Wireless Shipyard Network for Dynamic Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipyard infrastructure for supporting activities during ship construction is inflexible and rigid, leading to increased construction times and costs due to the need for modifications as spaces change, which can hinder data communications and compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising local and central electronic computers connected via wired and wireless networks, with sensors and electronic apparatuses forming tree or mesh network topologies, allowing for flexible connectivity and easy maintenance, and enabling real-time data collection and emergency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired infrastructure is installed during ship construction, then initial connectivity is established, but the infrastructure becomes rigid and requires modification when shipyard spaces change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic infrastructure by deploying wireless communication devices on mobile platforms (vehicles, robots, drones) that can move throughout the shipyard. This allows the communication network to adapt its topology and coverage areas as ship construction progresses and spaces are modified, eliminating the rigidity of fixed wired installations while maintaining reliable connectivity support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of communication devices from fixed positions to mobile positions. By altering the spatial parameter of device placement and enabling movement, the infrastructure can dynamically adjust to changing shipyard layouts without requiring physical reinstallation of communication equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired infrastructure is modified to accommodate space changes, then adaptability improves, but construction time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical wired infrastructure with wireless communication systems mounted on mobile platforms. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming physical modifications to communication infrastructure when shipyard layouts change, as wireless devices can simply relocate or reposition themselves without disrupting construction schedules.
3Strength
If fixed communication openings are closed by steel bulkheads, then ship structure integrity is maintained, but data communications are hindered or interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile wireless communication devices as intermediaries between different shipyard areas. Instead of relying on fixed physical openings that may be closed by bulkheads, these mobile devices act as mediators that can establish communication paths around or through the bulkheads using wireless signals, thereby maintaining data communication reliability while preserving structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting activities in a shipyard during construction of a ship has at least one local electronic computer installed in a watchtower of the ship and operatively connected to at least one central electronic computer remote from the ship, a first plurality of electronic apparatuses operatively connected by respective wired connection backbone cables to form one or more tree network topologies, each electronic apparatus representative of a root node of a respective tree network topology being operatively connected to the at least one local electronic computer, and a plurality of sensors adapted to detect information representative of the shipyard and operatively connected by respective wired connection cables to form one or more network topologies from one or more electronic apparatuses. Each electronic apparatus is configured to manage network connectivity and safety of the shipyard based on the information representative of the shipyard detected by the plurality of sensors.