Hull-Mounted Sensor Device for Marine Vessel Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of sensor systems into marine vessels for fuel efficiency analysis is complex, time-consuming, and vessel-specific, requiring access to the vessel's information systems and often necessitating the installation of additional sensors, which can be costly and require specialized skills.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device affixed to the hull of a marine vessel that includes a receiver for position and time information, sensors to measure performance data such as vibrations and motions, and a processor for frequency analysis, allowing for the generation and transmission of marine vessel data without integration into the vessel's systems, using components like acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, and inclinometers to provide parameters like propeller RPM and optimized trim and speed values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor systems are integrated into the vessel's information systems to obtain marine vessel data, then the data accuracy and completeness is improved, but the integration complexity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing unit that acts as a mediator between the sensors and the vessel's information systems. This unit collects data from multiple sensors (GPS, motion sensors, vibration sensors), processes it locally, and outputs standardized marine vessel data, thereby avoiding direct complex integration with the vessel's proprietary systems while maintaining data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent modular components: position measurement module, motion sensing module, vibration sensing module, and data processing module. Each module can be installed and calibrated independently, reducing the overall integration complexity and allowing parallel installation procedures
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to measure specific parameters like propeller RPM, then the measurement capability is improved, but the installation cost and required specialized skills increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sensors that can measure multiple parameters simultaneously. For example, vibration sensors mounted on the hull can detect both structural vibrations and propeller RPM through frequency analysis, while motion sensors provide both pitch/roll data and speed information, eliminating the need for dedicated sensors for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic calibration and configuration capabilities that allow installation personnel to complete setup without specialized knowledge. The processing unit automatically identifies sensor locations, calibrates measurement parameters, and configures data output formats, transforming a complex specialized installation into a simple plug-and-play process
3Productivity
If comprehensive sensor integration is performed to access all vessel parameters, then the fuel efficiency analysis capability is improved, but the installation time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is pre-configured with algorithms for fuel efficiency analysis and parameter correlation before installation. Data processing routines, frequency analysis algorithms, and performance modeling software are pre-loaded, allowing the system to immediately begin productive operation upon installation without requiring extensive post-installation configuration or programming
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple data processing functions are merged into a single integrated processing unit that simultaneously performs position tracking, motion analysis, vibration frequency analysis, and fuel efficiency calculation. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate systems and reduces installation time while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability
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 the collection and transmission of comprehensive marine vessel data without the need for complex integration into the vessel's systems, reducing costs and simplifying installation, while providing insights for improved fuel efficiency and energy optimization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor configured to measure the marine vessel performance data by sensing the motions and vibrations of the marine vessel via a hull structure of the marine vessel
Implementation Method 2
at least one processor configured to perform frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data and to generate marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a sensor device (100A, 100B, 100C, 200) for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel. The sensor device (100A, 100B, 100C, 200) comprises a receiver (106, 126, 208) for receiving automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel; at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) for measuring marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) being able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device (100A, 100B, 100C, 200) is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel; and at least one processor (102, 120, 202) for generating marine vessel data based on the received automatic identification system data and the marine vessel performance data, the marine vessel data comprising data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) and at least part of the received automatic identification system data.