Wakeboat Mass Distribution Controller for Wake Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wakeboats lack a concise and convenient method for operators to accurately control and reproduce desired wakes, as existing systems fail to account for various variables such as passenger weight, fuel, and equipment, leading to frustration and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A wakeboat management system that includes a controller to measure and aggregate various parameters, such as ballast, control surfaces, passenger weight, and fuel, to provide the operator with a clear display of the wakeboat's potential and actual performance, enabling informed decisions to achieve desired wake characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators manually estimate and experiment with wake parameters day-by-day, then they can attempt to achieve desired wake characteristics, but the process is time-consuming and yields inconsistent results due to inability to accurately account for all variables
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and recording of all wake-affecting parameters (ballast, control surfaces, passengers, fuel, equipment) before wake generation activities. This preliminary data collection enables accurate wake performance prediction and optimization without requiring time-consuming day-by-day experimentation, as the system has already aggregated all relevant variables in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators about the current wake performance and the specific parameter combinations that produce desired wakes. This feedback mechanism allows operators to immediately adjust parameters based on measured performance data rather than relying on trial-and-error, significantly reducing optimization time while improving measurement accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators use multiple variables (ballast, control surfaces, passengers, fuel, equipment) to control wake characteristics, then wake performance can be optimized, but the complexity of managing and reproducing these variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the measurement and management of multiple wake-affecting parameters (ballast, control surfaces, passengers, fuel, equipment) into a single integrated system. Rather than requiring operators to track and manage each variable separately, the system consolidates all these parameters into one unified interface that automatically aggregates data and provides comprehensive wake performance control, reducing operational complexity while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures ballast amounts, monitors control surface positions, tracks passenger and equipment weights, calculates fuel consumption, and integrates all this data to predict and optimize wake performance. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate systems for each parameter, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility
3Loss of information
If the system measures and displays all wake-affecting parameters, then operators can make informed decisions, but the information aggregation and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information processing by dedicating specific sensors and measurement devices to each wake-affecting parameter (ballast sensors, control surface position sensors, weight sensors for passengers and equipment, fuel level sensors). This segmentation allows each parameter to be measured and processed independently by specialized subsystems, reducing the complexity of aggregate information processing while ensuring complete and accurate data collection for all parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A wakeboat that during operation creates a wake, the performance level of the wake varying depending upon the distribution of mass of and aboard the wakeboat, the wakeboat comprising: a hull; processing circuitry supported by the hull; a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the sensor providing data to the processing circuitry, the processing circuitry configured to use the sensor data to derive the distribution of mass, the processing circuitry configured to use the distribution of mass to determine changes to the mass distribution which would yield a different wake performance level; and a display coupled to the processing circuitry, the processing circuitry being configured to use the display to indicate changes to the mass distribution which would yield the different wake performance level. Other systems and methods are also provided.