Boat Deployable Device Control for Consistent Wake Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational boats lack efficient systems for controlling deployable devices to consistently produce optimized wakes for water sports, which can vary by sport and user preference, leading to suboptimal experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller with a processor and memory that receives commands to deployable devices, utilizing a drive mechanism and position sensor to accurately position surf devices and trim tabs between fully non-deployed and fully deployed states, allowing for customizable wake creation based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable device control system is implemented to precisely position surf devices and trim tabs, then wake consistency and repeatability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a controller unit, a drive mechanism, and a position sensor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement while achieving precise control for consistent wake generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines desired positions for surf devices and trim tabs based on selected wake profiles before actual deployment. By calculating and preparing control parameters in advance, the system ensures repeatable wake conditions without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
2Measurement precision
If a position sensor and feedback mechanism are added to achieve accurate positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A position sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual position of the deployable device to the controller. The controller compares this feedback with the desired position and automatically adjusts the drive mechanism to eliminate any deviation, achieving high positioning accuracy through closed-loop control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an integrated control approach that uses electronic sensors and actuators. This substitution simplifies the overall system by using intelligent control algorithms rather than purely mechanical solutions for achieving precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a deployable device on a boat. The deployable device is movable by a drive mechanism. The method includes receiving a command to deploy the deployable device to a desired position; obtaining a controlling parameter for the drive mechanism based on the desired position; driving the drive mechanism to move the deployable device based on the controlling parameter; receiving, from a position sensor, an output corresponding to a real-time position of one of the deployable device and the drive mechanism; and driving the drive mechanism to move the deployable device to a final position based on the output of the position sensor and the desired position. The system comprises a controller including a memory and a processor being configured to perform the method.