Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the system for waste management.
More particularly, the present invention relates to the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses a threat to potable water sources and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. The pollution can be caused by various chemicals and solid waste, with a notable portion of solid waste taking the form of floating debris such as plastic bags, bottles, and other organic and inorganic substances. One prominent example of the severity of this floating waste problem is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast area in the Pacific Ocean where large amounts of plastic and other debris accumulate due to ocean currents.
The presence of floating waste in water bodies has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Aquatic plants, such as hydra and hyacinth, tend to grow on the water surface and form dense mats that block sunlight, oxygen, and air from entering the water. This reduction in light and oxygen availability leads to a decline in the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water, making it uninhabitable for many aquatic organisms. Additionally, hyacinth can obstruct water streams and pumps, causing disruptions in the supply of potable water. Moreover, the presence of hyacinth provides a favorable environment for the growth of disease-carrying mosquitoes, exacerbating public health concerns.
To address the issue of floating solid waste, current methods can be broadly categorized into prevention and cure. However, prevention measures are often challenging to implement on a large scale, particularly in countries like India, which have extensive and interconnected water sources. Therefore, the focus is primarily on the cure, which involves the collection and disposal of the floating waste.
The existing methods for waste collection and disposal typically require significant human effort and investment in devices such as rovers, boats, and specialized collection systems. However, these devices are often not portable, hindering their effectiveness in reaching remote or inaccessible areas. Furthermore, the process of collection and disposal of the floating waste is often not economically viable using these methods, considering the scale and persistence of the problem.
Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of a portable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective device specifically designed for collecting and removing floating solid waste from various water bodies, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. Such a device would enable efficient and sustainable waste management, contributing to the preservation of potable water sources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to efficiently collect and remove various forms of floating solid waste, including plastics, organic matter, and inorganic substances, from water bodies;
Further object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly and portable device that ensures ease of operation in the collection and removal process of floating solid waste.
Another important objective of the present invention is to offer an economically viable solution for the collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, considering the scalability and sustainability of the method.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to minimize the environmental impact caused by floating waste, thereby contributing to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the overall health of water sources..
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in conventional practices and existing state of the art.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies.
According to an aspect of the present invention, device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies includes a soft robot links, link operating mechanism, guide rail assembly and electronic circuitry.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a soft robot link is a soft tube with thin and flexible material, particularly polymer material and inflated using air pressure. The present invention consists of a four soft robot links as described hereabove. For more effective working of the present invention a jaw and a cutter are attached to the soft robot links.
According to an aspect of the present invention, link operating mechanism consists of a worm gear, pinion gears, a shaft over which pinion gears are mounted and a stepper motor is used to drive and actuate the soft robot links. A box contains the operating mechanism to protect it from water.
According to an aspect of the present invention, guide rail assembly is provided to support the soft robot links and to guide the links onto proper path. Guide rail assembly consists of a guide rail and carriage over which box containing operating mechanism is mounted.
According to an aspect of the present invention, electronic circuitry consists of a suitable motor driver to drive the stepper motor, a remote control module, a control unit and a wireless communication module.
According to further aspects of the invention, a battery set is provided to power all the electric and electronics components in the present invention. During the operation, soft robot links are actuated by link operating mechanism by sending the necessary set of instructions through a wireless communication module.
The objects and the advantages of the invention are achieved by the process elaborated in the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The foregoing Summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings as well as experimental results. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 shows a top view of the soft robot links without cutter, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the soft robot links without cutter, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the soft robot links with cutter, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a top view of the link operating mechanism, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the link operating mechanism, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a top view of the guide rail assembly, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the guide rail assembly, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 8 shows a top view of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows the streamline form of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 11 shows the open form of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 12 shows the control loop diagram of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 13 shows the operation process flowchart of the device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which the disclosed embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.
The present invention introduces a device (100) specifically designed for the collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. The device is characterized by its functionality as a waste collecting device, and it addresses the challenges associated with removing floating solid waste from various water sources.
The device (100) comprises of four soft robot links (001), a link operating mechanism, guide rail assembly and electronic circuitry. A soft robot link (001) is a soft tube of thin and flexible material, particularly polymer material inflated with pressurized air to gain rigidity. An air filled soft robot link (001) helps the device (100) to float on water. A soft robot link (001) can deflate and reinflate which helps to increase portability. Waste carrying capacity of the device (100) can be changed by changing the size of soft robot link (001) which essentially increases the adaptability of the device (100).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a jaw (002) of lightweight material is attached to the soft robot link (001) which helps in trapping the floating waste more effectively and efficiently.
To address the challenge of removing entangled hyacinth and hydra plants from the water surface, the device (100) incorporates a motorized cutter blade (003) at the fore-end of the soft robot links (001). The cutter blade (003) enables the device (100) to cut and separate the tangled vegetation before collecting it.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a link operating mechanism is responsible for operating and actuating the soft robot links (001). It consists of pinion gears (005) mounted on a shaft (007), a worm gear (006), and an electric motor, preferably a stepper motor (008). The worm gear (006) transmits rotary motion to the pinion gears (005), resulting in a 90° shift in the rotational axis. The shaft (007) is connected to the soft robot links (001) using a circular clamp, allowing the rotational motion of the shaft to actuate the soft robot links (001).
