Self-Balancing Surfboard Control Using Tilt and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for motorized surfboards, particularly those used in inland bodies of water, are difficult to control, making it challenging for surfers to perform basic maneuvers due to the complexity of hand-held throttle control systems.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft equipped with a board having a central axis, nose, and tail, featuring a motor, tilt sensors, and a steering system that uses a computer system with processors and memory to analyze data from force sensors and tilt sensors to adjust thrust and direction, allowing for automatic adjustments to maintain balance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a hand-held throttle control system is used to control the motor, then the motor can be controlled to increase thrust, but the system becomes difficult to control and even talented surfers struggle to perform basic maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The surfboard system automatically detects the rider's balance state through tilt sensors and force sensors, and the computer system autonomously adjusts motor thrust and steering without requiring manual throttle input. The system serves itself by converting rider body movements into control commands, eliminating the need for hand-held throttle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-held throttle control system with an electronic sensor-based control system. Tilt sensors and force sensors detect rider position and weight distribution, converting mechanical balance information into electronic signals that the computer system processes to automatically control motor thrust and steering.
2Ease of operation
If tilt sensors and force sensors are integrated into the board with automatic control systems, then control and stability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system performs multiple functions: it processes data from tilt sensors, force sensors, and motor feedback; calculates optimal thrust and steering commands; and controls both motor thrust and steering simultaneously. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary between the sensors (tilt sensors, force sensors) and the actuators (motor thrust control, steering control). It receives raw sensor data, processes this information to determine rider intent, and translates this into appropriate motor commands, simplifying the overall control architecture.
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 simplifies the riding experience by automatically adjusting thrust and direction based on rider input, enhancing control and stability, making it easier for surfers to perform maneuvers and maintain balance on the board.
Implementation Method 1
a first tilt sensor configured to detect a first rotation of at least a first portion of the board in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the central axis
Implementation Method 2
a motor coupled to the board and configured to propel the board
Implementation Method 3
a steering system configured to turn the watercraft by directing water flow
Implementation Method 4
program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the steering system to direct the water flow to turn the watercraft leftward in response to the first tilt sensor detecting the first rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A board can have an upward-facing side arranged to enable a person to stand on the board while surfing. A motor can be attached to a downward-facing side of the board to propel the board. A computer system can use data from sensors and a steering system to actively respond to actions from the person riding on the board.