Pontoon Boat Automated Positioning with Thruster and Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for positioning and docking aquatic vessels, such as pontoon boats, lack the automation and precision needed for efficient and safe mooring, often relying on manual operation which can be error-prone and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pontoon boat equipped with a thruster system, sensors (including stereo cameras and LIDAR), and a controller that automatically positions the boat relative to a mooring implement by activating the thruster system based on sensor input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation is used for positioning and docking aquatic vessels, then the system complexity is low, but the positioning precision and docking efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated control system that uses sensors (cameras, LIDAR, sonar) to detect the environment and a controller to actuate thrusters and steering mechanisms, achieving precise positioning without direct human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the aquatic vessel to autonomously determine its own position, calculate docking trajectories, and execute positioning maneuvers using onboard sensors and controllers, reducing reliance on external operators while improving positioning accuracy
2Reliability
If manual docking operation is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the risk of human error and labor intensity are problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors monitoring the vessel's position, orientation, and surrounding environment, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust thruster output and steering commands, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control loops
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator's high-level commands and the complex actuation of multiple thrusters and steering mechanisms, translating simple user inputs into coordinated automated actions that improve reliability without complicating the user interface
3Productivity
If automated positioning system is implemented, then the docking efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated positioning system is segmented into independent functional modules: environmental sensing (cameras, LIDAR, sonar), position calculation, trajectory planning, and actuation control. This modular architecture improves docking efficiency through specialized processing while managing complexity by allowing independent development and testing of each module
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it processes data from various sensor types, calculates vessel position and orientation, generates docking trajectories, and actuates different propulsion and steering systems. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single intelligent component rather than requiring separate systems for each function
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 enables precise and automated positioning of the pontoon boat, reducing the risk of human error and improving docking efficiency, while also allowing for maintenance of the boat's position once docked.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster system including at least one water inlet in the plurality of pontoons and a plurality of water outlets in the plurality of pontoons; at least one fluid pump which pumps fluid from the at least one inlet towards at least one of the plurality of outlets
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of sensors includes a LIDAR system
Data Source
AI summary
An aquatic vessel, illustratively a pontoon boat including a thruster system is disclosed. The aquatic vessel executes a process to automatically position the aquatic vessel relative to a target location such as a mooring implement. Exemplary mooring implements include a dock, a slip, or a lift.