Digital Depth Adapter for Flasher Fish Finder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flasher type fish finders do not provide accurate numerical depth information, leaving anglers to guess the water depth and struggle with selecting appropriate depth ranges, especially when the actual depth is outside the selected range.
Innovation Solution
A water depth display device that includes a microcontroller, display panel, transducer port, and interface cable, which connects between the primary flasher display unit and transducer assembly to sample sonar signals and display the water depth in numerical form, while operating independently of user-adjusted settings and minimizing additional sonar interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flasher type fish finder is used, then the device can display sonar returns and indicate objects in water, but it does not provide accurate numerical depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (depth display adapter) that connects between the flasher type fish finder and the transducer assembly. This adapter intercepts the sonar signals, processes them to determine actual depth, and displays the numerical depth information on its own display panel, thereby providing precise depth measurements without modifying the original flasher system.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth display adapter creates a copy of the depth measurement function by independently processing the sonar return signals to determine depth. Instead of relying on the flasher's visual representation, the adapter generates a separate digital depth reading that can be displayed numerically, providing an alternative and more precise depth indication method.
2Ease of operation
If the user selects a depth range on the flasher display, then the display can show sonar returns within that range, but the user does not know the actual water depth to select appropriate ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The depth display adapter provides immediate feedback about the actual water depth through its digital display. This feedback loop allows the user to see the true depth measurement and use that information to appropriately set the depth range on the flasher display, eliminating the guesswork and improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter performs preliminary depth measurement and displays the actual water depth before the user needs to select a depth range on the flasher. This advance information allows the user to confidently configure the flasher settings without trial and error, as the actual depth is already known from the adapter's display.
3Measurement precision
If the flasher display provides general bottom indication, then it can show sonar returns, but it does not provide exact depth values for location identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth measurement and display function from the main flasher system. The depth display adapter handles exclusively the numerical depth measurement and display, while the flasher continues to handle visual sonar representation. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in its function without adding complexity to the other system.
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
Provides accurate, digital depth information to users, enhancing the usability of flasher type fish finder systems by offering precise depth readings without affecting the existing operation of the sonar system and reducing power consumption and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar systems use a transducer (e.g., electroacoustic transducer) to generate a sonar pulse that is directed down through the water. The transducer receives a sonar echo return from the bottom of the body of water
Implementation Method 2
The transducer receives a sonar echo return from the bottom of the body of water, as well as sonar returns from fish or other objects in the water
Implementation Method 3
The depth (or distance) and size of solid objects (e.g., fish, lure, bottom of the body of water, etc.) are then estimated based upon the speed and intensity of the echo return waves relative to the original sonar pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A depth display device for use with a flasher type fish finder system including a primary unit and a transducer assembly. The depth display device includes an enclosure, a microcontroller, a display panel, a transducer port, and an interface cable. The transducer port is configured for connection with the transducer assembly cable. The interface cable terminates at a connector configured for connection with a receptacle of the primary unit. During use, the display device establishes an electrical connection between the primary unit and the transducer cable such that drive signals generated by the primary unit are delivered to the transducer assembly, and return signals generated by the transducer are delivered to the primary unit. The microcontroller samples the transmitter and return signals to determine a depth of a body of water, and operates the display panel to display the determined depth.