Steering Assembly for Sonar Coverage Alignment on Moving Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems for watercraft face difficulties in maintaining accurate orientation and coverage of underwater targets due to movement of the watercraft and environmental factors, making it challenging for users, especially anglers, to maintain a clear view of targets while performing other tasks.
Innovation Solution
The development of sonar systems with adjustable steering assemblies that can automatically adjust the directional coverage volume of sonar transducers, allowing hands-free operation and maintaining targets within the sonar display, even as the watercraft moves relative to the target, by using processors to control motor assemblies and steering systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the watercraft moves through water under its own power, then the watercraft achieves mobility and navigation capability, but the sonar coverage deviates from the intended position making it difficult to maintain target view
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives sonar return data, processes it to determine target location, and automatically adjusts the sonar transducer orientation based on this feedback to maintain the target within the coverage volume despite watercraft movement
Solution Approach 2:
The sonar system automatically tracks and maintains view of targets without requiring manual intervention from the operator, who can focus on other tasks such as fishing operations
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually monitors and adjusts sonar orientation, then the sonar coverage can be maintained on target, but the operator cannot simultaneously perform other tasks such as fishing and watercraft operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system performs automatic target tracking and transducer orientation adjustment without requiring continuous operator attention, enabling the operator to simultaneously manage watercraft operation and fishing activities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic processing of sonar return data to determine target location and adjusts coverage volume accordingly, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment by the operator
3Device complexity
If the sonar coverage volume is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to watercraft movement and maintain target within coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system dynamically adjusts the coverage volume orientation and position based on real-time target location data and watercraft movement, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions including sonar data reception, target processing, automatic orientation adjustment, and watercraft control coordination into a single multi-functional platform
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
This solution enables users to focus on other tasks while maintaining a clear sonar image of targets, improving fishing efficiency by automatically adjusting sonar coverage to track moving targets and maintain their position within the sonar field, enhancing user experience and reducing frustration.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar transducer elements, or simply transducers, may convert electrical energy into sound or vibrations at a particular frequency. A sonar sound beam is transmitted into and through the water
Implementation Method 2
The sonar return signals can also be processed to be presented on a display, giving the user a 'picture' or image of the underwater environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A sonar system is provided including a sonar assembly configured to attach to a motor assembly of a watercraft or a watercraft. The sonar assembly includes sonar transducer element(s) that transmit sonar beam(s). The sonar system includes a display, processor(s), and a steering assembly configured to cause rotation of the sonar assembly or the motor assembly. The sonar system includes a memory including computer program code that causes the processor(s) to cause the sonar transducer element(s) to emit sonar beam(s), receive sonar return data from a coverage volume of the sonar transducer element(s), generate a sonar image of the coverage volume based on the sonar return data, receive an input from a user, determine a target in the underwater environment based on the input, and cause the steering assembly to adjust the coverage volume to maintain the target within the coverage volume as the watercraft moves relative to the target.