Single Spectral Probe Seabed Reflectivity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current underwater spectrometers for measuring reflectivity at seabottom are costly due to expensive spectral probes, prone to malfunction, and suffer from contamination and accuracy issues due to their two-probe configuration and long-term immersion in seawater.

Innovation Solution

A device using one spectral probe with two white boards of known reflectivity, connected to a shaft for sequential data collection, and a distance meter to calculate reflectivity, along with movable or fixed brushes to prevent contamination, allowing for accurate reflectivity measurement with reduced equipment costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two spectral probes are used to measure reflectivity, then measurement can be performed, but device cost increases and malfunction rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate spectral probes into a single spectral probe by sequentially measuring different white boards with known reflectivity values. The spectral probe measures the first white board, then the second white board, and uses these sequential measurements to calculate the reflectivity of the target object, eliminating the need for multiple probes while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single spectral probe is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring the first white board, measuring the second white board, and measuring the target object. By making the probe universal and capable of sequential measurements, the system eliminates the need for specialized multiple probes, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement reliability

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

2Measurement precision

If two spectral probes are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to calibration differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflectivity measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the spectral probe to measure known reference white boards (with known reflectivity values) to self-calibrate and establish a reference relationship. By measuring the first and second white boards with known reflectivity, the system creates an internal reference standard that compensates for probe characteristics, eliminating the need for external calibration between multiple probes and ensuring measurement consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by sequentially measuring different white boards with known reflectivity values at different time points. This parameter change approach allows the system to establish a reference relationship between the spectral measurements and known reflectivity values, improving measurement accuracy without requiring multiple calibrated probes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If spectral probes are immersed in seawater for long-term measurement, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but contamination increases and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by coating the spectral probe with anti-fouling materials before immersion in seawater. This preliminary protection prevents contamination from attaching to the probe surface during long-term measurement, maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the extended measurement period without requiring frequent cleaning or replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cost-effective and accurate reflectivity measurement at seabottom using a single spectral probe, reducing contamination risks and equipment costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the spectral probe is configured to collect spectral data of the first white board, the second white board and the object at seabottom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the shaft is configured to drive the first white board and the second white board to turn, so as to allow the first white board and the second white board be located in front of the spectral probe in sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

the distance meter is configured to collect distance data between the spectral probe and the object at seabottom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistance measurement:

Implementation Method 4

A device for measuring a reflectivity of an object at seabottom, comprises a spectral probe, a first white board, a second white board, a distance meter, and a shaft;

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning: Brush

Data Source

PatentUS11162891B2Apparatus and method for measuring reflectivity of seabed sediments
Publication Date: 2021.11.02 KUAFU INFORMATION TECH (PINGTAN) CO LTD
  • US11162891B2 patent drawing
  • US11162891B2 patent drawing
  • US11162891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for measuring a reflectivity of an object at the seabottom, includes a spectral probe, a first white board, a second white board, a distance meter, and a shaft; the first white board and the second white board respectively have a known reflectivity; the first white board and the second white board are connected to the shaft, wherein the first white board and the second white board are spaced along an axial direction of the shaft and staggered from each other along a radial direction of the shaft; the spectral probe is configured to collect spectral data of the first white board, the second white board and the object at the seabottom; the distance meter is configured to collect distance data between the spectral probe and the object at the seabottom.