Ship Compartment Flooding Measurement with Multi-Zone Float Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to reliably quantify the level of flooding in a ship's compartment, are affected by movement-induced measurement errors, and do not provide a timely assessment of critical flooding to facilitate evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple detection devices arranged strategically in compartments, using laser transmitters and sensors to measure water height, calculate flooding progression, and estimate time to critical stability, featuring a remote supervision unit for real-time monitoring and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection device is used in a compartment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to ship movements and water accumulation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment is divided into multiple detection zones by strategically placing several detection devices at different locations. Each device independently monitors its local area, and the results are combined to achieve comprehensive and accurate measurement of the overall water level, resolving the contradiction between using fewer devices and maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional spatial detection by arranging devices at different positions and angles within the compartment. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture water level information from multiple perspectives, compensating for ship movements and providing more reliable measurements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices are arranged in different zones, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection device is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can detect water presence, measure water height, and transmit data. This standardization allows multiple devices to be deployed without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each unit performs the same set of functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detection devices continuously monitor water levels and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment and validation of measurements, improving reliability while managing complexity through automated processing rather than manual intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If detection devices are placed on opposite sides of the compartment, then the coverage area is improved, but the detection time is delayed due to water accumulation delays
Solution Approach 1:
Detection devices are pre-positioned at multiple strategic locations within the compartment before flooding occurs. This preliminary placement ensures that when water enters, at least one device is already in position to detect it immediately, eliminating the time delay associated with water traveling across the compartment to reach a single distant detector.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection devices are placed in locations most likely to experience water accumulation based on expected flooding patterns and ship movement characteristics. This localized optimization ensures that detection occurs at the point of water entry or accumulation, providing immediate local detection rather than waiting for water to traverse the entire compartment.
4Device complexity
If traditional detection systems are used, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the information completeness deteriorates as they cannot estimate time to critical flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores critical flooding thresholds and time-to-critical-state parameters based on compartment characteristics and flooding rates. By having this information prepared in advance and continuously updating it with real-time measurements, the system provides complete flooding progression information without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining relative simplicity while improving information completeness.
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
Ensures accurate and continuous flooding measurement, enabling timely evacuation planning and reducing false detections by compensating for ship movements and providing reliable flooding data for all compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a float kept free to move in the longitudinal body, said float comprising a means for reflecting a light beam; an optical transmitter arranged at the upper end of said longitudinal body and generating an optical beam in the direction of said float; a sensor measuring and detecting the reflected beam
Implementation Method 2
the optical transmitter is a laser transmitter
Implementation Method 3
a clock for measuring the round-trip time of the beam
Implementation Method 4
a lower opening allowing an incoming volume of water to move a float along said longitudinal body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
System for detecting and measuring flooding of a floating craft by water, said system comprising: ▪ At least three water height detection devices (3) arranged in different zones of a first compartment of a ship, each detection device (3) comprising: ▪ a longitudinal body (31) arranged vertically, said longitudinal body (31) comprising a lower opening allowing an incoming volume of water to move a float (40) along said longitudinal body (31); ▪ a float (40) kept free to move in the longitudinal body (31); ▪ a sensor (29) measuring and detecting a displacement data of said float (40); ▪ A calculator for calculating the change in the water height in real time from all the measurements of each device (3) and estimating the time to reach a given water height.