DESC:TITLE OF INVENTION
Autonomous Hybrid Device for Removing Marine Biofouling

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of biofouling, particularly relates to a Marine Biofouling. More particularly, the present invention relates an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Patent application number “CN115455345” titled “Distributed energy thermal management method, device and equipment” describes “he invention discloses a distributed energy heat management method, device and equipment, and the method comprises the steps: providing a distributed heat management model based on a heat conduction differential equation, and the model comprises a rectangular coordinate and/or cylindrical coordinate and/or spherical coordinate heat conduction control model and a temperature uniformity model; converting the distributed thermal management model into an algebraic equation and compiling the algebraic equation; monitoring point data are collected and input into the compiled distributed thermal management model, thermal field distribution data are obtained, and the thermal field distribution data are used for obtaining non-monitoring point data. A distributed thermal management model is adopted, and an electric-thermal control relation (algebraic equation) is established. The energy management system calculates and obtains temperature information of each node of the energy storage system according to an electro-thermal control relation, so that the energy management system (EMS) can calculate 1000-10000 temperature nodes, and only 100 temperature collectors need to be arranged for every 1000 batteries in the energy storage system”.

None of the above-mentioned prior articles neither teach nor disclose about an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

wherein, the present invention is an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION
One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the system of present invention.

It is the primary object of the present invention is an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

It is another object of the present invention is a propulsion system further comprises at least one thruster or fin to enhance maneuverability and stability in underwater environments.

It is yet another object of the present invention is a control system includes pre-programmed cleaning modes tailored to specific aquatic species or structural surfaces and autonomously switches between the electromagnet and vacuum attachment mechanisms based on sensor data.

It is further object of the present invention is the foldable mesh and mechanism includes a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents clogging and ensures continuous operation during extended biofouling removal sessions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is an aspect of the invention is an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling, comprising:
An autonomous device;
A body or platform;
Plurality of at least a track wheel;
Plurality of at least a propeller;
An electromagnet;
A vacuum cup;
A sensor unit;
An Energy Storage System (ESS) unit;
A control and navigation and communication unit;
A foldable mesh and mechanism;
A suction cup;
A hydraulic unit;
A mechanical blade unit; and
A docking port,
Characterised that,
The autonomous hybrid device therein the body or platform configured to operate in aquatic environments and fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), alloy, composite, or fiber, thereby, the propulsion system, comprising at least one wheel or track wheel and at least one propeller thereby the wheel or track wheel is driven by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors independently or together, and the propeller system is driven by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors;
wherein, the sensor system configured to detect biofouling on underwater structures and aquatic species, therein the sensor system includes Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), accelerometers, gyroscopes, rotary encoders, pressure sensors, vision sensors, and chemical sensors;
wherein, the mechanical blade unit including multiple interchangeable blades, driven by an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor, operating within a speed range of 10 rpm to 1000 rpm, therein the hydraulic unit configured to spray pressurized hydraulic fluid within a pressure range of 100kPa to 10MPa to detach biofouling materials, thereby the ultrasonic transmitter configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations for biofouling removal without damaging aquatic species or structures, therein the electromagnet configured to adhere to metallic structures, thereby the vacuum cup configured to adhere to non-metallic surfaces and aquatic species, wherein the attachment force ranges from 1N to 500N;
wherein, the foldable mesh and mechanism operable through Magnetorheological (MR) fluid, capable of opening and closing within 10 seconds to capture biofouling debris, wherein the mesh is made of steel or fiber, therein the suction cup configured to pull biofouling debris with a suction force ranging from 5N to 200N, thereby the suction pipe includes a filtration system to separate biofouling debris from water;
wherein, the control, navigation, and communication unit a process sensor data and autonomously direct the propulsion, attachment, and biofouling removal mechanisms using artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms, therein communicate operational data to a remote monitoring station via a communication module transmitting at a rate of at least 1 Mbps, thereby the energy storage system (ESS) unit, comprising at least one power source selected from a battery, capacitor, fuel cell, or combinations thereof; and
wherein, the docking port configured to enable docking for recharging the energy storage system or unloading collected debris and an intelligent system integrated to dynamically adjust attachment and suction pressure, ensuring safe operation without damaging structures or aquatic species.

