Magnetic Compass–Sextant Positioning for GPS-Independent Sea Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS systems for determining geographical position on the sea surface are unreliable due to satellite failures and obstacles, while mechanical methods like using a sextant are cumbersome and limited by weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method combining a magnetic compass with a sextant and software application to determine geographical position by measuring the Sun's elevation and detection angle, using a simple observation technique that is not weather-dependent, suitable for emergency and recreational use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS system is used to determine geographical position, then high accuracy is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to satellite failures and obstacles blocking radio signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic GPS system with a mechanical/optical observation system using a sextant to measure the Sun's elevation angle and a magnetic compass to determine azimuth. This substitution eliminates dependence on satellites and radio signals, providing reliable positioning when GPS is unavailable due to satellite failures or signal blockage by obstacles.
2Reliability
If traditional sextant method is used to determine geographical position, then reliability is improved by avoiding satellite dependencies, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to multiple complex observations required throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sextant (for elevation angle measurement) with a magnetic compass (for azimuth determination) into a integrated observation system. By combining these two instruments and their measurements, the method achieves reliable positioning with a single simultaneous observation, eliminating the need for multiple separate observations required by traditional sextant methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning method that works at any time of day by using both the Sun's elevation angle and azimuth. This multi-functional approach allows the same observation procedure to be used throughout the day regardless of the Sun's position, unlike traditional methods that require specific observation times such as meridian passage.
3Reliability
If traditional sextant method is used to determine geographical position, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when cloud cover prevents multiple observations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning method that works at any time of day and under various weather conditions by using both the Sun's elevation angle and azimuth. This multi-functional approach allows the same observation procedure to be used throughout the day regardless of cloud cover, as it does not depend on specific observation windows like traditional meridian passage methods.
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
Provides accurate geographical positioning at any time of day, overcoming GPS limitations and weather constraints, with a straightforward and efficient approach.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic indicator that indicates a direction of Magnetic North
Implementation Method 2
measuring the angle of the elevation of the Sun with the sextant
Data Source
AI summary
A kit (AA, APP) is proposed to determine the geographical position of an individual (P). The kit comprises: an alignment apparatus (AA) capable of being rigidly connected to a magnetic compass (BM) to align a lubber line of the magnetic compass in the direction of the Sun, wherein, when the lubber line of the magnetic compass (BM) is aligned in the direction of the Sun, an angle between the lubber line and the direction of Magnetic North on a horizontal plane indicated by the magnetic indicator of the magnetic compass represents a detection angle of the Sun (αB);a software application (APP) executable by a processing device (PD), the software application being configured to, when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to determine said geographical position as a function of:said detection angle (αB) of the Sun;an angle of elevation (δ1(t)) of the Sun, anda date (D) and a time (TMG) of measurement of said detection angle (αB) of the Sun and of said angle of elevation (δ1(t)) of the Sun.A system comprising the kit and a corresponding method for determining the geographical position of the individual are also proposed.