Sail Usage Sensor Fusion for Reliable In-Use Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies for monitoring sail usage are inadequate as they fail to reliably determine the in-use condition of sails, especially considering factors like light exposure and orientation, leading to inefficient data collection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus comprising a unique identifier, a transceiver, a light sensor, and accelerometers that determine the in-use condition by measuring light and orientation/vibration thresholds, with data storage and Bluetooth compatibility for efficient communication and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor arrangements are used for sail monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of determining in-use condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (light sensor, accelerometers, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) into a single integrated sensor apparatus that monitors multiple parameters simultaneously. This merging approach improves the reliability of determining in-use conditions by cross-validating data from multiple sensors while consolidating the physical device into one unit attached to the sail.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring light exposure, vibration, orientation, temperature, and humidity conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to comprehensively determine in-use conditions through various environmental and mechanical parameters, improving reliability without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor thresholds are monitored, then the measurement precision of in-use condition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors multiple parameters with predetermined thresholds, but the control unit selectively determines in-use conditions based on specific threshold combinations rather than requiring all parameters to exceed their thresholds. This partial action approach maintains measurement precision by monitoring comprehensive data while simplifying the decision logic to avoid excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple predetermined thresholds for different parameters (light, vibration, orientation, temperature, humidity) and uses the control unit to evaluate combinations of these thresholds. This multi-parameter threshold system improves measurement precision by capturing nuanced in-use conditions while the automated control logic manages the complexity of evaluating multiple parameters simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive usage data is collected, then the loss of information is reduced, but the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus extracts and transmits only the most relevant usage data to the database system, while the control unit processes and filters data locally to determine in-use conditions. This extraction approach reduces the quantity of data that needs to be stored and transmitted while maintaining the completeness of critical usage information for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensors and the database, processing sensor data locally to determine in-use conditions and filtering information before transmission. This intermediary function reduces the data quantity that needs to be stored and transmitted while preserving the essential usage information needed for comprehensive analysis.
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 solution enables reliable monitoring of sail usage, providing detailed usage characteristics and historical data, improving maintenance efficiency and extending sail life by accurately tracking exposure to UV light and stress conditions.
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
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Figure 4A~5B
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AI summary
The present invention concerns sensor apparatus (1) for an article comprising a unique apparatus identifier and an in-use sensor, the in-use sensor determining whether the apparatus is in an in-use or a dormant condition. The in-use sensor comprises a light sensor for measuring light falling on the apparatus 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.