Boat Trailer Depth Indicator Module Using Water Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat trailer positioning systems require external power, complex installation, and often fail to provide clear signals to both the driver and helmsman, making it difficult to accurately position a boat trailer at the correct water depth for launch or recovery without an assistant.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained boat trailer depth indicator module with a submersible enclosure, actuation element, and indicator arm that uses water activation to power a visual signal, allowing for easy installation and operation without external power or tools, and providing clear visual cues to both the driver and helmsman.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior boat trailer positioning systems are used, then external power and communication systems are available, but the device complexity increases and installation requires significant tooling work
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the boat trailer's own movement through water to activate the indicator, eliminating the need for external power sources. The water flow itself serves as the activation mechanism, making the system self-contained and easy to install without requiring connections to external systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex prior systems by using only a simple float indicator mechanism that responds to water depth. This removes unnecessary external power and communication components while retaining the core functionality of indicating proper trailer positioning
2Measurement precision
If prior boat trailer positioning systems are used, then positioning signals are provided, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in determining proper trailer depth
Solution Approach 1:
The float indicator provides a clear visual signal that changes position or color to indicate when the trailer is at the proper water depth. This simple visual feedback mechanism makes it easy for the driver to determine correct positioning without complex instrumentation
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary between the water depth and the driver. Instead of requiring the driver to directly assess complex positioning parameters, the float translates water depth into a simple visual indicator that is easy to interpret
3Measurement precision
If assistants are used to relay positioning information, then positioning accuracy improves, but the loss of time increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback to the driver about trailer positioning status through the float indicator. This eliminates the need for assistants to relay information, as the driver receives direct feedback and can make real-time adjustments without communication delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical communication system involving assistants with an automatic visual indication system. The float indicator automatically responds to water depth changes, eliminating the need for human intermediaries and reducing coordination time
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
Enables accurate and efficient boat trailer positioning at the correct water depth, reducing the need for assistants and simplifying the launch/recovery process while being independent of external power and communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a float indicator positioned within the indicator housing. The float indicator is configured to provide a visual indication when the boat trailer is at a proper depth in the water
Data Source
AI summary
A boat trailer depth indicator module and method of installation thereof. The boat trailer depth indicator allows a driver towing a boat trailer to position the boat trailer at an appropriate depth in the water on a boat ramp to launch or recover a boat without the need for an assistant. When the boat trailer is located at an appropriate depth in the water, the boat trailer depth indicator provides a signal to the driver. The signal communicates to the driver and/or the helmsman of the boat, for example, that the boat trailer is sufficiently submerged and ready for launch or recovery of the boat. The boat trailer depth indicator module is independent of vehicle or trailer power and can be installed and adjusted quickly without the use of tools.