Azimuth Thruster Bearing Monitoring via Optical Fiber Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring azimuth thruster bearings face challenges in data transmission due to interference from metal walls and fluid environments, limiting the ability to consistently measure and transmit operating parameters like load and position.
Innovation Solution
A bearing device with acquisition, computing, and transmission means connected via cable links, utilizing optical fibers and antennas to enable uninterrupted data transfer and wireless communication outside a metal casing, allowing for continuous measurement and transmission of parameters like axial and radial bearing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electrical sliprings are used to transmit data through the metal casing, then data transmission is enabled, but transmission capacity is limited and signals are interfered with when high current is carried
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sliprings with optical fibers for data transmission. Optical fibers transmit data as light signals rather than electrical signals, eliminating interference from high currents carried through the metal casing. This substitution provides higher transmission capacity and immunity to electromagnetic interference while maintaining the sealed metal enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the bearing sensors inside the metal casing and the external receiving devices. The optical fibers act as a mediator that converts electrical signals from sensors into optical signals for transmission through the casing wall, avoiding direct electrical contact and current interference.
2Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used for data communication, then transmission flexibility is improved, but transmission is blocked by metal walls and can only be intermittent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic transmission with optical fiber transmission for data communication. Optical fibers can transmit data continuously through the metal casing wall without being blocked by the metal, providing both the flexibility of wireless operation and the reliability of continuous transmission. The optical fibers are routed through the casing to enable uninterrupted data flow.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in the bearing to measure load, then measurement capability is provided, but data transmission is affected by the fluid environment and metal casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission from bearing sensors with optical fiber transmission. Sensors mounted in the bearing continue to measure load parameters accurately, and their electrical signals are converted to optical signals for transmission through optical fibers. This eliminates the effect of the fluid environment and metal casing on data transmission, ensuring consistent and reliable data flow from the measurement point to the external receiver.
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 reliable and continuous monitoring of azimuth thruster bearings, overcoming interference and fluid-related issues, and facilitating efficient data transmission within harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the cable link comprising the at least one optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the transmission means comprise a transmitting antenna connected to the computing means and a receiving antenna cooperating with the transmitting antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing device providing at least one bearing, an acquisition device having at least one optical fiber attached at least partly to the bearing configured to measure at least one first parameter relative to the bearing, an optical interrogator coupled to the at least one optical fiber configured to process the at least one first parameter so as to obtain at least one second parameter, and having a transmitting antenna connected to the at least one optical fiber configured to process the at least one first parameter, and a receiving antenna cooperating with the transmitting antenna configured to send wirelessly the at least one second parameter.