Boat Navigation Assist Using Outboard Motor Trim-Up Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation assist systems for small boats cannot effectively alert operators of potential dangers such as rocks and other underwater objects due to their reliance on water depth data alone, failing to account for actual navigation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assist system comprising a network of navigation assist apparatuses on small boats and a server that detect trim-up events, collect and analyze position data, and display danger levels on a map, alerting operators to potential hazards by dividing the water area into mesh-like coordinate domains and updating danger levels based on trim-up frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water depth contour data from electronic nautical charts is used to determine shoal danger, then navigation safety information can be provided, but rocks and other objects projecting from the sea floor cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an outboard motor tilt angle detector as an intermediary device to indirectly detect underwater objects. Instead of directly measuring water depth or object presence, the system uses the tilt angle changes of the outboard motor as the boat encounters underwater obstacles, translating mechanical response into navigational safety information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth measurement systems (like fish finders) with an electronic sensing system that monitors outboard motor tilt angle. This substitution uses electronic sensors and data processing to achieve object detection, eliminating the need for expensive and complex mechanical depth measurement equipment.
2Loss of information
If fish finders are installed to measure water depth, then underwater objects can be detected, but the system becomes expensive and troublesome to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the outboard motor serve multiple functions: propulsion and steering, plus navigation safety detection. By utilizing the existing outboard motor's tilt mechanism for dual purposes (steering control and hazard detection), the system eliminates the need for separate expensive detection equipment while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the outboard motor's own operational characteristics (tilt angle changes during normal operation) to detect underwater obstacles. The motor essentially monitors itself through its natural response to underwater conditions, providing self-diagnostic capability without requiring external specialized equipment.
3Loss of information
If electronic nautical charts are used to display navigation information, then boat position can be shown, but actual navigation conditions and dynamic hazards cannot be reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where real-time outboard motor tilt angle data is continuously monitored and used to update hazard information. This creates a closed-loop system where actual navigation conditions feed back into the display system, allowing dynamic hazard zones to be updated based on current operational data from multiple boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary hazard identification by detecting tilt angle anomalies before boats reach dangerous areas. By analyzing tilt data in advance and projecting hazard zones forward, the system provides early warning to operators, allowing them to take preventive action before encountering actual dangers.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation assist system having a plurality of navigation assist apparatuses installed on small boats like motorboats each fitted with an outboard motor to be able to navigate in a predetermined water area, and a server placed on land to communicate with the navigation assist apparatuses. Each of the navigation assist apparatuses detects a trim-up position of the outboard motor, adds the position to a danger level data downloaded from the server unit, and alerts an operator concerned when the boat approaches a region whose danger level is great.