Watercraft Porpoising Control via Microprocessor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watercraft porpoising, characterized by excessive rise-and-fall motion, poses safety risks and inefficiencies due to uncontrollable pitch oscillations, affecting fuel consumption, steering, and passenger comfort, and existing control systems are limited by cost, inflexibility, and unpredictable results.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a microprocessor-based system with sensors and actuators that implement a porpoising detection algorithm and control countermeasure algorithm to adjust propeller speed, rudder angle, trim tabs, and ballast redistribution, optimizing control actions to minimize or eliminate porpoising while considering mechanical and safety limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control mechanisms (trim tabs or thrust adjustments) are modulated to control pitch attitude, then some level of porpoising control is achieved, but the control accuracy is insufficient due to forces acting on multiple axes displaced from the center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning control elements (trim tabs, thrust vectoring) at specific locations along the hull to create localized control forces. The system differentiates between fore and aft sections, using sensors at multiple locations to detect local pitch conditions and apply targeted control actions rather than uniform control throughout the hull.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control system with microprocessor as an intermediary between sensor detection and actuator response. This intermediary processes sensor signals, determines porpoising conditions, and generates appropriate control commands, enabling more precise and coordinated control actions than direct mechanical linkage alone.
2Reliability
If existing porpoising control systems are implemented, then some reduction in porpoising is achieved, but the systems are limited by cost, weight, inflexibility, and unpredictable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using a single integrated electronic control system that can perform multiple control functions through software algorithms. The microprocessor-based system can switch between different control strategies (thrust adjustment, trim tab control, ballast redistribution) depending on detected conditions, replacing multiple separate mechanical control systems with one universal controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a microprocessor-based system that can dynamically adjust control parameters (gain values, response thresholds, actuator commands) based on detected porpoising conditions. The system modifies control behavior in real-time through software rather than requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the watercraft creates large wakes to improve wakeboarding performance, then the wakeboarder can jump higher, but the wake may damage moored vessels, damage piers and shoreline, or disturb other boaters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of pitch attitude and wake characteristics through electronic control. The system can dynamically modify the watercraft's pitch angle and thrust distribution to optimize wake size for wakeboarding while minimizing harmful effects, allowing the operator to switch between performance-oriented and safety-oriented wake configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft attitude control system using GPS and other motion inputs in order to predictively control thrust, steering and hull characteristics in ways that will prevent and minimize porpoising motion of a watercraft.