Integrated Anti-Biofouling System with Structural Monitoring Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-biofouling systems for structures in aqueous environments, such as ships and marine installations, face challenges in efficiently preventing biofouling and monitoring structural integrity without additional complex means.
Innovation Solution
An anti-biofouling system that emits anti-biofouling light, integrated with a sensor system to measure and monitor structural features of the system and the object it is applied to, allowing for assessment of mechanical integrity and biofouling levels without separate equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anti-biofouling system is applied to prevent organism growth on surfaces, then biofouling is reduced, but the system lacks capability to monitor structural integrity without additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anti-biofouling system with a sensor system into a single integrated arrangement. The sensor system includes sensors configured to detect structural features of the object, and this monitoring functionality is merged with the anti-biofouling light emission system rather than being a separate complex addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-biofouling arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: preventing biofouling through light emission and simultaneously monitoring structural integrity through integrated sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If separate monitoring equipment is added to assess structural features, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated within the anti-biofouling arrangement structure. The sensors are positioned to detect structural features of the object while being part of the same system that emits anti-biofouling light, combining monitoring and protection functions in one arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated arrangement provides both anti-biofouling protection and structural monitoring capabilities through a single system design, making the monitoring function universal to the anti-biofouling system rather than requiring separate specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect damage or decay, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides feedback about structural features to a processing system that can analyze changes over time. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring while allowing for adaptive energy management based on detected conditions and trends.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous monitoring of structural features through the integrated sensor arrangement, maintaining constant surveillance of the object's condition without interruption, which is essential for detecting progressive damage or decay.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective prevention of biofouling and continuous monitoring of structural features, reducing drag and maintenance costs while detecting damage or decay, applicable to various aquatic structures.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-biofouling system that emits anti-biofouling light... configured to emit anti-biofouling light in an activated state thereof
Implementation Method 2
a sensor system configured to obtain measurement data relating to at least one structural feature of an anti-biofouling arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
In an anti-biofouling context, an anti-biofouling system (20) is provided, which is configured to emit anti-biofouling light in an activated state thereof and to be applied to an object (10). Further, the anti-biofouling system (20) comprises a sensor system (30) that is configured to obtain measurement data relating to at least one structural feature of an anti-biofouling arrangement (1) including both the anti-biofouling system (20) and the object (10) in an actual case of the anti-biofouling system (20) being in place on the object (10). By having the sensor system (30) as mentioned in the anti-biofouling system (20), it is achieved that one or more structural aspects of the anti-biofouling arrangement (1) may be checked/monitored without a need for providing separate means for fulfilling such functionality.