Vessel Fuel-System Control With Universal Sensor Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vessel fuel systems face difficulties in swiftly identifying sensor or system breakdowns and lack effective solutions for sensor replacement, leading to potential engine damage due to high viscosity issues.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a universal interface, touch screen, memory, and processor that uses artificial intelligence learning models to diagnose sensor and system states, alternates between main and subsidiary sensors, and provides real-time control signals to manage fuel flow, thereby extending sensor lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor fuel system parameters, then the reliability of fuel system monitoring is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and the difficulty of detecting breakdowns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can connect to and process signals from multiple different types of sensors (viscosity sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors). This allows a single control device to monitor all fuel system parameters through one standardized interface, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability and high reliability
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed in the fuel system, then the coverage of monitoring is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives feedback signals from multiple sensors and compares them against expected relationships (e.g., temperature-viscosity correlations). When sensor readings deviate from expected patterns, the system automatically identifies the breakdown source and notifies the operator, making breakdown identification straightforward despite having multiple sensors deployed
3Productivity
If sensors are continuously used to monitor fuel parameters, then the responsiveness to system issues is improved, but the lifespan of sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements periodic switching between multiple sensors of the same type, allowing each sensor to rest between measurement cycles. This rotational usage pattern extends the overall operational lifespan of the sensor set while maintaining continuous monitoring capability through the periodic action of switching between active and standby sensors
4Ease of repair
If a universal sensor interface is implemented to allow sensor replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates a universal sensor interface with standardized connection protocols that can accommodate multiple sensor types through a single interface design. This universality simplifies sensor replacement and repair operations while the integrated design keeps the interface complexity manageable through consolidation rather than multiplication of connection points
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a vessel is disclosed. The device includes a universal interface that can be selectively connected to a plurality of sensors, a touch screen, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to, based on one of the plurality of sensors being connected to the universal interface and information on the connected sensor being input through the touch screen, control the touch screen to match and display a sensing value received through the universal interface and the input information, and diagnose a state of a system wherein the plurality of sensors are installed based on an artificial intelligence learning model stored in the memory and the sensing value.