Marine Vessel Trailer Positioning Using Multi-Position Wave Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position locating systems for marine vessels and trailers lack accuracy and reliability, particularly in determining relative position information between the vessel and trailer, especially during detachment and attachment processes, due to limited specifications on cameras used in previous techniques.
Innovation Solution
A position locating system that employs a wave signal generator on one object (marine vessel or trailer) emitting signals from at least three different positions with known relative relationships, which are received by a wave signal receiver on the other object, allowing a position locator to determine the relative position information, including direction and distance, using optical or sound signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is used to obtain position information of the trailer, then the position locating function is provided, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to limited camera specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wave signals (optical or acoustic) as an intermediary medium between the transmitter and receiver. Instead of relying solely on camera imaging, the system uses wave signal propagation characteristics (time of flight, phase difference) to measure distance and position, thereby achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex camera specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (camera) with a wave-based measurement system. By using electromagnetic waves or acoustic waves for position measurement, the system achieves more precise measurements while reducing dependency on complex camera hardware specifications
2Reliability
If multiple transmitters and cameras are disposed to obtain position information, then the position locating function is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wave signal transmitter multi-functional by enabling it to perform both distance measurement (via time of flight) and position determination (via signal direction). This single component replaces what would otherwise require separate camera systems and multiple sensors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The wave signal acts as a universal intermediary that carries multiple types of information (distance, position, timing) between the transmitter and receiver. This single mediation mechanism replaces multiple separate sensing and measurement systems, achieving reliable position locating with fewer components
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of locating relative position information between marine vessels and trailers, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of automatic detachment and attachment processes by clearly distinguishing signal sources and calculating precise positional data.
Implementation Method 1
a wave signal generator located on a first object that is one of a marine vessel and a trailer for the marine vessel to emit wave signals from at least three different positions having known relative positional relationships with each other
Implementation Method 2
a wave signal receiver located on a second object that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer to receive the wave signal emitted from each of the positions of the wave signal generator
Data Source
AI summary
A position locating system that locates relative position information between a marine vessel and a trailer includes a wave signal generator located on a first object that is one of the marine vessel and the trailer to emit wave signals from at least three different positions having known relative positional relationships with each other, a wave signal receiver located a second object that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer to receive the wave signal emitted from each of the positions of the wave signal generator, and a position locator configured or programmed to locate relative position information between the marine vessel and the trailer that includes at least a direction of the second object as viewed from the first object based on the wave signal from each of the positions received by the wave signal receiver.