Self-Contained Ocean Data Acquisition Module for Buoy Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocean data acquisition systems (ODAS) require complex installations, multiple units, and separate power sources, making them costly and inefficient for rapid deployment on existing floating bodies like buoys, and they struggle to accurately isolate wave motion from floating body motion.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained ocean data acquisition module (SCODAM) with a sensor array, geospatial locating engine, wave measurement engine, communication engine, and energy conversion module that converts ambient energy into power, allowing secure coupling to floating bodies and facilitating conversion of existing buoys into ODAS without cabling or multiple units, using a transfer function to isolate wave motion from floating body motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a self-contained module with integrated power conversion is used, then deployment complexity and cost are reduced, but the module size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate components (sensors, telemetry unit, power conversion module, and mounting hardware) into a single self-contained SCODAM module. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power sources and complex installation procedures, directly reducing deployment complexity while accepting increased module weight as a trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy conversion module is designed to accept multiple types of ambient energy inputs (solar, wind, wave, thermal) and convert them to electrical power. This multi-functionality allows the single module to operate in various environmental conditions without requiring different power source configurations, simplifying deployment across different applications.
2Measurement precision
If transfer function analysis is used to isolate wave motion, then measurement precision improves, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a training operation during which motion characterization data is collected and used to generate a transfer function specific to each floating body. This preliminary action creates a customized model that enables rapid, accurate wave motion isolation during subsequent operational mode measurements without repeating the full computational analysis each time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the generated transfer function to continuously process wave measurement engine data, applying the learned motion characteristics to accurately isolate wave motion from floating body motion in real-time operations. The feedback loop refines measurements using the predetermined perturbation response model.
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 rapid, cost-effective deployment of ODAS on existing floating bodies, reduces maintenance needs, and provides accurate wave motion data without separate power sources, enhancing public safety and environmental monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an energy conversion module adapted to convert ambient energy inputs into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a self-contained ocean data and acquisition module (SCODAM) configured to mount to a floating body and having a sensor array, geospatial locating engine, wave measurement engine, communication engine to transmit collected data to a remote device, an energy conversion module adapted to convert ambient energy inputs into electrical energy, and an energy storage module configured to receive the converted electrical energy and to supply operating power to the SCODAM. In an illustrative example, the SCODAM may be configured to generate a transfer function based on motion characterization data obtained in a training mode corresponding to motion of the floating body in response to perturbation in a predetermined sequence and to apply the transfer function data obtained by the wave measurement engine to determine wave motion. Various embodiments may advantageously facilitate use of an existing floating body as an ocean data acquisition system (ODAS).