Optical Hull Draft Measurement for Wakeboat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wake control systems for wakeboats fail to accurately reproduce preferred wake conditions due to their inability to account for changes in passenger load, equipment, and other variables that affect the hull's attitude and draft.
Innovation Solution
A wake control system that includes a draft measuring system capable of measuring the hull's draft from within the hull without direct contact with the water, and an onboard wake control system that adjusts trim tabs and ballast tanks based on actual hull measurements to reproduce desired wake conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wake control systems rely on storing and recalling ballast amounts and trim tab settings, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of wake reproduction deteriorates due to inability to account for changes in passenger load, equipment, and other variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/direct contact draft measurement systems with an optical measurement system. The optical emitters and light sensors detect hull draft by measuring light transmission through the hull material, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors that would require direct water contact. This substitution maintains measurement precision while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using light transmission through the hull material as a mediator between the hull and water level detection. Instead of directly measuring water contact points, the system uses optical properties of the hull material to indirectly determine draft, providing accurate measurements without complex mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If wake control systems use direct water contact measurement methods, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsens due to requirements for corrosion-resistant sensors and complex calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical draft measurement systems with an optical measurement system. Optical emitters and light sensors detect hull draft by measuring light transmission through the hull material, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors that require direct water contact. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing system complexity and eliminating corrosion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hull material itself as an intermediary medium for measurement. Light passes through the hull material to detect water level, using the hull's optical properties as a mediator between the measurement system and the water. This approach provides accurate draft measurement without requiring sensors to contact water directly.
3Reliability
If wake control systems account for all variables affecting hull attitude including passenger load and equipment changes, then the reliability of wake reproduction is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates due to need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors actual hull draft using optical sensors and compares it to the stored reference draft. The wake control system automatically adjusts ballast and trim tab settings based on this feedback to maintain the desired wake conditions, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment of multiple parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake control system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying ballast and trim tab settings based on optical draft measurements. The system monitors its own performance and makes corrections without external intervention, maintaining reliable wake reproduction while keeping operation simple for the user.
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 compensates for changes in passenger load and other variables, ensuring that the wakeboat's hull is restored to its original relationship with the water, thereby accurately reproducing the desired wake.
Implementation Method 1
an array of optical emitters positioned to transmit light through the hull material and an array of light sensors positioned to detect the light transmitted through the hull material
Data Source
AI summary
Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to permit the accurate reproduction of a wake behind a wakeboat. The onboard wake control system receives data from a draft measuring system. Incorporation of the data from the draft measuring system permits accurate reproduction of a wake behind the wakeboat after a change in an onboard variable such as the number, weight or position of passengers, the weight or position of cargo and the position of trim tabs or amount/location of ballast.