Wakeboat Ballast Feedback Control for Accurate Hull Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wakeboat ballast systems rely on ballast pump run time to estimate fill levels, leading to inaccurate and unrepeatable results due to lack of feedback mechanisms, air pockets, and obstructions, which can cause safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that monitors ballast pump conditions using electrical and hydraulic parameters, such as voltage and current, to provide real-time feedback and automatic control, detecting anomalies and ensuring accurate filling and draining of ballast compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ballast pump run time is used for estimation, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of ballast compartment fill level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using sensors (electrical, hydraulic, mechanical) to continuously monitor ballast pump operation and ballast compartment fill levels. This real-time feedback allows the control system to adjust pump operation dynamically, ensuring accurate fill level measurement while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
2Device complexity
If no feedback mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of ballasting results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms including sensors and control systems that monitor pump operation and ballast compartment conditions. This feedback loop ensures reliable ballasting results by detecting and correcting issues such as air pockets and obstructions, while the system maintains reasonable complexity through integrated sensor networks and automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical estimation methods with sensor-based detection systems that use electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical sensors to monitor ballast pump performance and compartment fill levels. This substitution enhances reliability by providing direct measurement data rather than relying on indirect run time estimation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual monitoring of ballast pump operation is used, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the productivity of ballast operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service monitoring where sensors automatically detect ballast pump operation status, fill levels, and potential issues without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously adjusts pump operation based on sensor feedback, maintaining energy efficiency while significantly improving productivity through automated real-time monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from sensors to automatically control ballast pump operation, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. The system receives real-time data on pump performance and compartment fill levels, then autonomously adjusts operation to optimize energy consumption while maintaining high productivity through continuous automated ballasting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.