It is another aspect of invention is the propulsion system further comprises at least one thruster or fin to enhance maneuverability and stability in underwater environments.

It is yet another aspect of invention is a control system includes pre-programmed cleaning modes tailored to specific aquatic species or structural surfaces and autonomously switches between the electromagnet and vacuum attachment mechanisms based on sensor data.

It is further aspect of invention is the foldable mesh and mechanism (108) includes a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents clogging and ensures continuous operation during extended biofouling removal sessions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
Figure 1 represents an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.
Figure 2 represents of sub-units of an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The present invention as herein described about an autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling.

Marine biofouling, the accumulation of organisms such as algae, barnacles, mussels, and other marine life on submerged surfaces, presents significant challenges for maritime industries and marine ecosystems alike. This phenomenon affects various underwater structures, including ship hulls, aquaculture equipment, and offshore platforms, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs. For instance, biofouling increases drag on vessels, which in turn raises fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it accelerates the corrosion of infrastructure and contributes to the spread of invasive species, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Traditional biofouling removal methods, such as manual scrubbing and chemical treatments, are not only labor-intensive and time-consuming but also environmentally detrimental. Manual cleaning requires divers and is limited to specific areas, while chemical antifouling agents can harm marine life and pollute water bodies. These approaches often fail to provide a comprehensive solution, especially for large-scale or hard-to-reach underwater surfaces. To address these challenges, there has been a growing demand for automated and sustainable solutions. Autonomous devices have emerged as a promising innovation, leveraging advancements in sensing, propulsion, and cleaning technologies. These devices are designed to efficiently detect and remove biofouling while minimizing environmental impact. By eliminating the reliance on harmful chemicals and reducing the need for extensive manual intervention, autonomous systems represent a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

