Sonar Target Locking System for Boat Orientation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current consumer fish finder sonar technologies require manual steering of the sonar beam to maintain the target in frame, which becomes cumbersome due to boat movement caused by wind, current, and other forces, disrupting the angler's ability to maintain a steady view of underwater targets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electro-mechanical assembly, a positioning system with GPS and IMU, and a controller that automatically steers the sonar array to keep the target in frame, using sensors and motors to adjust the sonar array's position and orientation relative to the user-set target, allowing hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering of the sonar beam is used to maintain target in frame, then the angler can control the sonar direction, but the operation becomes cumbersome due to boat movement requiring constant adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the boat's own movement data from the IMU and GPS to automatically adjust the sonar array position, making the system self-regulating without requiring external manual intervention. The controller continuously processes boat orientation changes and compensates by repositioning the sonar array accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the IMU and GPS continuously monitor boat orientation and position, feed this information to the controller, which then adjusts the sonar array position to maintain the target in frame. This continuous feedback cycle eliminates the need for manual steering adjustments.
2Productivity
If the sonar array is manually repositioned to compensate for boat movement, then the target can remain in frame, but the angler's hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar tracking system operates autonomously using automated sensors and control mechanisms, freeing the angler's hands for other fishing tasks. The system monitors boat movement via IMU and GPS, then self-adjusts the sonar array position without requiring manual intervention, enabling hands-free operation.
3Extent of automation
If an electro-mechanical assembly with motors and sensors is added to automatically steer the sonar array, then hands-free tracking is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IMU and GPS sensors serve multiple functions: they provide data for sonar array positioning compensation, boat navigation information, and potential integration with other boat control systems. The controller unit processes sonar positioning data and can potentially manage multiple sonar arrays or integrate with boat steering systems, reducing the need for dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the IMU, GPS, controller, and sonar array into an integrated assembly where components share mounting structures and communication bus. The controller unit serves as a central hub that processes data from multiple sensors and controls the sonar array, reducing the need for separate dedicated control circuits and wiring harnesses.
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 continuous, hands-free tracking of underwater targets despite boat movement, improving fishing accuracy and reducing manual effort, by maintaining the sonar array locked onto the intended target using GPS, IMU, and electro-mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
System and method for maintaining sonar imaging of a structure regardless of boat orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A sonar target locking system to position a sonar assembly to maintain the sonar array of the sonar assembly pointing at a position of a user set (desired) target even when the watercraft is rotating or moving in various motions. The sonar target locking system includes electro-mechanical assembly that can be steered electrically to maintain the sonar array pointing at the position of the desired target. The system may be activated using at least one of a foot pedal, handheld remote control, or a display of a fish finder head unit. The system may use GPS and IMU inputs to generate control signals to steer the electro-mechanical assembly to maintain the sonar array pointing at the position of the desired target.