Aquatic Vehicles Employing Hair-Based Oil Absorption For Waterway Cleanup

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to autonomous aquatic vehicles designed for cleaning oil spills and purifying waterways. The vehicles use replaceable mats made of human hair, known for its oil-absorbing properties. Buoyant autonomous vehicles equipped with hair mats provide an innovative solution to the challenges of oil cleanup in various water bodies, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. This technology offers an environmentally friendly approach to oil spill remediation, targeting oil companies, cleanup organizations, and municipalities concerned with environmental preservation.

Claims

1. An aquatic vehicle for removing oil from a body of water, the vehicle comprising a buoyant chassis, a propulsion system, and means for attaching a hairmat.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a hairmat.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the hairmat is a replaceable hairmat.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising a sensor.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the sensor detects oil concentration.

6. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the hairmat comprises human hair.

7. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the buoyant chassis comprises two parallel hulls.

8. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the propulsion system comprises a motor.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

10. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the propulsion system comprises a propeller.

11. The vehicle of claim 2, where the vehicle future comprises an onboard GPS.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure comprising a sensor.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure comprising a sensor.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure including two pegs for attachment of a replaceable hairmat.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure comprising a replaceable hairmat.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle of the present disclosure comprising a replaceable hairmat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention is directed to methods and devices for keeping the world's waterwaysoceans, rivers, streams and lakesclean from oil spills and runoff while addressing critical deficiencies in cleanup approaches known in the art. In particular, the present invention avoids introducing toxic microplastic or chemicals into the ecosystem by using a reusable natural material to absorb oil. The buoyancy issues associated with the use of hairmats is overcome by using them in combination with buoyant aquatic vehicles.

[0022] The present invention provides a cost-effective, sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional methods of removing oil from waterways. The vehicles can be controlled by a user from a distance or may operate autonomously. According they may be deployed and operated at significantly less cost than conventional methods.

[0023] The vehicles are capable of numerous configurations and can be deployed in response to both major and small-scale incidents, including runoff from cities and cars.

[0024] The invention presents a novel approach to oil spill cleanup, leveraging the oil-absorbing properties of human hair in conjunction with autonomous aquatic vehicles. By combining innovative technology with ecological principles, this solution addresses the challenges of oil pollution while promoting environmental sustainability.

[0025] In one aspect, the present invention provides an aquatic vehicle, comprising a buoyant chassis capable of receiving a replaceable hairmat and a propulsion system. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a replaceable hairmat. In some embodiments, the aquatic vehicle operates autonomously. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises sensors. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises an onboard GPS system and long-range radio transmitter and receiver. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using an autonomous aquatic vehicle for removing oil from a body of water. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of using an autonomous aquatic vehicle for monitoring and analyzing samples of contaminated water.

[0026] The vehicle may be of any shape or size that allows it to remain afloat when the replaceable hairmat is saturated with oil. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is similar in design to a catamaran, having two parallel hulls, and a propulsion system comprising two motors with toroidal propellers. In some embodiments, the hairmat is situated centrally, i.e., between the two parallel hulls of the chassis. A catamaran design of the vehicle helps maintain stability, which is particularly useful when the vehicle is intended to be deployed in a wide variety of contexts.

[0027] The optimal size and shape of the vehicles may be determined by one of skill in the art, depending on the body of water, the amount of oil and the weather conditions. Typically, the catamaran shaped vehicles are from 0.5 to 20 feet in length, from 1 to 10 feet in length, or from 2 to 5 feet in length. Larger vehicles can be used in larger bodies of water and in harsher weather conditions, and can absorb more oil. Smaller vehicles can be used in smaller bodies of water, and have greater maneuverability.

[0028] The chassis may be constructed of a buoyant material; that is, material that is less dense than the surrounding medium (e.g., lake or sea water) allowing it to displace enough fluid to support its weight and remain afloat. Buoyant materials including cork, Styrofoam, balsa wood, plastic bottles, hollow aluminum tubes and foamed glass. A buoyant chassis also includes chassis constructed from both buoyant and non-buoyant materials, provided that the overall chassis displaces enough fluid to support its weight and remain afloat. In preferred embodiments, the buoyant chassis displaces enough fluid to support its weight, and the weight of the saturated hair mat, and remain afloat. For example, a buoyant chassis could be constructed from polyvinylchloride pipe and plastic bottles acting as pontoons.

