Digital Switching System for Personal Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small personal watercraft, such as kayaks, face challenges in integrating electrical systems due to space constraints and the need for a waterproof installation that allows easy control and minimizes electrical power loss, while also being lightweight and easy to install.
Innovation Solution
An electrical distribution system featuring a digital switching device with a microcontroller, a control panel, and remote control options, utilizing a single communication cable to reduce the control panel's footprint, along with RF receivers for remote control and Bluetooth synchronization, and waterproof outlets for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wires are run through the areas intended for operator and cargo, then electrical distribution is achieved, but space becomes cramped and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the hollow interior space of the kayak hull as a third dimension for wire routing. Instead of running wires across the limited surface area where operator and cargo space are constrained, wires are routed through the hollow interior cavity of the double-wall hull structure. This dimensional transition allows electrical distribution without compromising the limited operational space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are placed away from operator position, then electrical distribution is achieved, but operator accessibility and control ease are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between the operator and electrical components. Rather than requiring physical proximity to control elements, the system uses wireless signals to transmit control commands from the operator to remote electrical components. This intermediary enables spatial separation while maintaining ease of operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional batteries are added for extended operation, then energy capacity is increased, but weight increases making the craft harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical batteries with an electronic/power-efficient solution. The system employs a microcontroller-based digital switching device that efficiently manages power distribution, and incorporates solar recharging capability that converts solar energy directly to electrical energy without mechanical conversion losses. This substitution optimizes the energy-weight ratio by using lighter, more efficient power management electronics and renewable energy sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hollow interior is opened for wire installation, then electrical distribution is achieved, but water-tight integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wire routing function from the hull's structural integrity system. Instead of cutting or opening the hull walls which would compromise water-tightness, the system utilizes the existing hollow interior cavity as a separate, pre-existing space for wire installation. The wires are routed through this already-formed cavity without requiring any modifications to the hull's water-tight structure.
5Ease of operation
If traditional control panels with multiple wires are used, then electrical control is achieved, but control panel footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electronic/digital control system. Instead of using a traditional control panel with multiple physical wires connecting to each electrical component, the system employs a microcontroller-based digital switching device that uses electronic signals to control power distribution. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical footprint and complexity of the control panel while maintaining full electrical control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical distribution system for personal water craft. The primary components include a digital switching device; a series of power lines; and one or more remote controls, a control panel, or both. The digital switching device is preferably a bank of solid state relay switches controlled by an MCU. The control panel also has an MCU. The control panel MCU communicates with the digital switching device MCU. This allows signals from the control panel to travel on a single communication cable to the digital switching device, significantly reducing the control panel footprint compared to prior art control panels. When a radio frequency (RF) receiver is provided, the electrical distribution system may receive signals from a remote control. The remote control may be utilized in addition to or in lieu of the control panel. Power lines run from the digital switching device to wherever power is desired in the vessel.