Steering Arrangement for Kite Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering a kite driven watercraft is challenging when the kite's position is not visible or the user is not in direct contact with the kite connecting lines, as existing methods rely on visual feedback and physical sensation of the kite's pull.
Innovation Solution
A steering arrangement featuring a mounting member on the watercraft with sensors and transmitters to monitor the kite's position and orientation, and a control device that allows remote control of the kite's displacement through adjustable connecting members, enabling effective steering without visual contact or direct physical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional steering methods using visual feedback and physical sensation are used, then the user can effectively steer the kite, but the user must be in direct visual contact with and physical contact with the kite connecting lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect the kite's position and transmit this information to the user. The sensor acts as a mediator between the kite and the user, enabling remote steering without direct visual or physical contact with the connecting lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the kite's position and orientation relative to the watercraft and transmit this data to the user. This real-time feedback enables the user to make informed steering decisions even when remotely located from the kite.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the user is remotely located from the kite, then safety is improved, but steering control becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between remote user location and kite control. It captures positional data and transmits it to the user, maintaining steering control capability while allowing the user to be safely positioned away from the kite and connecting lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical feedback system (physical sensation of kite pull on connecting lines) with an electronic sensing and transmission system. This substitution allows the user to control the kite remotely without direct mechanical contact, improving safety while maintaining control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If visual contact with the kite is lost, then the user can operate from remote locations, but steering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides continuous feedback on the kite's position and orientation relative to the watercraft. This real-time data transmission maintains steering precision by giving the user accurate positional information even when visual contact is lost, enabling precise remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor creates an informational copy of the kite's physical state (position and orientation) and transmits this data to the user. This copy allows the user to mentally reconstruct the kite's position and make precise steering adjustments without direct visual observation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a steering arrangement for steering a kite driven watercraft (14) which includes a mounting member (base, 20) which is configured to be mounted on a watercraft (14), a first connecting member for connecting a leading edge region (16) of a canopy (12) of the kite to the mounting member, a second connecting member for connecting a trailing edge region (18) of the canopy (12) to the mounting member and a control device for controlling the displacement of the canopy relative to the watercraft via at least the second connecting member.