Underwater Detector Using DC Electrodes for Conductivity-Based Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater detection methods face challenges in detecting moving objects in regions with strong tidal currents or water layers with temperature and salinity differences, where noise and conductivity variations hinder accurate object detection.
Innovation Solution
An underwater detector system comprising two direct current electrodes and multiple measurement electrodes, connected to a control and measurement module, which applies a direct current voltage and measures voltage changes to estimate the presence, size, movement direction, and speed of moving objects using an electric field, even in noisy or turbid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sound wave method is used for underwater detection, then detection capability in clear water is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates in regions with strong tidal currents or temperature and salinity differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic detection method (sound wave) with an electrical detection method (direct current voltage measurement). The system applies direct current voltage to electrodes and measures voltage changes caused by moving objects with different conductivity, substituting mechanical/acoustic field detection with electrical field detection to achieve reliable operation in turbulent water conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic properties to electrical conductivity. By measuring voltage changes in an electric field rather than sound wave properties, the system can detect moving objects reliably even when water movement causes noise in acoustic detection
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic wave method is used for mine detection, then stationary object detection is improved, but moving object detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic measurement of voltage changes at multiple electrodes. By continuously and periodically measuring voltage differences and analyzing changes over time, the system can detect both stationary and moving objects, with the temporal variation in voltage measurements enabling movement detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple measurement zones using several electrodes positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to detect objects at various positions and determine movement by comparing voltage changes across different spatial segments over time
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
The system effectively detects moving objects in challenging environments by measuring voltage transitions caused by conductivity differences, enabling accurate detection of both conductors and nonconductors, including nonferrous metals, even under turbid water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the voltages of the measurement electrodes are due to an electric field that occurs by a voltage of the direct current electrode
Implementation Method 2
sense a movement of an object having conductivity different from that of water underwater
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an underwater detector and a method for an underwater detection, and more particularly, an underwater detector including two direct current electrodes and a plurality of measurement electrodes in order to sense a movement of an object having conductivity different from that of water underwater. Since the underwater detector according to the present invention includes two direct current electrodes, a plurality of measurement electrodes, and a control and measurement module for measuring voltages of the plurality of measurement electrodes, the plurality of measurement electrodes each include an electrode control module and the electrode control module includes a first switch, a second switch, a controlling unit, and the like, the number of voltage measurement lines may be small and a voltage between two selected electrodes may be easily calculated.