Method & Apparatus for Remote Cleaning & Inspection of Underwater Structures

Abstract

An underwater structure inspection vehicle that uses a rotating brush to clean the structure for camera inspection. Unlike underwater vehicles currently being used that are positioned by thrusters, this vehicle will be positioned in three different planes by three different means. The first is by mechanically raising and lowering it. The second is by a propulsion system pushing it into the structure. The third is by lateral guidance bars being engaged by the rotating forces of the propulsion system. In areas of high water velocity, an optional back-side platform may be used to assist the propulsion system by locking the vehicle onto the structure.

1 . An underwater structure inspection vehicle that is positioned by using either the structure itself or an external guidance source to hold a lateral position, is mechanically raised and lowered, and is pushed into the structure by a propulsion system.
 a. Dependent claim—If the propulsion system is inadequate for in-situ conditions (such as high water velocity) to push the vehicle into the structure, a back-side platform may be attached for assistance to lock the vehicle onto a pile or column (not applicable for piers or other structures where the horizontal distance from edge to edge is prohibitively large).   
     
     
         2 . The rotating force induced by the brush/propulsion system will counter-rotate the vehicle to force guidance bars to engage the structure or external guidance source.