Mechanism Design of a Multi-functional Drilling Robot to Sample Seafloor Sediments in Marine Investigation

Abstract

Seafloor sediments sampling plays a significant role in discovering the secrets insight seabed in marine geological investigations. The considerations for seafloor sediments collection were analyzed, and the design of a multi-functional drilling robot to sample seafloor sediments was proposed in this work. The functions of the robot were divided into three groups according to mechanisms, i.e., penetration and rotation mechanism, drill pipe manipulation mechanism, and core sample conveyance mechanism. The detailed functions and configuration of each mechanism were proposed. The mechanism assembly and the specification and capabilities of the mechanism are also introduced. This work can provide a design reference for designing deep seafloor drilling robots.