Marine Propulsor Wireless Telemetry Using Oil Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems are inadequate for transmitting data through metal-walled and liquid-filled environments, such as marine azimuth thrusters, due to their complexity, high installation costs, and susceptibility to interference.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system utilizing an electrically non-conductive medium, like oil or grease, as a waveguide within the thruster's existing components, such as drive shafts or oil pipes, to propagate electromagnetic data signals, reducing the need for additional wiring and minimizing interference through Faraday cage effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired telemetry systems are used to communicate data through the thruster's internal structure, then data communication can be achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive to install, and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired telemetry system with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Instead of routing physical wires through metal bulkheads and oil-filled compartments, the invention uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data wirelessly through the thruster's internal structure, eliminating the need for complex wiring installations while maintaining data communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to carry data signals through the thruster environment. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that can penetrate metal walls and liquid-filled compartments without requiring physical contact or wired connections, thus simplifying the overall system architecture
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication systems designed for air propagation are used, then installation is simplified, but they cannot effectively convey data through metal walls and liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propagation medium parameter from air to electrically non-conductive materials such as oils, greases, or solids present within the thruster. By adapting the electromagnetic communication system to use these alternative media, the invention enables effective data transmission through metal walls and liquid-filled compartments while maintaining the simplicity of wireless installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different propagation characteristics to different regions within the thruster. Instead of relying on a single uniform propagation medium, the system utilizes the specific electromagnetic properties of local materials (oils, greases, solids) in each compartment to enable effective signal transmission through various obstructions
3Loss of information
If wired telemetry systems are installed through metal bulkheads and oil, then data communication is possible, but installation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical process of routing wires through metal bulkheads and oil-filled compartments with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire installation, drastically reducing installation time and cost while maintaining full data communication capability
4Ease of operation
If conventional wireless systems are used in marine propulsors, then installation is simple, but they are susceptible to interference and have limited data throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propagation medium from air to electrically non-conductive materials with superior electromagnetic properties. Oils, greases, and solids used as waveguides provide better confinement and transmission characteristics for electromagnetic waves, enabling higher data throughput and reduced interference while maintaining installation simplicity
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
This solution enables reliable, low-power data transmission with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for extended operation without servicing, and increased data throughput by using existing structures as waveguides, effectively addressing the challenges of metal and liquid obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically non-conductive medium, like oil or grease, as a waveguide within the thruster's existing components, such as drive shafts or oil pipes, to propagate electromagnetic data signals
Implementation Method 2
minimizing interference through Faraday cage effects
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a wireless communication system for a marine propulsor, comprising: a transmitter; a receiver; and a waveguide, arranged to convey an electromagnetic data signal between the transmitter and the receiver; wherein the waveguide comprises an electrically non-conductive solid or liquid medium for propagating the electromagnetic data signal.