[0029] When present, the hairmat can be of any form provided it is able to come into contact with the oil present on the surface of the body of water. The hair mat is typically composed of densely packed human or animal hair or fur. Such hair can be sourced from sustainable sources such as sweepings of salon floors, from animal groomers, farms or by hair donation organizations. The hairmats are preferably replaceable and affixed to the chassis in a way that allows them contact with the oil on the surface of the water for all or a portion of the time the vehicle is in operation. In one embodiment, the hairmat is attached to the chassis of the vehicle and extends over the front of the vehicle and continues underneath the vehicle. The hairmat may be affixed to the vehicle in any manner known in the art, provided that the hairmat remains affixed to the vehicle during operation but can be replaced after it becomes saturated with oil. In one embodiment, the replaceable hairmat is held in place by pegs or tension clips. In a preferred embodiment, the hairmat is in the form of a continuous sheet initially wound onto a first dowel which in operation is gradually unwound and transferred to a second dowel in a continuous manner to absorb oil. The vehicles are equipped with mechanisms for deploying and retracting the hair mats, allowing for efficient cleanup operations.

[0030] The vehicles can be powered by a variety of propulsion systems known in the art. Typically, the propulsion system comprises a power source. In one embodiment, the propulsion system comprises an electric motor, which has the advantage of simplicity, reliability and ease of control. In some embodiments, the propulsion system employs a propeller or plurality of propellers. The propeller propulsion systems may be in any of a variety of configurations, including direct drive and gear drive. In other embodiments, the vehicles comprise a jet propulsion system, in which water is drawn in through an intake and expelled at a high speed through a nozzle. Jet propulsion systems have the advantage of being efficient and provide good maneuverability. Other propulsion systems include internal combustion engine, sail systems, hydrofoils, or solar power. The choice of propulsion system depends to some extent on the body of water in which it is used. More powerful propulsion systems may be needed in larger bodies of water while precise maneuverability may be needed in smaller bodies of water.

[0031] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the aquatic vehicle 10 of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing buoyant chassis 20 comprising hulls 22 and 23 joined by strut 21, propulsion system 30 comprising motor 31 and propellers 32 and 33, and replaceable hairmat 40. FIG. 2 is a front view, showing motor 31 and propellers 32 and 33, in this embodiment, resting on strut 21. FIG. 2 also shows replaceable hairmat 40, in this embodiment, between hulls 22 and 23. Hull 23 and motor 31 are shown in side view FIG. 3 and, along with hull 24, in top view FIG. 4. The illustrated embodiment comprises sensor 50, best shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle comprising a sensor assembly 60, extending down from strut 121. Sensor assembly 60 is also shown in side view FIG. 6.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle comprising attachment pegs 71 and 72, extending upwards from chassis 140. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the aquatic vehicle comprising a replaceable hairmat 80. As shown, hairmat 80 in this embodiment is attached to the chassis by the pegs described with respect to FIG. 7. The hairmat 80 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, is attached to the chassis by the pegs described with respect to FIG. 7, extends over the front of the chassis and continues underneath the vehicle.

[0034] The vehicles may be controlled at a distance by a user. By sending a signal via long range radio to the vehicle, a user can give the vehicle a list of destination waypoints that are checked using an onboard GPS system. The GPS and long-range radio capability of the vehicle allow it to be controlled from miles away on the open ocean. For longer range missions, the vehicle may have solar panels to charge the onboard lithium-ion batteries, making it carbon neutral.

[0035] The vehicles are preferably autonomous. In the context of present disclosure, autonomous refers to the ability of vehicles or systems to operate and make decisions independently, without direct human control or intervention. This minimizes the need for manual intervention, reducing both labor costs and safety risks. Autonomous operation may be accomplished by any means known in the art, including by the use of various sensors and cameras known in the art, along with artificial intelligence (AI) to perceive surroundings, interpret sensory data and make decisions similar to those a human operator would make. The autonomous vehicles are equipped with sensors, navigation systems, and onboard computers that enable them to perceive their environment, plan their actions, and execute tasks without continuous input from human operators.

[0036] In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a sensor for navigation. In other embodiments, the vehicle comprises a sensor is for detecting saturation of the hairmat. In other embodiments, the vehicle comprises a sensor is for detecting the thickness of the oil. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a plurality of sensors.

