Sinking Measuring Unit for Watercourse Profile Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining water profiles, such as buoys and underwater vehicles, are limited in accuracy and require additional equipment, making them costly and impractical for anglers.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where a measuring unit sinks to the bottom of a water body, is dragged along the bottom to collect data, and is synchronized with an evaluation program for precise data acquisition and display, using a positioning device like a fishing rod, without additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If buoys are deployed to measure water depth, then depth measurement is possible, but the exact position on the water cannot be determined and additional equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is designed to be self-positioning by sinking to the bottom and using its own weight and the positioning device (fishing rod) to automatically locate itself at the desired measurement position without requiring additional positioning equipment or manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the positioning function from complex external equipment and integrates it into the measuring unit itself through the sinking mechanism and fishing rod positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If remotely controlled underwater vehicles are used, then comprehensive measurement data can be collected, but the system becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement function (depth measurement) from complex underwater vehicles and implements it in a simple measuring unit that sinks and is dragged along the bottom, collecting data at intervals without requiring complex navigation or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex vehicle that can perform multiple functions, the patent uses a simple measuring unit that performs only the essential depth measurement function, collecting sufficient data at regular intervals along the path without attempting to capture all possible parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If depth sounders are used in boats, then depth measurement is possible, but the water profile cannot be accurately mapped and additional equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater profile accuracyVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static depth measurement (boat-based sounders) to dynamic measurement by dragging the measuring unit along the bottom, collecting multiple depth readings at different positions to create a profile, using the fishing rod as a dynamic positioning and measurement system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring unit automatically positions itself at the bottom and collects data at regular intervals along its path without requiring external guidance or complex control systems, with the fishing rod serving as both positioning and measurement device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate, cost-effective determination of water profiles, allowing anglers to identify fish locations with minimal setup and reduced operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the measuring unit sinks to the bottom of the watercourse at the position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the measuring unit is dragged across the bottom of the watercourse after reaching the bottom of the watercourse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4053502B1Method for determining a watercourse profile
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 DIRKSEN JENS
  • EP4053502B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053502B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4053502B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2e

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a watercourse profile with at least one measuring unit for acquiring measurement data. The method is characterized in that the measuring unit is moved to a specific position in the watercourse by means of a positioning device, that the measuring unit sinks to the bottom of the watercourse at that position, that the measuring unit is moved across the bottom of the watercourse after reaching it, in particular by dragging it across the bottom of the watercourse, that the measurement data are acquired while the measuring unit is moved across the bottom of the watercourse, and that the watercourse profile is created using the measurement data.