The combination of pinion gears (005) and worm gear (006) ensures unidirectional motion, transmitting force from the motor to the soft robot links (001) in the forward direction while preventing reverse motion. This design is essential to prevent unintended reverse motion that could damage the device (100) due to induced forces during its manoeuvring on the water surface.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the link operating mechanism and electronic components are enclosed within a waterproof box (004) to protect from water damage.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide rail assembly comprising a guide rail (009) and a carriage (010) is configured to increases the structural stability of the device (100) and to balance the device (100) over the water surface by encountering the dynamic forces induced by waves and water currents on the device (100). The carriage (010) is attached to the fore-end boxes (004) to ensure proper motion of the boxes (004). A pair of thrusters (011) is attached to the ends of the guide rail assembly which sinks below the water surface and guides the device (100) for manoeuvring.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic circuitry of the device (100) consists of a suitable motor driver to drive the stepper motor (008). A remote-control module is used to operate the device (100) from a distant place, more specifically from the edge of water body (e.g. riverbed, lakeside). A wireless communication module is configured to send the necessary set of instructions to the device (100), further this set of instructions is received by the device end through a control unit and more specifically a micro-controller. A micro-controller is an electronic device consisting of a signal processing and memory unit. Once the set of instructions received, the micro-controller analyses the set of instructions and gives commands to the motor driver which further operates the stepper motor (008) which essentially causes the motion of soft robot link (001). A separate set of instructions is given to the thrusters (011) necessary for the manoeuvring of the device (100) over the water surface.
The device (100) when deployed in the water body is directed to reach the floating solid waste patch, then the soft robot links (001) are opened to collect the solid waste. After collecting the waste, the soft robot links (001) are closed and the device (100) will return to the dumping area from which the collected waste is taken out from the water source and then disposed. The device (100) is operated by giving instructions through wireless communication mode using remote control module. Necessary power for operation of all electric and electronic components within the device is provided by a battery set.
The device (100) of the present invention is highly portable, allowing for easy transportation and deployment in various water bodies. Its compact design and lightweight components contribute to its portability and ease of handling.
The device (100) incorporates a simplified operating mechanism, minimizing complexity and reducing the risk of mechanical failures. This streamlined design enhances reliability and ease of operation.
The device (100) offers an economical solution for the collection and removal of floating solid waste. By reducing the need for manual labor and optimizing operational efficiency, it helps to reduce overall costs associated with waste cleanup in water bodies.
The device (100) significantly reduces the human effort required for waste collection, making the process more efficient and time-saving compared to manual methods. The device's operational capabilities allow for extended working periods, maximizing waste collection capacity.
The utilization of soft robot links (001) in the device (100) provides enhanced adaptability to various waste collection scenarios. The soft robot links (001) can be adjusted in size to modify the waste carrying capacity, making the device (100) versatile and suitable for different clean-up requirements.
The device (100) can operate in two distinct forms: a streamlined form and an open form. In the streamlined form, the device (100) minimizes drag force during manoeuvring, ensuring efficient movement through the water. The open form allows for waste collection by expanding the collection area, optimizing the efficiency of waste removal operations.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A device for collection and removal of floating solid waste from water bodies, comprising:
- four soft robot links (001) made of thin and flexible polymer material, inflated with pressurized air to gain rigidity;
- a link operating mechanism comprising a pair of pinion gears (005) mounted on a shaft (007), a worm gear (006), and a stepper motor (008) coupled with the worm gear (006);
- a guide rail assembly including a guide rail (009) and a carriage (010) for structural stability and manoeuvrability;
- an electronic circuitry comprising a motor driver, a remote-control module, a wireless communication module, and a control unit with a micro-controller;
- a jaw (002) attached to the soft robot links (001) for effective trapping of floating waste;
- a motorized cutter blade (003) positioned at the fore-end of the soft robot links (001) for cutting and separating entangled vegetation;
- a box (004) housing the link operating mechanism and electronic circuitry to protect them from water damage;
- thrusters (011) attached to the guide rail assembly to facilitate manoeuvring of the device over the water surface;
characterized by the device (100) transitioning between a streamline form and an open form, enabling the device (100) to reduce drag force while manoeuvring in streamline form and expand the collection area in open form, thus increasing its functionality in the water body
2. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the soft robot links (001) are made of thin, flexible polymer material and inflated with pressurized air, enabling the device (100) to float on water.
3. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the jaws (002) are used to trap the floating waste and the cutters (003) are placed on foremost links to cut the hyacinth and other aquatic plants.
4. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the worm gear (006), pinion gears (005), and stepper motor (008) of the link operating mechanism provide controlled motion to the soft robot links (001) and prevent reverse way motion.
5. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the waterproof box (004) securely houses the link operating mechanism and electronic circuitry, protecting them from water damage.
6. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the guide rail assembly, consisting of the guide rail (009) and carriage (010), guides the motion of the box (004) mounted over the carriage (10) along a predetermined path.
7. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the underwater thrusters (011) enable smooth manoeuvring of the device (100) over the water surface.
8. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein wireless communication, facilitated by the wireless communication module, allows remote control of the device (100) from a distance, particularly from the edge of the water body.