Automatic Watercraft Speed Control for Precise Rider Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic watercraft maneuvering systems, such as those described in Patent Document 1, fail to appropriately control the speed of a watercraft during automated return to a fallen rider, potentially leading to ineffective positioning.

Innovation Solution

An automatic watercraft maneuvering system that includes a communication device with a second operation unit to control the speed of the watercraft, allowing for manual and automatic modes of operation, where the watercraft control device adjusts speed based on inputs from the communication device in automatic mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated return to rider functionality is performed without speed control, then the watercraft can automatically navigate to the fallen rider, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inappropriate speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated return to rider functionalityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the watercraft's speed during automated return to rider operations. The control device modifies speed based on real-time conditions such as distance to the fallen rider, ensuring optimal positioning accuracy while maintaining automated navigation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the speed parameter during the automated return process. By adjusting speed as a variable parameter based on proximity to the fallen rider and operational conditions, the system achieves both automated navigation and precise positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the watercraft operates in automatic mode without operator input, then the ease of operation improves, but the ability to adapt to specific situation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mode operationVSAvoidresponse to specific situation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously monitors operational conditions and fallen rider position, then adjusts speed accordingly. This feedback loop enables the automatic system to adapt to specific situations while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The watercraft control device performs self-adjustment of speed during automated operations based on detected conditions. The system serves itself by automatically modifying parameters without requiring operator intervention, yet remains adaptable to situational changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12448105B2Automatic watercraft maneuvering system, watercraft control device, watercraft control method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 NHK SPRING CO LTD

AI summary

An automatic watercraft maneuvering system includes a watercraft and a communication device.