Watercraft Handheld Thumbwheel Control With Magnetic Interference Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoiling watercraft face issues with detachable hydrofoils due to power wires, radio frequency interference, inaccurate ride height measurement, difficulty in steering without balancing, and throttle control errors from external magnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote controller with a watertight body and a rotatable thumbwheel, equipped with a magnetic sensor and processor to generate control signals based on thumbwheel position, and a communication system to control the watercraft, while filtering out magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power wires extend within the strut and into the board to power the electric motor, then the electric motor can be mounted to the strut, but the hydrofoils become difficult to detach from the board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from wired connections to wireless power transmission. The wireless remote controller transmits control signals wirelessly to the watercraft controller, eliminating the need for power wires extending through the strut and board, thereby enabling easy hydrofoil detachment while maintaining motor functionality
2Strength
If the board blocks radio frequency signals, then the board provides structural integrity, but wireless communication between the watercraft and remote controller is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system that operates through the board structure. The watercraft controller and remote controller communicate via wireless signals that can penetrate or pass through the board material, allowing both structural integrity and reliable communication to coexist
3Device complexity
If a single axis hall effect sensor is used to detect trigger position, then the sensor structure is simple, but external magnetic flux causes false throttle control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis magnetic field detection to three-axis magnetic field detection. The three-axis hall effect sensor measures magnetic flux in three orthogonal dimensions, allowing the system to distinguish between the intended trigger magnet field and external magnetic interference by analyzing the spatial orientation of the magnetic field vectors
4Device complexity
If weight shifting is used to steer the watercraft, then no additional steering mechanism is needed, but the rider must maintain balance while operating the watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-shifting steering method with an electronic control system. The wireless remote controller sends steering commands to the watercraft controller, which actuates steering mechanisms to turn the hydrofoils or directional surfaces, eliminating the need for the rider to physically shift weight while maintaining balance
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
Enhances the operability of hydrofoiling watercraft by allowing easy detachment of hydrofoils, accurate ride height determination, and reliable throttle control, reducing the need for balancing and minimizing interference from external magnetic sources.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor disposed within the watertight compartment configured to produce magnetic field data in at least two axes
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a wireless remote controller for a personal watercraft is provided that includes a watertight body and a rotatable thumbwheel disposed on an upper surface of the watertight body. The remote controller includes at least one magnet affixed to the thumbwheel such that the at least one magnet rotates with the thumbwheel. The remote controller includes a magnetic sensor configured to produce magnetic field data in at least two axes. The remote controller includes a processor operably coupled to the magnetic sensor and communication circuitry configured to communicate control signals to an associated personal watercraft. The processor is configured to determine an angular position of the thumbwheel based at least in part on the magnetic field data in each of the at least two axes and to generate a control signal based at least in part on the determined position of the thumbwheel.