Marine Vessel Sensor Positioning Using Motion Signal Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of translational movement sensors on marine vessels is dependent on their position, leading to uncertainties and inaccurate results without dedicated measuring devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer system using processing circuitry to determine the position of a translational movement sensor by analyzing time-varying rotational and translational movement signals, converting them to frequency domains to obtain reference frequency information, and combining these for precise sensor positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the position of the translational movement sensor is not precisely known, then the sensor can be installed without dedicated measuring devices, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor position accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the sensor's own operational signals (rotational and translational movement signals) to determine its position, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices. The processing circuitry analyzes the relationship between rotational movement around a first reference axis and translational movement along a second reference axis to calculate sensor position autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces processing circuitry as an intermediary that receives and analyzes movement signals from sensors. This intermediary component processes the relationship between rotational and translational signals to derive position information, acting as a mediator between the raw sensor data and the final position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If dedicated measuring devices are used to determine sensor position, then position accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor position accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing rotational and translational movement sensors serve dual purposes: their primary function for monitoring vessel movement and a secondary function for determining the sensor's own position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated position measuring devices while maintaining measurement accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the position determination function with the existing movement sensing system. By combining the analysis of rotational and translational movement signals, the system achieves position determination without adding separate measuring devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4488627B1Processing circuitry configured to determine information indicative of a position of a translational movement sensor on a marine vessel
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 VOLVO PENTA AB
  • EP4488627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488627B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4488627B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer system comprising a processing circuitry configured to determine, as well as to a method for determining, information indicative of a position of a translational movement sensor (16) on a marine vessel (10). the marine vessel (10) extends in a longitudinal direction along a marine vessel longitudinal axis (xmv), the longitudinal direction preferably corresponds to an intended direction of travel of the marine vessel (10). The marine vessel (10) extends in a vertical direction along a marine vessel vertical axis (zmv) and in a transversal direction along a marine vessel transversal axis (ymv). The transversal axis is perpendicular to each one of the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.