Automated Aeration Timer for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional livewell and baitwell aeration systems in watercraft rely on manual switches, leading to inefficient battery usage and potential battery depletion, especially for offshore fishermen, as the systems often run continuously, causing battery drain and requiring manual idling to maintain charge, which wastes gasoline and disrupts fishing.
Innovation Solution
An automated electromechanical aeration system with a microcontroller that manages the aeration pump's operation based on user-set time durations for 'On' and 'Off' cycles, including an 'Auto-shut off' feature to conserve battery life, ensuring efficient water quality maintenance and preventing battery depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aeration pump is left on continuously, then water quality is maintained, but battery is rapidly drained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic aeration cycles where the pump alternates between on and off states. The microcontroller monitors battery voltage and adjusts the duty cycle of aeration operations, providing periodic water quality maintenance while conserving battery power during non-critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts aeration pump operation based on real-time battery voltage conditions. When battery voltage is high, aeration runs more frequently; when voltage drops below thresholds, the system reduces or suspends aeration to prevent battery depletion, creating a dynamic balance between water quality and power conservation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aeration system is manually controlled, then operation flexibility is maintained, but user convenience decreases and battery depletion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller automatically monitors battery voltage and controls aeration pump operation without user intervention. The system self-adjusts operation parameters based on power availability, eliminating the need for users to manually manage aeration timing while preventing battery depletion through automated voltage threshold monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery voltage and uses this feedback to automatically adjust aeration pump operation. When voltage drops below predetermined thresholds, the microcontroller reduces or stops aeration operations, creating a closed-loop control system that balances water quality needs with battery conservation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is idled to keep the battery charged, then battery charge is maintained, but gasoline is consumed and fishing is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors battery voltage and preemptively reduces aeration operations when voltage approaches depletion thresholds. This preliminary action prevents battery depletion before it occurs, eliminating the need for corrective engine idling and the associated gasoline consumption and fishing disturbances.
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 automated system optimizes battery usage by controlling aeration cycles, preventing battery drain, reducing gasoline consumption, and maintaining water quality in livewells and baitwells, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and convenience for users.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically energized liquid pump having an input selectively positionable in a reservoir liquid contained in a selected reservoir
Implementation Method 2
aeration systems for withdrawing water from within the tank that is pumped to a spraybar through which pressurized water jets are sprayed from openings therein across some portion of the atmosphere into, and so returned to, the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container aeration system for replenishing gases dissolved in a selected liquid present in an interior of said liquid container that checks on an electrical power source capability to continue operation and allows selected liquid substitution in the interior of the container.