[0037] The vehicles may use any sensors known in the art for navigation, including global positioning system (GPS) sensors, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, Wi-Fi positioning system (WPS) sensors, Bluetooth beacons, radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, magnetic sensors, cellular triangulation sensors, or visual positioning systems. The choice of sensor will depend of the purpose of the vehicle and the location in which it is deployed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the vehicles comprise sensors to determine the thickness of the oil slick. Determining the thickness of oil layers can be critical to environmental monitoring and mapping of an oil spill. The sensor may be any device of mechanism known in the art for determining the thickness of the oil. In a one embodiment, the sensor is an ultrasonic thickness gauge which uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through the oil layer. The time it takes for the sound waves to travel through the oil and reflect back is measured and used to calculate the thickness. In another embodiment, the sensor is a capacitance sensor which measures changes in capacitance caused by the presence and thickness of an oil layer. The sensor consists of two conductive plates with an insulating layer in between; the dielectric properties of the oil change the capacitance, which is used to determine thickness. In a further embodiment, the sensor is an optical interference sensor, which uses light interference to measure the thickness of the oil layer. Other sensors contemplated for use in the disclosed vehicle include infrared (IR) sensors, microwave sensors, and laser-based measurement, magnetic induction sensors, and interdigital dielectric sensors.

[0039] Sensor for determining saturation of the hair mat may be of any type in the art known for this purpose. Typically, the sensor for determining weight is a load cell; i.e., a device that converts force due to the weight of an object into an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the magnitude of this signal is proportional to the amount of weight. In other embodiments, a signal is generated only when the weight reaches a certain threshold value. These sensors are widely used in various applications, and include strain gauge load cells, hydraulic load cells, pneumatic load cells, capacitive load cells, piezoelectric load cells, digital load cells, torsion load cells, and resonate frequency load cells.

[0040] During operation, the vehicle is deployed in waterways affected by oil spills. The vehicle is guided to the spill site, whether by a user or by an autonomous navigation system. where it absorbs oil using the hair mats. When guided by an autonomous navigation system, a vehicle equipped with an appropriate sensor can begin absorbing oil when a predetermined oil thickness is reached. When the hairmat becomes saturated, the vehicle returns to a designated collection point for replacement mats. When guided by an autonomous navigation system, a vehicle equipped with an appropriate sensor can return to the collection point when a predetermined saturation threshold (e.g., hairmat weight) is reached. At the collection point, the saturated hairmat is detached and, optionally, replaced with an unsaturated hairmat. Oil may be collected from the saturated hairmat by any method known in the art (e.g. a wringer). The recovered oil can be recycled or disposed of using established methods. In many cases the oil can be removed from the hairmats and both the oil and hairmats can be reused.

[0041] Because they are being used to remediate pollution, the vehicles and their method of use should be as eco-friendly as possible. Thus, while the vehicles can use a variety of absorptive materials (natural, synthetic or a combination thereof) it is preferred that renewable and biodegradable materials be used. Similarly, while the vehicles can be powered by a variety of means, including a blend of methyl alcohol, nitro-methane and oil, it is preferred that the energy source is clean (i.e., does not produce any kind of pollution), such as with solar panels or rechargeable batteries.

[0042] Equipped with appropriate sensors, the vehicles can provide high-value data that allow comprehensive coverage and rapid assessment of spill areas, even in remote or inaccessible regions. Data from the vehicles, alone or in combination with data from other sources (e.g., satellite, aerial, in-situ data) allows a comprehensive understanding of the spill. By providing detailed and layered information regarding the spill and affected areas, the vehicles allow more accurate decision-making with respect to the cleanup efforts.

[0043] The vehicles may be equipped with sensors and sampling devices that can navigate through areas to collect oil and water samples, monitor the water quality and assess the spread of oil. The vehicles of this invention have the advantages of accuracy and efficiency in environmental monitoring allowing earlier and more accurate understanding of the impact of a spill. This valuable data on the extent of contamination will enable targeted cleanup efforts and environmental mitigation measures. These vehicles can autonomously navigate spill-affected waters to collect and remove oil from the surface. This results in an increased efficiency and safety of oil recovery operations by reducing the need for human operators in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

