Water Track Marker Ejector for Dynamic Course Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water sports course marking methods, such as using metal wires and buoys, are inflexible, require frequent maintenance, and can harm the environment, limiting their suitability for varying weather conditions and sensitive water bodies.
Innovation Solution
A water track marker system that uses a marker ejector on a towing boat to create temporary splash markings on the water surface, allowing for flexible and instant track placement, with a control system to manage projectile ejection timing and pattern based on boat speed, ensuring safety and compliance with track standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed courses are marked using metal wires and buoys anchored in the sea bottom, then the course structure is stable and durable, but the course cannot be moved or adjusted for varying weather conditions and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static anchored buoys to dynamic floating buoys that can be easily repositioned. The floating buoys respond to water conditions and can be moved without anchors, enabling course adaptation to varying weather and wind conditions while maintaining course stability through proper buoy design and placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive floating buoys that can be easily replaced rather than durable anchored installations. These temporary buoys provide sufficient functionality for each event and can be discarded or reused without maintenance of complex anchor systems, enabling flexible course reconfiguration.
2Ease of manufacture
If permanent wire and buoy installations are used for marking courses, then the course structure is reliable, but frequent maintenance is required and environmental permission difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anchor component from the buoy system, extracting the problematic element that requires environmental permissions and maintenance. The floating buoys operate without anchors, eliminating the need for sea bottom modifications and reducing maintenance requirements while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating buoys are designed to be self-floating and self-positioning without requiring complex installation infrastructure. They naturally float on water and can be easily deployed by simple placement, eliminating the need for specialized installation equipment and reducing maintenance intervention requirements.
3Productivity
If fixed courses are used, then the course structure is stable, but the boat must make large turns far from the course after each lap, consuming time and fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic course reconfiguration that allows optimized boat turnaround paths. By adjusting buoy positions, the course can be designed to minimize boat turnaround distance and time, improving event efficiency while maintaining stable course marking throughout the event.
4Reliability
If metal wires and buoys are permanently installed, then the course marking is reliable, but the installation may harm the water environment and sea bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes anchors from the course marking system, eliminating the harmful interaction with the sea bottom. Floating buoys without anchors do not penetrate or disturb the water environment, providing reliable course marking while being environmentally friendly.
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 a flexible, temporary, and environmentally friendly water sports track that can be adjusted according to weather conditions and placed without damaging the water body, improving safety and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
eject marker projectiles towards the water for creating instant markings on the water surface upon impact with the water surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water track marker (1) for marking a sports track, such as a water ski track, on a water surface (20). The water track marker comprises at least a first marker ejector (11) configured to eject marker projectiles (2) towards the water for creating an instant marking (3) on the water surface (20) upon impact with the water surface (20). Provided is also a method for marking a sports track and a towing boat comprising said water track marker.