Handheld Watercraft Controller with Magnetic Thumbwheel Throttle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoiling watercraft face issues with detachable hydrofoils due to power wires within the strut, radio frequency interference, inaccurate ride height measurement, difficult steering, throttle control problems, and susceptibility to external magnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote controller with a watertight design, a rotatable thumbwheel with magnets, and magnetic sensors to generate control signals, along with sensors for ride height detection and weight-based steering, and vibration dampening to improve operation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power wires are extended within the strut and into the board to power the electric motor, then the electric motor can be mounted to the strut, but the hydrofoils become difficult to detach from the board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from wired connections to wireless power transmission. The electric motor is powered wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for power wires extending through the strut and board, thereby enabling easy hydrofoil detachment while maintaining motor functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired power transmission system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of wires on component arrangement and detachability while maintaining the motor's power supply function
2Reliability
If the upper end of the strut forms a watertight seal with the board to protect the battery cavity, then fluid protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the board cavity and places it in a separate waterproof housing on the strut. This separation eliminates the need for complex watertight seals between the strut and board, as the battery housing itself provides the waterproof protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery system into a separate modular waterproof housing unit that can be independently protected and replaced. This segmentation allows the main board structure to remain simple while the battery housing provides dedicated waterproof protection
3Device complexity
If a single axis hall effect sensor is used to detect trigger position, then the remote controller structure is simple, but the controller is susceptible to external magnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis magnetic field detection to three-axis magnetic field detection. By measuring magnetic field components in three dimensions (X, Y, Z axes), the system can accurately determine magnet orientation regardless of external magnetic interference from any direction, enabling reliable throttle control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microprocessor continuously processes three-axis magnetic field data to calculate the actual magnet orientation. The system compares expected versus actual magnetic field patterns to detect and compensate for external magnetic interference, providing accurate throttle control signals
4Adaptability or versatility
If radio frequency signals are transmitted through the board, then wireless communication is enabled, but the board blocks or interferes with the radio frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by positioning the wireless communication antenna outside the board structure, mounted on the strut or hydrofoil. This intermediary placement allows radio frequency signals to transmit through air rather than being blocked by the board, ensuring reliable communication between the watercraft and remote controller
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
Enhances detachability of hydrofoils, improves communication reliability, accurately determines ride height, facilitates easier steering, and reduces throttle control errors and magnetic interference, providing a more user-friendly and controlled hydrofoiling experience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor disposed within the watertight compartment configured to produce magnetic field data in at least two axes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of vibration isolation elements distributed throughout the board between the hydrofoil and the board
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In one aspect, a wireless remote controller for a personal watercraft is provided that includes a watertight body and a rotatable thumbwheel disposed on an upper surface of the watertight body. The remote controller includes at least one magnet affixed to the thumbwheel such that the at least one magnet rotates with the thumbwheel. The remote controller includes a magnetic sensor configured to produce magnetic field data in at least two axes. The remote controller includes a processor operably coupled to the magnetic sensor and communication circuitry configured to communicate control signals to an associated personal watercraft. The processor is configured to determine an angular position of the thumbwheel based at least in part on the magnetic field data in each of the at least two axes and to generate a control signal based at least in part on the determined position of the thumbwheel.