Pneumatic Actuated Warning Flag for Boating Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water skiing warning flags often become less visible over time due to human error, as flag holders tend to droop, compromising safety by reducing the flag's visibility when it is no longer necessary to be displayed.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically actuated signal flag system that automatically raises and lowers a warning flag using a pressurized gas storage vessel, actuating ram, and pivoting member, ensuring the flag remains visible during water activities and hides when not needed, utilizing a mounting bracket and flexible connector to secure the flag staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a person manually holds the flag aloft, then the flag is visible, but over time the flag holder may allow the flag to droop reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic detection and actuation mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual flag holding. The sensor detects water skiing conditions and automatically triggers the flag to display, removing human error from the equation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of holding the flag with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, control circuits, and an actuator that automatically raises and lowers the flag based on detected conditions.
2Reliability
If the flag is displayed for prolonged periods, then safety warning is maintained, but the flag must remain visible whenever activity is occurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence of water skiers and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop ensures the flag is displayed only when needed, maintaining reliability while using a relatively simple control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with sensors and actuators that are ready to automatically respond to detected conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual operation during the activity itself.
3Device complexity
If manual flag holding is used, then device complexity is low, but human error reduces flag visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system serves itself by automatically detecting conditions and actuating the flag without requiring human intervention, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the human element from the flag operation by using automatic sensors and actuators, removing the source of human error while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatically activated signal flag is used in combination with a first watercraft to provide a visual warning to other watercraft operators of various events which may be occurring around the first watercraft. For example, the signal flag may indicate that a swimmer is in the water adjacent to the watercraft. The signal flag is raised or lowered by activation of a pneumatic activating ram by an operator within the water craft.