Magnetic Compass Real-Time Deviation Charting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic compasses in ships require annual compensation and deviation chart preparation, and rely on external systems for accurate navigation, lacking an autonomous and precise system that can integrate data from various navigation systems in real time.
Innovation Solution
A simplified magnetic compass with a commutation system using integrated software and a magnetometer or optical reader, capable of receiving and contrasting signals from navigation systems, eliminating internal metallic elements and gimbal systems, and providing real-time deviation charts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional magnetic compass with gimbal system and internal metallic elements is used, then the compass maintains stability and horizontality, but the structure becomes complex and requires annual compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gimbal system and internal metallic elements from the magnetic compass, extracting only the essential magnetic needle and housing it in a transparent sphere. This simplification eliminates the complex compensation mechanisms while maintaining the core magnetic indication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the damping medium from a complex gimbal mechanism to a simple liquid-filled transparent sphere. The liquid provides damping and stability without requiring mechanical gimbals, fundamentally changing how the compass maintains horizontality.
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic compass requires annual compensation and deviation chart preparation, then the compass can provide accurate magnetic bearing, but the maintenance requirements increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a satellite receiver that provides real-time feedback on the ship's position and course over ground. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically calculate and update deviation charts, eliminating the need for manual annual compensation and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The compass system performs self-compensation by automatically comparing its magnetic bearing readings with satellite-derived true bearing information. The system generates and updates its own deviation charts without requiring external intervention or annual compensation procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the compass relies on external systems for accurate navigation, then navigation precision improves, but the system loses autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the autonomous magnetic compass with satellite navigation systems into an integrated system. The magnetic compass provides autonomous magnetic bearing measurements while the satellite receiver provides true bearing data, and the commutation system combines these inputs to generate deviation information, achieving both precision and autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The commutation system performs multiple functions: it processes magnetic compass signals, receives satellite navigation data, calculates course over ground, generates deviation charts, and provides outputs to various navigation systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain autonomy while leveraging external systems for enhanced accuracy.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simplified compass structure is used, then ease of manufacture and maintenance improve, but the ability to provide accurate true bearing without external systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a commutation system as an intermediary that processes signals from the simplified magnetic compass and satellite receiver. This intermediary component enables the simplified hardware structure to achieve accurate true bearing by computationally combining magnetic bearing with satellite-derived course over ground information.
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 real-time deviation calculations, reduces maintenance needs, and provides accurate data for automatic pilots, allowing adaptation to new satellite systems and ensuring compliance with administrative error parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the digital signal obtained by means of fitting a magnetometer or an optical reader to the magnetic compass
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic compass is thus configured in and of itself as an evident novelty within its field of application, because as a result of its creation an integral system is specifically obtained which is formed by a compass with a considerably simplified structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an integral magnetic compass for obtaining deviations in real time, formed by a transparent sphere or cylinder (2), incorporating therein, in a hydrocarbon liquid (3), a polyester or silicon disk (4) to which the rose (5) and the magnet (6) are fitted, being associated with a commutation system formed by integrated software in a device or chip (7), the circuit of which has two inputs: an input (8) to the signal obtained from the magnetic compass (1) itself, obtained by means of a magnetometer (9) or optical reader (10) in association therewith, and another input (11) to the signal from the satellite compass (12) or from the gyroscopic compass (13), and said circuit having an output (14) to a display (15) for viewing and storage of the data for the corresponding deviations, thus obtaining the deviation chart for the magnetic needle in real time, said output being also applicable to the automatic pilot (16).