Referring to figure 1, which shows a device (100), comprises of body or a platform (101) within which all the sub-systems are integrated. The body or platform (101) can be made out of steel or alloy, or composite or fiber. Further, the device (100) comprises of propulsion system which has at least one wheel or track wheel (102(a)) and or at least one propeller (102(b)) that aids in the movement of the proposed device (100). The wheel or the track wheel (102(a)) can be driven by electric or pneumatic or hydraulic motors as individual or together. The wheel or track wheel (102(a)) can be made in the combination of rubber, alloy, steel or composites. Furthermore, the proposed device has at least one propeller (102(b)) which also aids in the maneuvering in the aquatic environment. Wherein the wheel, track wheel, propeller system are driven my electric, pneumatic, hydraulic motors, but not limited to, which can be driven independently or together. Various subsystems are integrated to the body or platform (101).
Referring to figure 2, the body or platform (101) comprises of at least one electromagnet (103), at least on vacuum cup (104), sensor unit (105), at least one Energy Storage System (ESS) unit (106), at least one control and navigation and communication unit (107), at least one foldable mesh and mechanism (108), at least one suction cup (109), at least one hydraulic unit (110), at least one mechanical blade unit (111), at least one docking port (112). These subsystems can be attached and detached to the proposed device (100) based on the requirement. The body or platform 101 is configured to operate in aquatic environments, fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or alloy or composite or fibre. The propulsion system (102(a)) and (102(b)) enable navigation, featuring at least one wheel and or at least one track wheel and or at least one propeller system which are driven by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic motors in range 1rpm to 100rpm. The electromagnet (103) helps the proposed device (100) to firmly attach to the metallic structures and the vacuum cup (104) helps the proposed device 100 to firmly attach to the non-metallic structures and aquatic species. The force generated by the electromagnet (103) and also the vacuum cup 104 can range from 1N to 500N. The sensor unit (105) comprises of various sensors such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Rotary encoder, pressure sensor, vision sensor, chemical sensor, and so on. These sensors are used in maintain the stability and also senses the biofoulings and also any hazards. Especially LIDAR can be used for create the 3D map of the surface and understand its features that helps in autonomous navigation. The Energy Storage System (ESS) unit (106) is the power source for all the subsystem in the device (100). The ESS unit (106) can be battery, capacitor, fuel cell, but not limited to. The control and navigation and communication unit (107) helps in the autonomous navigation of the device (100) in the aquatic environment. Based on the sensor unit (106) data, necessary steps are taken by the control & navigation & communication unit (107). The control can be executed by the microcontroller with a 32-bit ARM processor, the navigation gets the data from the sensors to know the current location and so on and the data is shared to the control and the communication transmits data at the rates of 1 Mbps through a tethered line (not shown in the illustrations). Wherein the control can be established by an intelligent system which can dynamically adjusts attachment and suction pressure to prevent damage to underwater structures and aquatic species during the operation. Further, the foldable mesh & mechanism 108 used to hold the biofouling removed so that it prevents the contamination of the aquatic environment. The foldable mesh and mechanism (108) can open and close with 10 seconds. The mesh can be made out of steel or fiber. The foldable mesh & mechanism (108) is operated by the Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The suction cup (109), is used to pull the biofouling debris after being removed which supports in preventing the contaminating the environment. The suction cup (109) may have a suction force of from 5N to 200N. The debris are then transported to the top surface through flexible pipeline. The hydraulic unit (110) used for removing the biofoulings from the structures and aquatic species by spraying pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressure exerted by the hydraulic unit 110 may vary from 100kPa to 10MPa. The water in the aquatic environment is utilized so that there is no need for separate hydraulic tank. The mechanical blade unit (111) which is also used to remove the biofoulings. Several blades are arranged in the mechanical blade unit (111) which can run from 10 rpm to 1000 rpm. The mechanical blade unit (111) can be driven by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor. The blades are modular which can be easily interchanged. A docking port (112), which allows the autonomous device (100) to dock to another system either for charging or to unload the collected debris. Further, the charging can be executed through renewable energy system, especially a solar panel that can be integrated to the autonomous device (100). The panel size can vary between 50W to 100W.
Embodiment specifically works in the manner is an autonomous device for removing marine biofouling, comprising: a body configured to operate in aquatic environments; Propulsion system to enable motion of the proposed device comprises of at least one wheel and or at least one track wheel and or at least one propeller system; a sensor system to detect biofouling on underwater structures and aquatic species; a biofouling removal mechanism operatively attached to the body, the mechanism including mechanical blades and hydraulic unit for detaching biofouling materials; an attachment mechanism comprising an electromagnet or a vacuum system, selectively operable based on the structure or species being cleaned; an intelligent system integrated to regulate attachment pressure and suction pressure, ensuring safe operation without damaging structures or aquatic species; a collection system comprising a foldable mesh & mechanism to collect biofouling materials or a suction pipe to remove biofouling materials, selectively operable based on cleaning requirements; a control and navigation system configured to process sensor data and autonomously direct the propulsion, attachment, and biofouling removal mechanisms; and a power source to provide energy to the propulsion system, sensor system, biofouling removal mechanism, attachment mechanism, and control and navigation system. The wheel and or track wheel are driven by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic motors