Modular Boat Autonomy Control for Plug-and-Play Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boats, both new and existing, face challenges in integrating autonomous or semi-autonomous control systems due to the complexity and cost of installing sensors and connecting them to existing systems, particularly in areas not designed for this purpose, which complicates malfunction detection and response.
Innovation Solution
A control device with sensors, a central unit, and peripheral modules that facilitate easy integration and standardization, allowing for 'plug and play' functionality, reducing complexity and cost by processing data close to the member and minimizing cable requirements, while enabling semi-autonomous or autonomous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensors and control means are installed in existing boats to enable autonomous functions, then autonomous capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into a central control unit and multiple peripheral modules, each responsible for specific boat members (propulsion, steering, safety equipment). This segmentation allows independent installation and configuration of modules, reducing overall system complexity while enabling autonomous functionality in existing boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral modules are designed with universal interfaces that can connect to various boat members and existing boat systems. This multi-functionality allows the same module design to work across different boat types and configurations, simplifying integration into existing vessels without requiring custom solutions for each component.
2Measurement precision
If many sensors are installed in areas not designed for that purpose and connected through boat walls, then measurement precision and autonomous control capability improve, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each peripheral module is equipped with processing units that perform local data processing and filtering of sensor inputs. This local quality enhancement allows accurate measurements to be achieved through intelligent signal processing rather than requiring complex physical sensor installations, thereby reducing installation difficulty while maintaining measurement precision.
3Extent of automation
If a centralized control system is implemented in existing boats, then autonomous control capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral modules are pre-configured with processing units and communication interfaces before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for plug-and-play integration into existing boats, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining full autonomous control capability. The modules come ready-to-connect with standardized interfaces that match existing boat systems.
Data Source
AI summary
This relates to a control device for a boat, including members which provides steering, propulsion and safety functions for the boat. The control device includes: sensors; —a central processing unit; at least two peripheral modules which are associated with the member and which each include an interface for receiving data from the sensors; an interface for controlling the member associated therewith; a processing unit; and an interface for communicating with the central processing unit. The processing unit and the central processing unit are programmed to generate instructions for driving the member.