Depth Finder Signal Compensation for Wave-Induced Transducer Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing depth finders provide inaccurate depth readings when the transducer is rising and falling due to rough water conditions, causing oscillations in the bottom reading that are difficult to interpret.

Innovation Solution

A compensation system is implemented between the transducer and the depth finder, which monitors changes in elevation and adjusts the depth signal using a time-based correction factor to provide a more accurate reading, compensating for the transducer's movement caused by waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transducer is mounted on the boat to enable depth finding, then the depth finder can detect bottom and fish, but the depth reading becomes inaccurate when the boat rocks on waves causing the transducer to rise and fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth reading accuracyVSAvoidtransducer movement due to waves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a depth sensor to continuously monitor the actual depth readings and feeds this information back to the processor. The processor compares consecutive depth readings to detect abnormal variations caused by transducer movement, then applies correction algorithms to compensate for the movement and provide accurate depth information despite the transducer rising and falling on waves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical mounting approach (directly mounting the transducer on the boat) with an electronic compensation system. Instead of mechanically stabilizing the transducer, the system uses electronic signal processing to detect and correct for transducer movement, substituting mechanical stability with electronic correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the transducer rises and falls with waves, then it follows the boat's motion, but the bottom reading oscillates and becomes difficult to read

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadability of bottom readingVSAvoidstability of depth signal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors depth readings and uses feedback control to detect oscillations caused by transducer movement. When oscillations are detected, the processor applies smoothing and correction algorithms to stabilize the displayed reading, providing a stable and readable bottom depth despite the transducer's motion on waves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential reading instability by implementing correction algorithms in advance. When transducer movement is detected, the system has pre-programmed correction methods ready to apply, cushioning against the harmful effects of oscillation before they can significantly degrade the reading quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The compensation system ensures a stable and accurate bottom reading, even in rough water conditions, by adjusting the depth signal to account for the transducer's elevation changes, resulting in a more reliable display of water depth and objects.

Implementation Method 1

The transducer converts the electrical impulses into sound waves, and directs the sound waves into the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The transducer senses the reflected sound waves, converts the reflected sound waves into electrical impulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

When the sound waves strike the bottom, a fish, or some other object, they are reflected back to the transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9939519B2Compensation for depth finders

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 BORNSEN BRETT L

AI summary

System and methods for compensating a depth signal for a depth finder of a boat. In one embodiment, a compensation system is implemented between the depth finder and a transducer mounted on the boat. The compensation system receives a depth signal (i.e., a plurality of electrical impulses) from the transducer that directs sound waves toward the bottom of a body of water. The compensation system also monitors a change in elevation of the transducer, such as due to waves rocking the boat. The compensation system then compensates the depth signal based on the change in elevation, and provides the compensated depth signal to the depth finder.