Integrated GPS Antenna Speedometer for Marine Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS speedometers require external GPS antennas, which are difficult to install, prone to damage, and increase costs due to the need for environmentally sealed coatings and separate enclosures, and require an internal battery for quick Time To First Fix (TTFF), leading to reduced functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained GPS speedometer with a GPS antenna integrated onto the internal circuit board, eliminating the need for external antennas and batteries, using a microprocessor to process GPS data and display speed and heading information directly on a readable display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external GPS antenna is used, then GPS signal acquisition is possible, but installation becomes difficult and the system becomes susceptible to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS antenna is merged with the speedometer housing, creating an integrated unit where the antenna is positioned within the housing structure rather than being a separate external component. This eliminates the need for separate antenna installation and wiring routing while maintaining GPS signal acquisition capability.
2Reliability
If an external GPS antenna is used, then GPS signal acquisition is possible, but the system becomes susceptible to environmental damage requiring expensive protective coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is integrated within the protected housing environment, eliminating exposure to external environmental factors such as moisture, salt spray, and physical damage. The housing provides inherent protection without requiring additional environmentally sealed coatings.
3Loss of time
If an external GPS antenna with internal battery is used, then quick Time To First Fix is achieved, but costs increase and functionality is lost when battery dies
Solution Approach 1:
The battery component is extracted from the antenna system and eliminated entirely. The antenna is designed to operate without a battery, removing the source of functionality loss over time while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed to acquire GPS signals efficiently from the moment of installation without requiring pre-charged batteries or preliminary power storage, achieving quick Time To First Fix through optimized antenna design rather than energy storage.
4Reliability
If an external GPS antenna and wiring are used, then GPS functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna, housing, and speedometer components are merged into a single integrated unit, eliminating separate wiring harnesses and external enclosures. This reduces device complexity while maintaining full GPS functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS speedometer comprising: a housing; a circuit board located in the housing; a microprocessor located on the circuit board; a GPS module located on the circuit and in signal communication with the micro-processor; a GPS antenna located on the circuit board and in signal communication with GPS module; and a readable speedometer display located on the housing and in signal communication with the microprocessor, where the readable speedometer display is configured to display the current speed of the vessel or vehicle calculated by the microprocessor based on data from a global positioning system. A GPS speedometer system comprising: a vessel, the vessel comprising an instrument panel; a GPS speedometer located on the instrument panel, the GPS speedometer comprising: a housing; a circuit board located in the housing; a microprocessor located on the circuit board; a GPS module located on the circuit and in signal communication with the micro-processor; a GPS antenna located on the circuit board and in signal communication with GPS module; a readable speedometer display located on the housing and in signal communication with the microprocessor, where the readable speedometer display is configured to display the current speed of the vessel or vehicle calculated by the microprocessor based on data from a global positioning system; and a global positioning satellite in signal communication with the GPS antenna.