Solar Powered Boat Fender Positioning System With Low-Power Standby Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated boat fender deployment systems are complex, require wired power or disposable batteries, and lack a convenient and safe method for deployment and retrieval, posing risks of personal injury and damage to boats, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered boat fender positioning system with a low-power standby mode, featuring a power unit with a motor, spool, microcontroller, voltage boost converter, and removable solar power component, allowing for safe and convenient deployment and retrieval of boat fenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized fender deployment systems are used, then deployment safety and convenience are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a solar panel to automatically power the motorized spool mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex wiring. The solar panel directly interfaces with the motor controller, creating a self-sufficient system that reduces complexity while maintaining motorized deployment benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for complex wired power systems or disposable batteries by extracting the power source requirement and replacing it with a simple solar panel. This extraction simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining motorized functionality
2Extent of automation
If wired power or disposable batteries are used, then motorized deployment is enabled, but reliability and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel provides continuous power to the system, eliminating the need for battery replacements or wired power connections. This self-powering approach significantly improves reliability by removing common failure points associated with batteries and wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids disposable batteries by using a durable solar panel that provides long-term sustainable power. The solar panel is a permanent, maintenance-free power source compared to disposable batteries that require frequent replacement
3Use of energy by stationary object
If solar panels are permanently installed, then power supply is stable, but ease of repair and replacement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is designed as a separate, modular component that can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the rest of the system. This segmentation allows the solar panel to be swapped like a battery, maintaining stable power supply while dramatically improving ease of repair
4Speed
If high-power motors are used for fender deployment, then deployment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic motor activation rather than continuous operation. The motor only runs during deployment and retrieval operations, while the solar panel continuously charges the system during non-use periods. This periodic action allows for faster deployment when needed while reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel performs preliminary charging during daytime hours when the boat is docked or stationary. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the high-power motor to operate at full speed during deployment without immediate energy constraints, while the overall energy consumption is managed through pre-charging
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 safe, convenient, and cost-effective deployment and retrieval of boat fenders, reducing the risk of personal injury and damage to boats, while also extending the standby time of the device due to reduced leakage current.
Implementation Method 1
The solar powered boat fender comprises a power unit, a line, and a boat fender wherein the power unit comprises a motor, a spool, a microcontroller, a voltage boost converter, a removable solar power component
Implementation Method 2
solar panels of the removable solar power component are configured to provide voltage lower than that required by the motor, wherein the voltage is increased to the voltage required by the motor by the voltage boost converter
Data Source
AI summary
A solar powered boat fender positioning system with low-power standby mode comprising a power unit, a line, and a boat fender wherein the power unit comprises a motor, a spool, a microcontroller, a voltage boost converter, a removable solar power component, and an electrically-controllable switch. The microcontroller controls positioning of the boat fender on the line by spooling and unspooling of the line on the spool and disconnection of power to the motor during periods of non-use. The removable solar power component is configured to allow easy replacement of solar panels in the event of failure, and solar panels of the removable solar power component are configured to provide voltage lower than that required by the motor, wherein the voltage is increased to the voltage required by the motor by the voltage boost converter.