but not limited to which can be driven independently or together. The propeller system is driven by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic motors but not limited to which can be driven independently or together. The biofouling removal mechanism includes both mechanical blades and hydraulic unit to enhance the removal of tough biofouling. The attachment mechanism utilizes an electromagnet to securely adhere to metallic structures or a vacuum system for non-metallic structures and aquatic species. The intelligent system dynamically adjusts attachment and suction pressure to prevent damage to underwater structures and aquatic species during cleaning. The collection system includes a foldable mesh and mechanism is designed to capture biofouling debris in which the mechanism is executed by the Magnetorheological fluid and a suction pipe for finer particles, with each system operable independently based on requirements. The sensor system includes cameras, optical sensors, sonar, LIDAR, and chemical detectors to identify the presence and type of biofouling. Further comprising a communication module to transmit operational data to a remote monitoring station. The control system utilizes artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms to optimize cleaning patterns, select between the attachment mechanisms, and determine whether the mesh or suction pipe is preferred for collecting biofouling. Moreover, it also supports navigation. The propulsion system includes thrusters or fins designed to ensure precise maneuverability in underwater conditions. The body is fabricated from corrosion-resistant and environmentally friendly materials. An interface to allow manual operation or override of autonomous functionality. The biofouling removal mechanism is configured to operate with minimal disturbance to aquatic life and the surrounding environment. A foldable mesh includes a self-cleaning mechanism to maintain operational efficiency during extended cleaning sessions. A docking station for recharging the power source and for maintenance purposes. The suction pipe is equipped with a filter system to separate biofouling debris from water during the cleaning process. The control system includes pre-programmed cleaning modes tailored to specific aquatic species or structural surfaces, and autonomously switches between the electromagnet and vacuum attachment mechanisms as needed. An ultrasonic transmitter and vibrator that uses ultrasonic sound and vibrations to clean the biofouling from structures or aquatic species.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:
I Claim,
1. An autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling, comprising:
An autonomous device (100);
A body or platform (101);
Plurality of at least a track wheel (102(a));
Plurality of at least a propeller (102(b));
An electromagnet (103);
A vacuum cup (104);
A sensor unit (105);
An Energy Storage System (ESS) unit (106);
A control and navigation and communication unit (107);
A foldable mesh and mechanism (108);
A suction cup (109);
A hydraulic unit (110);
A mechanical blade unit (111); and
A docking port (112),
Characterised that,
The autonomous device (100), therein the body or platform (101) configured to operate in aquatic environments and fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), alloy, composite, or fiber, thereby, the propulsion system, comprising at least one wheel or track wheel (102(a)) and at least one propeller (102(b)), thereby the wheel or track wheel is driven by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors independently or together, and the propeller system is driven by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors;
wherein, the sensor system (105) configured to detect biofouling on underwater structures and aquatic species, therein the sensor system includes Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), accelerometers, gyroscopes, rotary encoders, pressure sensors, vision sensors, and chemical sensors;
wherein, the mechanical blade unit (111) including multiple interchangeable blades, driven by an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor, operating within a speed range of 10 rpm to 1000 rpm, therein the hydraulic unit (110) configured to spray pressurized hydraulic fluid within a pressure range of 100kPa to 10MPa to detach biofouling materials, thereby the ultrasonic transmitter configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations for biofouling removal without damaging aquatic species or structures, therein the electromagnet (103) configured to adhere to metallic structures, thereby the vacuum cup (104) configured to adhere to non-metallic surfaces and aquatic species, wherein the attachment force ranges from 1N to 500N;
wherein, the foldable mesh and mechanism (108) operable through Magnetorheological (MR) fluid, capable of opening and closing within 10 seconds to capture biofouling debris, wherein the mesh is made of steel or fiber, therein the suction cup (109) configured to pull biofouling debris with a suction force ranging from 5N to 200N, thereby the suction pipe includes a filtration system to separate biofouling debris from water;
wherein, the control, navigation, and communication unit (107) a process sensor data and autonomously direct the propulsion, attachment, and biofouling removal mechanisms using artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms, therein communicate operational data to a remote monitoring station via a communication module transmitting at a rate of at least 1 Mbps, thereby the energy storage system (ESS) unit (106), comprising at least one power source selected from a battery, capacitor, fuel cell, or combinations thereof; and
wherein, the docking port (112) configured to enable docking for recharging the energy storage system or unloading collected debris and an intelligent system integrated to dynamically adjust attachment and suction pressure, ensuring safe operation without damaging structures or aquatic species.

2. The autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the propulsion system further comprises at least one thruster or fin to enhance maneuverability and stability in underwater environments.

3. The autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling, as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control system includes pre-programmed cleaning modes tailored to specific aquatic species or structural surfaces and autonomously switches between the electromagnet and vacuum attachment mechanisms based on sensor data.

4. The autonomous hybrid device for removing marine biofouling, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable mesh and mechanism (108) includes a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents clogging and ensures continuous operation during extended biofouling removal sessions.