Boat Drive Water Sensor Segmentation for Shutdown and Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat drive monitoring systems lack advanced warning mechanisms and direct hardware-based shutdown capabilities to prevent damage from water ingress, particularly for boat drives with electric motors, which can lead to submersion detection delays and increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first water sensor to directly switch off the boat drive when a critical water level is reached and a second water sensor to issue a warning via a system bus, reducing power and potentially activating a bilge pump, thereby enhancing safety by detecting water presence at lower levels and initiating protective measures before damage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a detection circuit is connected directly inside the battery to a battery operating switch for immediate shutdown, then the shutdown response speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into two independent water level detection circuits: a first detection circuit with direct hardware connection for immediate shutdown, and a second detection circuit with controller communication for warning signals. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller serves as an intermediary between the second water level detection circuit and the boat drive system. The controller receives signals from the second detection circuit and communicates warnings to the user, while the first detection circuit maintains direct connection for immediate shutdown capability.
2Device complexity
If only a single water sensor is used for shutdown, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and early warning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water level monitoring is segmented into multiple detection levels using two separate water sensors positioned at different heights. The first sensor detects critical water levels requiring immediate shutdown, while the second sensor detects earlier water intrusion for warning purposes, enabling precise staged response.
Solution Approach 2:
The second water sensor is positioned to detect water intrusion at an earlier stage before it reaches the critical level detected by the first sensor. This preliminary detection allows the system to issue warnings and take preventive actions before damage occurs.
3Reliability
If a hardware-based direct shutdown system is implemented, then the reliability of shutdown function is improved, but the ease of operation and user awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user through a controller that communicates warning signals when the second water level detection circuit detects water intrusion. This feedback mechanism keeps the user informed about water level conditions while the hardware-based first detection circuit ensures reliable automatic shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown function is segmented into two modes: automatic hardware-based shutdown for critical conditions (ensuring reliability) and controller-mediated warning for non-critical conditions (improving user awareness).
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 solution provides enhanced safety by enabling immediate hardware-based shutdown and timely warnings, reducing the risk of damage to the boat drive and battery, and allowing for proactive measures to prevent water-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first water sensor (2) configured to switch off the boat drive directly when a first water level (20) is reached
Implementation Method 2
a second water sensor (3) configured to issue a water level warning when a second water level (30) is reached, wherein the second water sensor (3) communicates with a controller (10) of the boat drive via a system bus (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring a boat drive, preferably for monitoring a battery of a boat drive, comprising a first water sensor (2) which is designed to switch off the boat drive when a first water level (20) is reached, wherein a second water sensor (3) is provided which is designed to output a water level warning when a second water level (30) is reached.