Marine Vessel Propeller Motion Indicator for Swimmer Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel warning systems for swimmers do not effectively communicate the operational status of propellers, particularly whether they are rotating or not, which is crucial for safety.
Innovation Solution
A display system with indicator devices and a controller that switches between modes of displaying motion based on the operational characteristics of the marine vessel, such as propeller rotation, using lights or virtual displays to inform swimmers of the propeller's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a marine vessel warning system displays motion to indicate propeller rotation, then swimmer safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is divided into multiple independent light sources arranged in a circular pattern. Each light can be controlled independently to create rotational motion effects, allowing the system to convey multiple types of information through different rotation patterns and directions while using simple, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static warning lights to dynamic motion-displaying indicators. The controller varies the illumination sequence of lights to create visual rotation effects that communicate propeller rotation status, direction, and speed to swimmers, making the warning more intuitive and effective.
2Loss of information
If the indicator device displays motion in all conditions, then information communication is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device operates in discrete modes rather than continuous operation. The controller activates motion display only when the propeller is rotating, using periodic illumination sequences synchronized with propeller rotation. When the propeller is stationary, the system switches to a lower-energy static or off state, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective communication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on propeller state. It transitions between different illumination modes (off, static, rotating motion display) depending on whether the propeller is stationary or rotating, optimizing the balance between information communication and energy consumption by activating full display functionality only when necessary.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple indicator devices are used to improve visibility, then swimmer awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one complex high-intensity indicator, the system employs multiple simpler light sources arranged in a circular pattern. This segmented approach achieves superior visibility and motion display capabilities through coordinated illumination of multiple independent but identical components, simplifying individual element design while enhancing overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple indicator devices are merged into a single integrated circular array mounted on the vessel. The combined system provides enhanced visibility and more effective motion display compared to individual indicators, while the unified mounting and control structure minimizes the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator device on a marine vessel is configured to display motion. A controller operates the indicator device according to at least a first mode wherein the indicator device displays motion and a second mode wherein the indicator device does not display motion. The controller operates the indicator device based upon an operational characteristic of the marine vessel to thereby inform a swimmer located proximate to the marine vessel of the operational characteristic.