Sea-Based Security Arch for Maritime Contraband Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and analyzing shipping containers for contraband at sea are inadequate, as they primarily focus on land-based inspections and do not effectively address the risk of dangerous materials and individuals entering or leaving ports, with few containers being inspected and a high risk of radiological samples or terrorist presence.
Innovation Solution
A security system comprising a sea-based arch with multiple sensing devices, including x-ray scanners, neutron scatter devices, and other sensors, that scans ships for contraband while they are en route to or from a port, allowing for real-time communication of threats to authorities and the potential incapacitation of non-compliant vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If land-based inspection methods are used for shipping containers, then inspection capability is provided, but the inspection coverage is limited and few containers can be inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inspection of shipping containers at sea before they reach the port, allowing authorities to identify and prioritize containers requiring detailed inspection. This preliminary screening enables faster processing by pre-sorting containers based on detected anomalies, thereby increasing overall inspection throughput while maintaining detection precision.
2Productivity
If sea-based detection systems are implemented, then inspection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent sensor units distributed along the shipping lane. Each sensor unit can independently detect and report contraband presence, allowing the system to achieve wide coverage through modular deployment. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the large-scale detection task into manageable, independent components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing devices are deployed in the arch, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple different types of sensing devices (e.g., X-ray, neutron, gamma ray sensors) are merged into a single integrated arch structure. This combining approach allows the system to leverage the complementary strengths of different sensor types for more accurate contraband detection while managing complexity through unified structural support and coordinated control from a central computer system.
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
This system provides a comprehensive and efficient means to detect and prevent the entry or exit of hazardous materials and individuals by scanning ships at sea, enhancing port security and reducing the risk of contraband reaching shorelines.
Implementation Method 1
sensing devices include but are not limited to x-ray scanner
Implementation Method 2
neutron scatter devices
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses devices and methods for analyzing inbound and outbound ships for illegal or dangerous cargo or persons. An arch is generally placed several kilometers from shore, the arch including a plurality of distinct analytical and diagnostic equipment. A ship passing through the arch is analyzed by photographic, thermal and other means for presence of explosives, nuclear, chemical, or biological agents, terrorists, contraband, illegal passengers and/or other potential threats. Results from scanning are sent to appropriate security officials as are data of ships that attempt to circumvent the security arch.