Automated Boat Fender Height Control via GPS and Real-Time Water Level Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat operators face challenges in safely and conveniently deploying boat fenders, especially in stormy weather or large waves, and there is a need for automated systems that can adjust fender heights based on real-time location and water levels to prevent damage during docking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor-controlled boat fender controller that calculates required fender deployment heights using real-time location data and adjusts fenders automatically, with motorized winches and wireless control options, allowing for remote operation and integration with GPS and smartphone apps for trip planning and automatic deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fender deployment is used, then the system is simple, but the operator safety and convenience deteriorate in stormy weather or large waves
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the boat automatically deploys and positions fenders using onboard sensors, GPS location data, and automated winch mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention by the operator during docking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and motorized winches to deploy fenders, substituting human physical effort and judgment with automated mechanical and electronic systems
2Ease of operation
If automated fender deployment is implemented, then operator safety and convenience improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fender deployment system serves multiple functions including GPS-based location tracking, real-time water level sensing, automatic fender height calculation, motorized deployment control, and integration with boat navigation systems, making a single system perform diverse docking-related tasks
3Reliability
If fixed-height docks are used, then the dock structure is simple, but boat damage risk increases due to water level changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the required fender deployment height in advance based on GPS location data and real-time water level measurements, allowing the boat to proactively adjust fender positions before docking to prevent damage from fixed-height docks
4Measurement precision
If real-time water level monitoring is implemented, then fender height accuracy improves, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by updating water level measurements and recalculating fender heights at specific intervals or when triggered by GPS location changes, rather than continuous monitoring, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for docking operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for planning and predetermination of boat fender heights and dock location information, comprising a boat fender controller configured to calculate a required fender deployment height prior to arrival at a predetermined dock location, based on real-time information, and to raise or lower a plurality of boat fenders based on the calculated fender deployment height on final approach to the predetermined dock location.