Ultrasonic Perimeter Ranging for Accurate Docking Hazard Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated directional control systems for vehicles, including planes and watercraft, are expensive, difficult to retrofit, and provide inaccurate docking or parking assist, especially in crowded conditions or with external disturbances like wind or water currents.
Innovation Solution
A navigation control system that includes a logic device, perimeter ranging sensors, and actuators, using ultrasonic perimeter ranging sensor assemblies to detect navigation hazards and generate control signals for steering and propulsion systems, providing an obstruction map and adaptive navigational control for assisted or autonomous docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automated directional control systems are used, then docking control is provided, but the system is expensive and difficult to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the perimeter monitoring into multiple sensor assemblies positioned at different locations around the watercraft. Each sensor assembly independently monitors a specific sector, and the controller integrates data from all segments to create a complete perimeter map, enabling reliable docking control through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting stationary obstacles, detecting moving hazards, measuring range and relative velocity, and providing data for both assisted and autonomous docking modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used, then directional control is provided, but the accuracy is insufficient for reliable docking in crowded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple ultrasonic sensor assemblies with information from other onboard sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS) to create a comprehensive perimeter map. This fusion of multiple data sources improves measurement precision for hazard detection and docking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives real-time data from the sensor assemblies, processes the information to determine range and relative velocity of hazards, and provides feedback to adjust the watercraft's positioning. This closed-loop feedback system maintains high docking accuracy in crowded conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are used, then basic control is provided, but the system cannot adapt to external disturbances like wind or water currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-programmed docking sequences to dynamic real-time control. The controller continuously adjusts docking parameters based on live sensor data detecting wind and water current effects, enabling the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions during the docking process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensor assemblies to detect environmental disturbances affecting the watercraft and automatically compensates for these effects without external intervention. The controller processes sensor data to determine when environmental factors require compensation and adjusts control signals accordingly
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 offers reliable and accurate perimeter ranging for navigation, improving docking assist methodologies by accurately detecting hazards and adapting to environmental disturbances, enhancing the precision and reliability of docking operations.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic perimeter ranging sensor assembly configured to be coupled to a mobile structure
Implementation Method 2
perimeter sensor data from the perimeter ranging sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide perimeter ranging for navigation of mobile structures. A navigation control system includes a logic device, a perimeter ranging system, one or more actuators/controllers, and modules to interface with users, sensors, actuators, and/or other elements of a mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive perimeter sensor data from ultrasonic perimeter ranging sensor assemblies of the perimeter ranging system and generate an obstruction map based on the received perimeter sensor data. The logic device determines a range to and/or a relative velocity of a navigation hazard based on the received perimeter sensor data. The logic device determines navigation control signals based on the range and/or relative velocity of the navigation hazard. Control signals may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.