Personal Watercraft Overboard Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk that drivers of personal watercraft may not notice changes in the state of mounted objects, such as passengers or luggage, which can lead to them falling overboard without detection.
Innovation Solution
A personal watercraft equipped with a mounted object overboard detection unit and a notification system that alerts the driver through specific controls when a mounted object is detected to have fallen overboard, using communication terminals and a determination unit to assess the presence and separation of objects during planing preparation and subsequent planing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the mounted object is mounted just behind the driver, then the space utilization is improved, but the driver's awareness of the mounted object's state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect the mounted object's state and transmitting this information to the driver through display units or notification devices. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the driver's limited direct observation capability, allowing space-efficient mounting behind the driver while maintaining situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (sensors, communication devices) between the mounted object and the driver. This intermediary automatically monitors the mounted object's state and relays information to the driver, eliminating the need for direct visual contact while enabling safe rear-mounted positioning.
2Speed
If the driver's field of view is limited to the front, then the driver's focus on navigation is improved, but the detection of overboard mounted objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual detection system (driver's eyes and head turning) with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors, communication terminals, and detection units automatically monitor whether the mounted object has fallen overboard, eliminating the need for the driver to physically turn or expand their field of view while maintaining navigation speed.
3Device complexity
If no detection system is installed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounted object itself is equipped with a communication terminal that actively transmits its presence status to the watercraft's detection unit. This self-service approach allows the mounted object to report its own state, enabling reliable detection without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal watercraft includes: a watercraft body including a boarding section on which a driver boards and a sub-boarding section on which a mounted object other than the driver is mounted; a mounted object overboard detection unit that detects that the mounted object has fallen overboard from the watercraft body; and a notification unit that performs notification control to notify the driver of the falling overboard through a specific control target when the mounted object overboard detection unit detects that the mounted object has fallen overboard.