Hull Load Identification With Virtual Full-Field Structural Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hull monitoring systems in ships are limited to providing data from specific measurement points, lacking full-field response information, and struggle to integrate ship structural response with environmental data for effective safety assessment.

Innovation Solution

A virtual interactive system that integrates structure strain and acceleration monitoring, hull motion monitoring, hull load identification, and full-field structural response calculation, along with hull wave environment identification and real-time safety assessment, using VR technology for interactive simulation and 3D visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If strain or acceleration sensors are equipped at limited measurement points on the hull, then the system complexity is reduced and data processing is simplified, but the measurement precision and completeness of hull response information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull-field response informationVSAvoidsensor distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical hull structure through 3D modeling. This virtual model replicates the complete hull geometry and allows for full-field simulation of structural response without requiring physical sensors at every measurement point. The virtual model serves as a digital twin that provides comprehensive hull response data while avoiding the complexity of extensive sensor deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor measurement system with a computational simulation system. Instead of using physical sensors distributed across the hull to measure structural response, the system uses finite element analysis and other computational methods to simulate and calculate the complete field of structural response. This substitution eliminates the need for complex sensor networks while providing full-field measurement precision.

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

2Loss of information

If only ship response data is monitored, then the monitoring system remains simple and focused, but the ability to correlate ship wave environmental loads with ship structural response is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental data correlationVSAvoiddata integration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sources including ship response data, wave environmental data, and sea state information into a unified integrated system. The system combines measurements from various sensors with environmental data from wave buoys and other sources, creating a comprehensive database that enables correlation analysis between environmental conditions and structural response. This merging of data types provides complete information while managing complexity through systematic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data processing layer that bridges ship response measurements and environmental data. This intermediary system includes data fusion algorithms and correlation analysis modules that connect disparate data sources. The intermediary processing layer harmonizes different data formats and temporal resolutions, enabling effective correlation between wave environmental loads and ship structural response without requiring direct physical connection between all measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If discrete hull measurement data is processed manually or with simple methods, then the processing time is short, but the monitoring data is wasted due to lack of comprehensive analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring data utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous automated data processing that operates throughout the entire monitoring period. The system continuously ingests data from sensors, performs real-time analysis, and maintains an updated comprehensive database. This continuous processing ensures that no monitoring data is lost or wasted, as every data point is immediately analyzed and integrated into the overall assessment. The continuous action of automated processing maximizes data utilization while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the processing approach by changing the parameter of data analysis from simple discrete point analysis to comprehensive multi-parameter field analysis. The system analyzes not only individual measurement points but also spatial distribution patterns, temporal variations, and correlations between multiple parameters. This parameter transformation enables deep utilization of monitoring data, extracting meaningful insights from otherwise wasted discrete measurements through advanced computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If traditional safety assessment methods are used, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the 3D scene simulation and immersive realistic experience are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety assessment interfaceVSAvoidvirtual reality simulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the ship and its environmental context through 3D modeling. This virtual replica allows users to interact with a simplified digital representation of the ship structure, wave conditions, and sea state. The virtual environment provides immersive visualization of safety assessment parameters without requiring complex physical measurement setups. Users can navigate and examine the virtual ship model to understand structural response and safety conditions intuitively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions safety assessment from traditional 2D charts and graphs to 3D immersive visualization. The system presents safety data in three-dimensional space, allowing users to view structural response, wave loads, and environmental conditions from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This dimensional transformation provides intuitive spatial understanding of complex safety parameters while maintaining ease of operation through interactive 3D navigation and visualization tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250289539A1Virtual interactive system for hull load identification and full-field safety assessment
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SHANGHAI JIAOTONG UNIV
  • US20250289539A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289539A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289539A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a virtual interactive system for hull load identification and full-field safety assessment, which includes a structure strain and acceleration monitoring module, a hull motion monitoring module, a hull load identification module, a hull full-field structural response calculation module, a hull wave environment identification module, a ship response virtual interaction module, a ship response 3D visualization module, a real-time safety assessment module, and a system storage and output module.