Underwater Sensor Apparatus with Integrated Display and Wireless Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater sensor apparatus are cumbersome, require extra equipment for data review, and involve time-consuming data processing and handling, often necessitating manned vessels and special winches, which are costly and not always available.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained underwater sensor apparatus with a modular design featuring a display and sensor housing, magnetic switches for data input, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless data transfer, allowing for easy deployment and real-time data review without the need for additional computers or cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional underwater sensor apparatus are used with separate computers and cables, then data collection capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor apparatus, computer, and data processing capabilities into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both the sensor assembly and a computer with display, eliminating the need for separate external computers and cables. This merging directly reduces device complexity while improving ease of deployment, as the unit can be handled and deployed as a single self-contained package.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions within a single device: sensor measurement, data processing, display, and wireless communication. The computer within the housing provides both data review capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless data transfer, making the device universal and reducing the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional apparatus with cables and connectors are used, then data collection is possible, but handling and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all components including sensors, computer, display, and communication modules into a single housing, the apparatus becomes easier to handle. The patent specifically notes that the integrated design eliminates the need for special winches and complex cable management, allowing standard handling procedures to be used.
3Productivity
If field notes are manually recorded for each deployment, then position and time data are captured, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically records position, time, and depth data during deployment without requiring manual field notes. The computer within the housing automatically captures deployment information and transmits it via Bluetooth, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual documentation efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical note-taking with electronic data capture and wireless transmission. The computer automatically records deployment parameters and uses Bluetooth connectivity to transfer data, substituting manual processes with automated electronic systems that are faster and more reliable.
4Loss of time
If data is downloaded and processed after deployment, then data review is possible, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer within the housing is pre-configured with data processing capabilities and display functions before deployment. Data is processed and reviewed immediately upon retrieval without requiring external computers, eliminating time delays associated with data transfer and processing after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical process of physical data download and external processing with integrated electronic processing within the housing. The built-in computer immediately processes and displays data, substituting multi-step mechanical data transfer procedures with instant electronic access.
Data Source
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AI summary
An underwater sensor device comprises a submersible housing including one or more housing components, one or more sensors for monitoring and collecting water characteristics, a controller for controlling operations of the one or more sensors and an graphical user interface mounted to the housing that displays the water environmental data. The housing defines a channel that extends through one of the housing components, and at least one of the sensors is mounted to the housing and extends into the channel. The controller is disposed within the housing and is operatively connected to the one or more sensors.