Sailboat Wind Sensor Correction via Tack State Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind measurement systems for sailboats suffer from significant errors due to aerodynamic disturbances, heel, and leeway, leading to inaccurate wind direction and speed readings, particularly when tacking or gybing, and existing correction methods are complex and difficult for users to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that receive wind angle and speed readings, boat heading, and speed data, and use user-input or automatically determined wind direction errors to modify correction data, simplifying the process by combining errors into a single correction parameter, allowing for intuitive fine-tuning of wind direction and speed corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a masthead sensor is used to measure apparent wind speed and direction, then the measurement point is raised above the disturbed air near the sail, but the measurement errors remain significant (15% airspeed error and 7 degrees wind angle error)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement at the masthead to a distributed array of sensors positioned at multiple locations and orientations around the sailboat. This spatial distribution across different dimensions allows the system to capture wind conditions from multiple perspectives and compute corrected values that compensate for aerodynamic disturbances at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple wind sensors positioned at different locations (masthead, bow, stern, and/or midship) and orientations to compute a single corrected wind measurement. By merging these multiple measurements and applying correction algorithms that account for aerodynamic interference, heel, and leeway, the system achieves higher accuracy than any single sensor could provide alone.
2Measurement precision
If complex correction tables are provided for different wind angles and speeds, then measurement errors can be corrected, but the correction process becomes too complex for users to understand and implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform simple field calibration by sailing predetermined courses and allowing the system to automatically compute correction factors based on the difference between measured and expected wind directions. This self-calibrating approach eliminates the need for users to manually enter complex correction tables while still achieving accurate corrections tailored to their specific boat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex multi-dimensional correction tables into simplified correction factors or coefficients that can be automatically determined through field calibration. By changing the representation of correction data from detailed lookup tables to compact parameter sets, the system maintains correction accuracy while dramatically reducing user burden.
3Measurement precision
If each boat has unique correction requirements, then accurate corrections can be achieved, but standard correction tables cannot be supplied and users must perform demanding calibration tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates factory-preconfigured correction tables that provide reasonable default corrections for a wide range of boat types. These preliminary corrections are based on theoretical models and empirical data, allowing the system to function with acceptable accuracy immediately upon installation, before any field calibration is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated field calibration process that requires the user to simply sail predetermined courses while the system automatically records measurements and computes boat-specific correction factors. This self-calibrating approach dramatically reduces the time and effort required compared to manual calibration methods, typically requiring only 1-2 hours of sailing time to achieve accurate boat-specific corrections.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and an apparatus for determining wind conditions around a sailboat. The device comprises means for receiving a measured wind angle and wind speed readings from a wind sensor attached to the sailboat and readings of boat heading and boat speed through the water, means for storing wind angle correction data, a computing unit for computing a corrected wind angle reading using the measured wind angle reading, the boat speed reading and the wind angle correction data and for computing a wind direction using the corrected wind angle reading and the boat heading reading, and means for displaying or outputting the wind direction. According to the invention, the device additionally comprises input means for receiving a wind direction error tack to tack from the user or means for automatically determining this error, means for determining the current tack state of the sailboat using the measured wind angle reading, and means for modifying said wind angle correction data based on said wind direction error and said current tack state information. By means of the invention, powerful and intuitive correction of wind direction readings is possible.