Device and method for indication of availability of occupiable space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional availability indicators for boat berths at guest harbors require manual operation and are cumbersome for users to determine availability status, leading to inefficiencies and potential overbooking.
Innovation Solution
An availability indicator system with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities that detects the position and status of the indicating part, allowing remote monitoring and wireless communication of availability status, enabling easy tracking of available boat berths from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional mechanical availability indicators are positioned at each boat berth, then the availability status can be indicated locally, but it becomes troublesome for owners and visitors to find available spots and their locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote monitoring capability that adds a spatial dimension to availability indication. Instead of only local visual indicators at each berth, the system enables remote access to availability information through detectors and communication devices, allowing users to find available spots without physically searching each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs detectors and communication devices as intermediaries between the availability indicators and users. These intermediaries transmit availability status information remotely, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection of each berth sign and simplifying the process of finding available spots.
2Device complexity
If manual mechanical signs are used to indicate availability, then the system is simple in structure, but it requires manual operation and is cumbersome to change status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic detection and status updating mechanisms. Detectors automatically monitor the position of indicating parts and transmit status changes without manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself by automatically updating availability information when berths are occupied or freed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated detection systems. Instead of requiring persons to physically move and rotate mechanical signs, electronic detectors and communication devices automatically sense and transmit status changes, eliminating the need for manual status changes while maintaining the mechanical indicating structure.
3Loss of information
If availability indicators are positioned at each boat berth, then local indication is provided, but it is difficult to get overview information about available berths from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a remote communication dimension to the traditionally local visual indication system. Detectors positioned at each berth transmit availability status to remote locations, enabling users to obtain overview information about available berths from a distance without needing to physically approach each indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses communication devices as intermediaries to bridge the distance between local availability indicators and remote users. These devices transmit status information across distances, providing comprehensive overview capability while maintaining the distributed local indication structure.
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
Simplifies the identification of available boat berths, reduces manual effort, and minimizes the risk of overbooking by providing real-time availability information, enhancing user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the availability indicator further comprises an energy harvesting device for powering the one or more detectors
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to availability indicators, related methods and availability monitoring systems. Specifically, the availability indicators (11) comprise one or more mounting brackets (21-1,21-2) fixable to a mounting surface. They further comprise an indicating part (25) movably connected to the mounting brackets (21-1,21-2). The indicating part (25) is further movable, between at least two positions (A,B), in relation to the one or more mounting brackets (21-1,21-2). The availability indicators further comprise one or more detectors (27). The detectors are configured to detect at least one of a change of position of the indicating part (25) and a current position (A,B) of the indicating part (25). In response to the detection, the sensor/s wirelessly transmit, to a remote entity, at least one of a position change signal indicative of the change of position of the indicating part (25) and a position status signal indicative of the current position of the indicating part (25).