Underwater Electric Field Sensor Using Carbon Fiber Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater object detection methods using acoustic or magnetic fields face challenges in sensitivity and interference, particularly in noisy ocean environments or when detecting objects with sound-absorbing materials, and require improved sensitivity and durability.
Innovation Solution
An underwater electric field sensor utilizing a sheet of carbon fiber wound around a hollow pipe, with conductive coatings and a terminal ring for enhanced signal transmission, and a waterproof sealing unit to prevent water ingress, along with a water-passing protection unit to shield the sensor from external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If graphite electrodes are used for sensing electric field, then the device can be manufactured with conventional materials, but the sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional graphite to carbon fiber, which fundamentally alters the electrical conductivity and sensitivity characteristics of the sensing element, enabling detection of weaker electric field changes while maintaining manufacturability through established carbon fiber processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs carbon fiber as a composite sensing material that combines the advantages of conductivity and flexibility, creating a sensing element that achieves high sensitivity while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes and underwater environmental conditions
2Measurement precision
If the sheet of carbon fiber is exposed to underwater environment, then the sensor can detect electric field changes, but the electric field is extinguished through the end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive coating as an intermediary layer on the carbon fiber sheet ends, which acts as a mediator to transfer and maintain the electric field signal at the terminal portion, preventing field extinction while allowing the carbon fiber to remain exposed for detection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the carbon fiber structure: the main body remains exposed for electric field interaction, while the end portions receive conductive coatings to maintain signal integrity, creating local quality variations that optimize both detection and signal transmission functions
3Measurement precision
If the sensing unit is exposed to underwater environment, then the sensor can sense electric field changes, but water can ingress and damage the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof sealing unit with flexible sealing elements that enclose the sensing unit, creating a protective barrier against water ingress while maintaining the necessary electric field sensitivity through careful design of the sealing interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensor into distinct segments: the exposed carbon fiber sensing portion for electric field detection and the enclosed waterproof housing for signal processing, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function while improving overall reliability
4Measurement precision
If conventional acoustic detection methods are used, then the device can detect underwater objects, but sensitivity is reduced in noisy environments or when objects have sound-absorbing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic detection mechanism with an electric field-based detection system, fundamentally changing the detection modality from mechanical sound waves to electromagnetic fields, thereby eliminating sensitivity reductions caused by water noise and sound-absorbing materials while maintaining the ability to detect underwater objects
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 sensor achieves improved sensitivity and durability by minimizing electric field loss and maintaining a waterproof state, allowing for effective detection of changes in the electric field without interference from environmental noise or foreign materials.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of carbon fiber that is wound around the outer surface of the hollow pipe, has a portion exposed to underwater environment, and senses an electric field
Implementation Method 2
respective end portions of the sheet of carbon fiber are coated with conductive coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An electric field sensor for underwater, including a sensing unit that senses a change in an electric field and transfers a sensing signal of the electric field to a signal line, a waterproof sealing unit that keeps a signal transferring portion of the sensing unit in a waterproof state, and a water-passing protection unit that shields and protects an exposed portion of the sensing unit. The sensing unit includes a nonconductive hollow pipe connected to the signal line, a sheet of carbon fiber that is wound around the outer surface of the hollow pipe and that senses an electric field, and a terminal ring that is electrically conductively installed at an end portion of the sheet of carbon fiber to provide a connection portion of the signal line and that is watertightly sealed by the waterproof sealing unit.