Foldable Boat Ladder Alarm System with Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat accidents occur when boat operators unknowingly start the engine while riders are attempting to reboard using a foldable boat ladder, as the ladder is often placed near the propeller and the operator is unaware of the rider's position.
Innovation Solution
A boat ladder alarm system comprising a first and second bracket, and a sensor system that connects and disconnects with the ladder's rails to trigger an alarm when the ladder is unfolded, preventing the engine from starting until the ladder is safely stowed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foldable boat ladder is placed near the boat engine to assist riders in reboarding, then the ease of operation for riders is improved, but the risk of harmful factors (propeller injury) increases when the operator is unaware of the ladder's deployed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor system that detects the position of the foldable boat ladder and provides feedback to the operator through an alarm system. When the ladder is in the deployed position, the sensor triggers an alarm to warn the operator not to start the engine, thereby preventing propeller injury while maintaining easy rider reboarding access.
2Ease of operation
If the foldable boat ladder is kept in a deployed position to facilitate rider reboarding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of safe engine operation deteriorates due to potential accidental engine startup
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors the ladder position and provides real-time feedback to the operator through audible and visual alarms. This feedback mechanism ensures that the operator is always aware of the ladder's deployed state, preventing accidental engine startup while keeping the ladder conveniently positioned for rider reboarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the ladder position before engine operation can occur. The sensor system is activated and monitoring the ladder position in advance, triggering the alarm before the operator attempts to start the engine, thereby preventing the harmful event before it can occur.
3Reliability
If a sensor system is added to detect ladder position, then the reliability of safe engine operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety monitoring function from the main engine control system and implements it as a separate, independent sensor and alarm system. This modular approach improves reliability by isolating the safety function while minimizing overall system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the ladder position and the engine operation. Rather than directly controlling the engine, the sensor provides information to the operator through an alarm, serving as a mediator that enhances safety without requiring complex integration with the engine control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat ladder alarm system for a foldable boat ladder having a base rail and a movable rail is disclosed. In one embodiment, the boat ladder alarm system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a sensor system. The sensor system is configured to trigger an alarm when the first bracket and the second bracket are unconnected and to turn off the alarm when the first bracket and the second bracket are connected. In this manner, if the foldable boat ladder is unfolded and someone is trying to climb on the boat, the alarm is triggered to warn the boat operator that it is not safe to turn on the boat engine.