Ovoid Floating Cooler with Remote Propulsion for Rough Water Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating coolers lack a streamlined shape for minimal water resistance, adequate ballast to remain upright in rough water, and powered propulsion, and do not offer remote control functionality for speed and direction.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled floating cooler with an ovoid main body for streamlined movement, thrusters for propulsion, and a wireless remote control unit to manage speed and direction, along with additional features like drink holders, GPS, lights, and audio capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a floating cooler is designed with traditional boxy shape, then it is easy to manufacture and provides adequate storage space, but it creates high water resistance and does not move efficiently through water
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler body is designed with a rounded, ovoid shape instead of traditional boxy geometry. This curved, streamlined form reduces water resistance and allows efficient movement through water, while still providing adequate internal storage space for beverages and ice.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a floating cooler lacks sufficient ballast, then it is lighter and easier to deploy, but it cannot remain upright and stable in rough water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A ballast compartment is incorporated into the cooler design, allowing addition of weight (such as water or sand) to the lower portion of the cooler. This counterweights the structure and lowers the center of gravity, enabling the cooler to remain upright and stable in rough water conditions while maintaining manageable overall weight for deployment.
3Speed
If a floating cooler lacks powered propulsion, then it has simpler mechanics and lower cost, but it cannot move independently through water and requires towing
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical propulsion systems (such as outboard motors or propellers requiring complex transmission) are replaced with a water jet propulsion system. This system uses a pump to draw water in and expel it through a nozzle, providing efficient self-propulsion with minimal mechanical complexity and no moving parts exposed to water, thus reducing maintenance requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a floating cooler lacks remote control functionality, then it has fewer electronic components and lower cost, but it cannot be controlled for speed and direction from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
Manual control mechanisms (such as cables or levers requiring direct physical connection) are replaced with wireless remote control technology. The system incorporates a receiver unit that communicates with a handheld remote control via radio frequency signals, allowing the operator to control speed and direction from a distance without mechanical linkages, thus improving ease of operation with manageable electronic complexity.
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 solution enables the cooler to maintain stability in rough water, move efficiently through water, and be remotely controlled for enhanced usability in aquatic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a generally water-tight main body member (12) having an ovoid shape to facilitate streamlined movement through the water
Implementation Method 2
a pair of thrusters (16) on an underside of the main body member (12)
Implementation Method 3
floating cooler assembly (10, 100) includes a generally water-tight main body member (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled, self-propelled floating cooler includes a main body member that generally has an ovoid shape, as shown, for streamlined movement through the water. The main body member is generally hollow, which allows for ice, drinks, food, and the like to be placed inside of the main body member through an opening or hatch on top. A lid may be removably secured to the opening on top, and preferably includes securing means for maintaining the lid in a closed position, even in rough water. Remotely controlled propulsion means are attached to an underside of the cooler on one end thereof. Other features include an audio receiver with speakers, port and starboard running lights, GPS navigation, submerged spotlights, and video cameras mounted above and below the waterline, all of which may be operated via a remote control device.