Ship Hull Structural Monitoring via Virtual Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional structural monitoring systems for ships require a large number of sensors, which increases the system's size and complexity, making it difficult to install and maintain, especially in environments where space and accessibility are limited, and they lack real-time accuracy in stress calculations for ungauged areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates navigation detection and environmental detection means with a processing unit to estimate structural loads based on 3D finite element models, reducing the need for physical sensors by using virtual sensors and real-time data from a minimal number of sensors to calculate and correct stress estimates, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are used to monitor structural stresses, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual sensors through finite element models that replicate the measurement function of physical sensors. These virtual sensors calculate structural stresses at multiple locations without requiring physical sensor installation at each point, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The finite element model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural analysis tool, a virtual sensing system, and a correction mechanism for physical sensor data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring systems and minimizes overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If more sensors are installed to cover more areas, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual sensors created through finite element modeling provide stress measurements at any location on the ship structure without requiring physical sensor installation. This eliminates the operational difficulties of installing and maintaining sensors in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining comprehensive monitoring precision
3Measurement precision
If physical sensors are used for all measurement points, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensors with virtual sensors generated by finite element models at locations where physical sensor installation is impractical. This maintains measurement precision across the entire structure while significantly reducing sensor network complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The finite element model acts as an intermediary that translates limited physical sensor data into comprehensive structural stress information. This mediator enables accurate stress measurement at multiple points without requiring physical sensors at each location
Data Source
AI summary
A system assists the driving of a ship and is configured to estimate the structural loads of the ship due to the direct wave excitation, and structural loads of the ship due to the whipping effect caused by the wave slamming. The system includes at least one reference sensor adapted to provide an indication of a motion or stress magnitude at a predetermined point of the ship structure, and is further configured to calculate an estimate of the magnitude at the predetermined point in the ship structure, compare the indication of magnitude with the estimate of the magnitude so as to determine an offset value, and correct the estimates of the structural loads and/or the estimate of the magnitude on the basis of the offset value.