Livewell Controller with Scale and Sensors for Water Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current livewell systems on marine vessels lack efficient monitoring and automatic control of water conditions such as dissolved oxygen, ammonia levels, pH, and temperature, which are crucial for maintaining aquatic life, and do not account for variations based on fish species and weight.
Innovation Solution
A livewell system equipped with sensors to monitor water properties, a scale to measure aquatic life weight, and a controller to automatically adjust pump operations based on sensor data, including ammonia filtration and recirculation, with a transmitter for remote data reporting and a GPS for location-specific data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and control of water conditions is used in traditional livewell systems, then device complexity is reduced, but water quality management effectiveness and aquatic life health deteriorate due to lack of real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water quality parameters (ammonia, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust pump operations. Sensors provide real-time data to the controller, which modifies recirculation and aeration rates to maintain optimal water conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that improves reliability through automatic response to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The livewell system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of water quality parameters without requiring manual intervention. The automated controller manages pump operations based on sensor readings, enabling the system to maintain itself and ensuring consistent water quality management effectiveness while reducing the need for human operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic water condition control is used without considering fish species and weight, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different aquatic life requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system tailors water quality parameters to the specific needs of different fish species and sizes. The controller adjusts dissolved oxygen levels, temperature, and ammonia thresholds based on the stocked species characteristics, allowing each local condition (species-specific requirements) to be optimized independently rather than using a single generic set of parameters for all situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control parameters are dynamic and changeable based on the aquatic life being maintained. The system can adapt its target water quality ranges and response thresholds according to the specific species and biomass in the livewell, enabling versatility across different fishing applications while the controller complexity manages the dynamic adjustments.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous pump operation is used to maintain water quality, then water condition stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring and conditional pump operation instead of continuous running. Sensors continuously monitor water quality, and the controller activates pumps only when parameters deviate from acceptable ranges or at scheduled intervals, providing stability through regular checks and adjustments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system maintains water condition stability by activating pump operations only when sensor readings indicate a need for adjustment. This on-demand operation based on real-time water quality feedback preserves parameter stability while minimizing energy consumption by keeping pumps idle when conditions are already optimal.
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
The system effectively maintains optimal water conditions within predetermined ranges, ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic life by automatically adjusting parameters based on real-time data and species-specific requirements, while also providing valuable fishing data for enthusiasts.
Implementation Method 1
At least one sensor is configured to determine a property of the water in the tank
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor sensing a property of water in the tank, wherein the property of water in the tank includes a dissolved oxygen content of the water, an ammonia level of the water, a pH level of the water, or a temperature of the water
Implementation Method 3
A scale is configured to measure a weight of the tank and any contents of the tank
Implementation Method 4
A pump is configured to pump water into the tank
Implementation Method 5
A controller is provided in signal communication with the scale, the at least one sensor, and the pump. The controller is configured to control the pump based on information from the scale and the at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A livewell system comprises a tank for holding water and aquatic life. A scale measures a weight of the tank and any contents of the tank. At least one sensor determines a property of the water in the tank. A pump pumps water into the tank. A controller is provided in signal communication with the scale, the at least one sensor, and the pump. The controller controls the pump based on information from the scale and the at least one sensor. A kit for a livewell system on a marine vessel, including a scale and a measurement module in signal communication with a controller, is also provided.