[0044] Although considerable benefit can be obtained using a single vehicle, it is typically intended that a plurality of vehicles is deployed in an oil remediation effort. The autonomous vehicles can be deployed in coordinated fleets to perform various tasks simultaneously, such as surveillance, monitoring, sampling, and cleanup. This maximizes operational efficiency and coverage, enabling responders to address multiple aspects of spill response in parallel. Autonomous vehicles can operate continuously and cover large areas quickly, accelerating response efforts. Reduces the exposure of human responders to hazardous conditions and environments, improving overall safety. Provides accurate and detailed data on spill conditions, facilitating more targeted and effective cleanup strategies. Accesses hard-to-reach or dangerous areas that may be challenging for manned vessels or equipment. Optimizes resource utilization and reduces operational costs associated with manned missions.

[0045] The autonomous vehicles play a valuable role in oil spill remediation by enhancing surveillance, monitoring, sampling, recovery, and cleanup operations. Their ability to operate autonomously in hazardous or remote environments improves the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of spill response efforts, ultimately mitigating environmental impact and facilitating quicker recovery. As technology continues to advance, the integration of autonomous vehicles into oil spill remediation workflows is expected to become increasingly commonplace.

[0046] Key characteristics of autonomous vehicles in oil spill remediation include: (i) self-guided navigation: the autonomous vehicles are capable of navigating through spill-affected areas and avoiding obstacles using onboard sensors and navigation systems; (ii) decision-making: the vehicles can make decisions in real-time based on data collected from onboard sensors and environmental conditions, adjusting their actions to optimize response efforts; (iii) task execution: the vehicles can perform a variety of tasks related to oil spill response, such as surveillance, monitoring, sampling, recovery, and cleanup, without direct human control; (iv) coordination: in some cases, the vehicles can operate collaboratively in coordinated fleets, communicating with each other to maximize efficiency and coverage.

[0047] Through autonomous operation, these vehicles can improve the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of oil spill response efforts by reducing the reliance on human operators, optimizing resource utilization, and enabling rapid and targeted response actions.

[0048] Most strategic oil spill mapping is now being carried out using radar Slick thickness measurements have been sought for many years. Slick thickness is a strong need for various applications ranging from countermeasures effectiveness assessment to legal purposes for prosecution.

[0049] The vehicles of the invention avoid the critical deficiencies in contemporary oil spill cleanup methods. The present invention provides aquatic vehicles employing hair and its unique oil absorbing properties to clean oil spills and purify waterways. The combination of hairmats with aquatic unmanned vehicles addresses the buoyancy issues with hairmats alone and allows for broader deployment across a variety of waterways, including oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. In addition, hair is effective at cleaning up not only oil but also other runoff contaminants such as grease. Unlike existing solutions, the present invention does not rely on chemicals or artificial plastics and therefore does not introduce any new harm materials into the environment. Equipped with GPS and radio technologies, the vehicles of the invention have rapid, long-range movements, allowing them to efficiently navigate vast oil spill areas or maintain stable positions akin to traditional oil booms. This versatility enables comprehensive coverage of spill zones.

EXAMPLE

[0050] To determine how much oil can be absorbed by a hairmat, a hairmat is obtained from Matter of Trust, a nonprofit organization that has been developing and using hairmats for use in cleanup of oil spills. The hairmat is weighed and then put into contact with oil spilled onto a test pool. Once saturated, the hairmat is weighed again. The hairmat is found to absorb a large quantity of oil. This result is supported by a University of Technology Sydney study showing that hair and fur were almost as good at oil cleanup as polypropylene pads, the industry standard.

[0051] A small-scale proof of concept aquatic vehicle prototype, two feet in length, is fitted with a one-pound hairmat is deployed in a swimming pool in which oil has been spilled. The vehicle prototype is equipped with an ATMEGA microcontroller to control movement, two brushless motors for movement, an IMU (sensor hub with gyroscope for rotation) and a GPS for positioning. The vehicle prototype comprises two propellers above the water to allow for faster, more accurate maneuverability. The hairmat was made using a layer of human hair within a porous fabric sheath.

[0052] The aquatic vehicle is caused to move on a random course through the pool. When the hairmat is saturated with oil, the vehicle returns to the side of the pool. The vehicle is observed to remain buoyant throughout the operation. The saturated hairmat is replaced with a fresh hairmat and the vehicle is returned to service. The saturated hairmat is fed through a ringing device and over one-half pound of oil is recovered.