Inflatable Channel Marker with Wireless Display Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel markers are often permanent or semi-permanent, inefficient for temporary use, and lack dynamic numbering capabilities, necessitating pre-determined static numbers which are not adaptable to changing navigational needs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, inflatable buoyant channel marker with a wireless communication system for remote programming of a changeable display, using cellular networks or LoRaWAN for dynamic numbering and information display, powered by a battery and photocells, with a control system for visibility and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent or semi-permanent channel markers are used, then stability and visibility are improved, but portability and deployment efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant member transitions between inflated and deflated states to change its volume and weight parameters. When inflated, it provides sufficient buoyancy and stability to support the marker and display device above water. When deflated, it becomes compact and portable for transport and storage, resolving the contradiction between stability during operation and portability during transport.
2Ease of manufacture
If static pre-determined numbers are used on channel markers, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to changing navigational needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display device transitions from static pre-printed numbers to dynamic electronically controllable displays. The display can be remotely programmed to show different numbers and information based on real-time navigational needs, allowing the same physical marker to adapt to changing channel configurations, events, or warnings without manufacturing new markers.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical mechanical changes to the marker (such as repainting or replacing number plates) are replaced by electronic display technology. The display device uses electronic signals received via wireless communication to dynamically change the displayed information, eliminating the need for physical modifications and enabling rapid adaptation.
3Productivity
If temporary channel markers are used, then deployment efficiency and portability are improved, but stability and visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant member's volume parameter is adjusted through inflation to provide sufficient buoyant force for temporary deployment. When inflated, it generates enough upward force to support the marker body and display device at the required height above water, ensuring stability and visibility comparable to permanent markers while maintaining the ability for rapid deployment and removal.
4Quantity of substance
If rigid large metal buoys are used, then buoyancy and visibility are improved, but portability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant member uses gas inflation to achieve high buoyancy without the weight of metal. When inflated, it provides sufficient buoyant force to support the marker system. When deflated, it collapses to a compact form that is lightweight and easy to transport, eliminating the portability problems associated with rigid metal buoys while maintaining the required buoyancy performance.
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 efficient deployment and retrieval of temporary markers with adaptable numbering and information display, enhancing navigational guidance in waterways.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant member (which may be inflatable or constructed from buoyant materials)
Implementation Method 2
The power generator may comprise photocells
Data Source
AI summary
An inventive channel marker includes a least a buoyant member, a display device, a photovoltaic cell and power storage assembly, and a display device connected to a wireless communication system. The inventive channel marker may also be inflatable. Accordingly, the inventive channel marker facilitates its deployment as a temporary channel marker that can be easily stowed when not in use, and with a display that can be configured on the fly to present any desired information.