Watercraft Controller Mode Switching for Drift Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft control systems require manual operation after automatically mooring at a target spot, disrupting fishing activities.
Innovation Solution
A system with a marine propulsion device, position sensor, and controller that allows users to select between two modes: one for navigating to a destination along a set route with a predetermined cardinal direction and another for maintaining orientation without determining a route, enabling seamless transition from navigation to drifting with the wind or tide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the watercraft is automatically moored at the target spot, then the navigation function is improved, but the user cannot continue fishing without manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between first mode (route following with cardinal direction orientation) and second mode (drifting with current while maintaining cardinal direction orientation). This allows the control system to adapt between automated navigation and automated drifting functions, eliminating the need for manual operation interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: it can perform both route-based navigation to target spots and drifting with water currents while maintaining predetermined cardinal direction orientation. This multi-functionality allows the watercraft to serve both navigation and fishing purposes without manual intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the watercraft maintains predetermined cardinal direction orientation, then the stability of orientation is improved, but the adaptability to water current direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: in the first mode, the watercraft follows a predetermined route while maintaining cardinal direction orientation; in the second mode, the watercraft drifts with water currents while maintaining cardinal direction orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance orientation stability with environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
In the second mode, the watercraft allows the water current to naturally propel and position it while the control system maintains the predetermined cardinal direction orientation. This self-service approach uses environmental forces (water current) to perform positioning work, reducing energy consumption while maintaining orientation stability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for controlling a watercraft, when a first mode is selected, a controller determines a route on which a single or a plurality of specified spots including a destination are located, and controls a marine propulsion device such that the watercraft moves along the route with a bow thereof being kept oriented in a predetermined cardinal direction. When a second mode is selected, the controller controls the marine propulsion device such that the bow of the watercraft is kept oriented in the predetermined cardinal direction without determining the route. The controller obtains a position of the watercraft. In the first mode, the controller determines whether or not the watercraft has passed through the destination. When the watercraft has passed through the destination in the first mode, the controller performs a mode switching from the first mode to the second mode and controls the marine propulsion device in the second mode.