Sail Usage Sensor Fusion for UV and Vibration Exposure Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sail sensor arrangements are inadequate for reliably determining the usage and conditions of sails, leading to cumulative damage and performance loss due to exposure to wind and ultraviolet light.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus comprising a unique identifier, light sensor, accelerometers, and a transceiver for measuring and logging usage characteristics, which can be securely attached to sails using a tamper-evident stitching pattern, and communicates data via Bluetooth for real-time monitoring and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor arrangements are used on sails, then the apparatus can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability of determining usage conditions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (light sensor, accelerometers, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) into a single integrated sensor apparatus that is mounted on the sail. This merging of multiple sensing functions into one device improves reliability by capturing comprehensive usage data while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring light exposure, vibration/orientation, temperature, and humidity simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to reliably determine various usage conditions without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into one apparatus, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement functions are merged into a single integrated apparatus, allowing precise simultaneous measurement of light, vibration, temperature, and humidity conditions while presenting a unified device interface that manages complexity.
3Productivity
If the sensor apparatus continuously monitors and logs data, then productivity and information availability improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus performs periodic monitoring and logging of usage data rather than continuous operation. The system activates sensors at intervals to collect light, vibration, temperature, and humidity data, achieving productive data collection while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the microprocessor evaluates sensor data and determines when logging or transmission is necessary. This intelligent feedback control allows the apparatus to be productive by collecting critical usage information while consuming less energy by avoiding unnecessary continuous operation.
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
The sensor apparatus effectively determines the in-use condition of sails by measuring light and vibration, providing detailed usage data for improved maintenance and performance analysis, while ensuring data security and accessibility through different user levels.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor for measuring light falling on the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
one or more accelerometers for measuring orientation and vibration of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus for a sail includes a unique sail identifier and an in-use sensor, the in-use sensor determining whether the sail is in an in-use condition or a dormant condition. The in-use sensor includes a light sensor for measuring light falling on the sail and one or more accelerometers for measuring orientation and vibration of the apparatus, wherein an in-use condition is determined from reviewing whether measurements from the light sensor and one or more accelerometers exceed threshold values.