Hull Load Observation Using Acceleration and Posture Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hull load observation systems require large-scale installations and are not capable of observing hull loads with a simple configuration, which complicates the detection of slamming and whipping impacts on ships.

Innovation Solution

A hull load observation device comprising a movement state measuring part, an extracting module, and a load calculating module, implemented using a general processor, which measures acceleration and posture to calculate load index values and notify warnings of dangerous loads through a simple configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large-scale installation with optical fiber and high precision sensor is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehull load observation precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical fiber sensing systems with a mechanical sensor system comprising accelerometers and gyroscopes mounted on the hull. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically simplifying the installation and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) instead of expensive optical fiber systems. These sensors can be easily replaced if needed, reducing both initial cost and installation complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision for hull load observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If a simple configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidhull load observation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and integrates them with a computer system that performs combined analysis of acceleration and angular velocity data. This merging approach enables the simple configuration to achieve measurement precision comparable to complex systems by processing multiple data sources together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where the same sensor configuration can observe different types of hull loads (slamming, whipping, and general vibration) by analyzing the same acceleration and angular velocity data through different computational methods, enhancing the precision and versatility of the simple configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise observation and calculation of hull loads due to slamming and whipping with a less expensive and simpler setup, allowing for timely notification of potentially damaging loads.

Implementation Method 1

an inertia sensor that outputs inertial acceleration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

a positioning system that outputs posture information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositioning system measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3590818B1Ship load observation apparatus, ship load observation method, and ship load observation program
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3590818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3590818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3590818B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A load on a hull can be observed by a simple configuration. A hull load observation device 10 may include an acceleration measuring part 21, a posture measuring part 22, an extracting module 30, and a load calculating module 40. The acceleration measuring part 21 may measure an acceleration of the hull. The posture measuring part 22 may measure a posture of the hull. The extracting module 30 may extract a load observation acceleration caused by a phenomenon leading to the load on the hull from the acceleration, and extract a load observation posture caused by the phenomenon from the posture. The load calculating module 40 may calculate the load based on the load observation acceleration and the load observation posture.