UNDERWATER CABLE ROBOT

• Main Authors: Salle, Damien, Gorrotxategi Txurruka, Jose, San Román Prado, Angel, Culla Irastorza, David, Herve, Pierre-Elie, Apaolaza Arroyo, Arantxa, Rodríguez Mijangos, Maria de la O, Oyarzabal Marzal, Arkaitz
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 29.11.2023
• Subjects: CRANES; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; HAULING; HOISTING; LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; LIFTING; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS,WINCHES, OR TACKLES; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; RELATED EQUIPMENT; SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; TRANSPORTING

The present invention refers to an underwater cable robot preferably adapted as cleaning platform, capable of selectively and efficiently removing small and large debris from the seabed and the water column below, with minimal impact on the marine ecosystem. The cleaning platform comprises a floating barge or boat having an opening providing access to a water column below the floating barge, and a submergible frame fitted with a tool adapted for collecting debris underwater. At least three motor driven winches are attached to the floating barge or boat, and a system of cables extending through the opening of the floating barge or boat, connect the winches with the frame. A control unit controls the operation of the winches in a coordinated manner, such that by winding and unwinding the cables, the frame can be moved within a three-dimensional workspace below the floating barge or boat for collecting debris from the seabed and from the water column.