Marine Sensor Module Layout for Calibration-Free Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor configurations in marine vessels suffer from significant assembly errors between multiple sensors, necessitating laborious distance measurements and calibration systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module design where heavier sensors are mounted on the upper surface of a base, lighter sensors on the lower surface, arranged axisymmetrically, and ventilated to reduce assembly errors and eliminate the need for distance measurement and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are fixed to two or more different plates, then the sensors can be mounted on the marine vessel, but assembly errors occur between the components and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor mounting plates into a single integrated base structure. The base (50) provides a unified mounting platform for both the first sensor (S11-S14) on its upper surface and the second sensor (S21-S26) on its lower surface, eliminating the need for separate plates and reducing cumulative assembly errors between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base (50) acts as an intermediary structure that precisely positions both sensors relative to each other. By fixing both sensors to this common reference structure, the patent eliminates the need for complex calibration systems and distance measurements that would otherwise be required to establish precise spatial relationships between sensors mounted on separate plates.
2Ease of operation
If assembly error between sensors is large, then sensors can be mounted independently, but calibration system and distance measurement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor mounting functions into a single base structure, which inherently provides precise relative positioning. This integration eliminates the need for separate calibration systems and distance measurement procedures, as the unified base structure ensures accurate spatial relationships between sensors from the outset.
3Manufacturing precision
If sensors are arranged on upper and lower surfaces of the same base, then assembly error is reduced, but weight distribution and structural design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric sensor arrangement where the first sensor (S11-S14) and second sensor (S21-S26) are positioned on opposite surfaces of the base (50) at locations that do not overlap when viewed from above. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the spatial distribution of sensors while maintaining precise relative positioning, and the base structure is designed with appropriate thickness and reinforcement only where needed to support this arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sensor module capable of reducing an assembly error between a plurality of sensors and eliminating the need for measuring a distance between the sensors and the need for a calibration system. A sensor module for shipboard use, detachably mountable to a marine vessel includes a base; a casing that covers the base; a first sensor provided on an upper surface of the base; and a second sensor provided on a lower surface of the base.