E02D27/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/32 being self-contained

Abstract

Apparatus for inspecting a submerged object and methods of use are provided, wherein a crawler vehicle includes a vortex generator, traction system and sensor system. Data from the sensor system is communicated to an onboard console for real-time review or transmission via a communication link to a remote site for analysis and review. Automated comparisons of current inspection data against normative or historical data may be performed, so in depth review of the current inspection is triggered only when the difference between current inspection data and the normative or historical data exceeds a predetermined threshold. Additionally, an adapter is provided having a vortex generator and a traction system, the adapter configured to be coupled to an ROV or other device having a sensor system.

Claims

1. Apparatus for inspecting a surface in a fluid environment, the apparatus comprising:

a vehicle having a chassis;

a vortex generator coupled to the chassis and configured to engage the vehicle to the surface; and

a traction system disposed on the chassis and configured to translate the vehicle along the surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor disposed on the chassis for sensing a parameter.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a control unit disposed within the chassis for coordinating operation of the vortex generator, traction system and sensor.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of thrusters for maneuvering the vehicle through the fluid environment during approach to the surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a console in communication with the vehicle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the vehicle further comprises a communication unit for transmitting data to the console.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the console transmits data generated by the sensor to a remotely located processing system for analysis.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the control unit is configured to receive commands from the console.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the control unit is configured to receive commands from a remotely located processing system.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the data transmitted to the remotely located processing system is stored in a database to form a historical record.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an analysis routine, the analysis routine programmed to compare data generated by the sensor during a current inspection to the historical record.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the analysis routine is further programmed communicate an alert if the data from the current inspection varies from the historical record by more than a predetermined amount.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the traction system comprises a plurality of motorized wheels.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of the motorized wheels is driven by an independently operable motor.

15. A method of inspecting a surface submerged in a fluid environment, the method comprising:

providing a vehicle having a chassis, a vortex generator coupled to the chassis and configured to induce the vehicle against the surface, a traction system disposed on the chassis and configured to translate the vehicle along the surface, and a sensor;

deploying the vehicle in proximity to the surface;

activating the vortex generator to engage the vehicle against the surface;

actuating the traction system so that the vehicle traverses the surface; and

generating inspection data with the sensor.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising interpreting the inspection data to identify an anomaly.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising transmitting the inspection data to a remote location, wherein interpreting the inspection data to identify an anomaly comprises interpreting the data at the remote location.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the remote location includes a historical record generated during a prior inspection of the surface and interpreting the inspection data to identify an anomaly comprises comparing inspection data from a current inspection to the historical record.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising transmitting instructions from the remote location to the vehicle to control actuation of the traction system.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising, upon the detection of an anomaly, triggering an alert.

21. Apparatus for movement in a fluid environment, the apparatus comprising:

a frame assembly;

a vortex generator coupled to the frame; and

a traction system coupled to the frame.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the frame is adapted to be coupled to an ROV.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the traction system further comprises a plurality of wheels.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein at least one wheel is operable independently of at least one other wheel.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising an integrated power source.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the apparatus is adapted to be coupled to a remote power source.