Watercraft Propulsion Indicator for Drivable State Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft propulsion systems, such as those described in US 2013/115832 A1, face challenges in communicating the state of the electric propulsion device to surrounding vessels, particularly when the system is in a standby state with the power supply turned on, as the operation sound and vibrations are minimal, making it difficult for others to recognize the propulsion device's status.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft propulsion system with an indicator located above the draft line of the hull that communicates the state of the electric propulsion device, using a controller with multiple modes to actuate the indicator, ensuring it is visible and recognizable, especially when the electric propulsion device is drivable or in a standby state, and disabling the indicator when the propeller is in the above-water position to prevent unnecessary signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric propulsion device is in a standby state with power supply turned on, then the propulsion device is ready for operation, but the operation sound and vibrations are minimal making it difficult for surrounding vessels to recognize the status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator (light signal device) as an intermediary to communicate the standby state of the electric propulsion device to surrounding vessels. The indicator is activated by the controller when the propulsion device is in a drivable state, providing a visible signal that mediates the communication between the propulsion system and other watercraft operators, overcoming the limitation of minimal acoustic and vibrational signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on mechanical signals (operation sound and vibrations) with an optical signaling system. Instead of depending on acoustic and vibrational mechanisms that are minimal in standby state, the system uses a light-based indicator that can clearly communicate the propulsion device's readiness status to surrounding vessels.
2Reliability
If the indicator is located in the water to generate propulsive force, then the propulsion function is achieved, but the illuminator emits light in the water making it difficult to recognize by other watercraft users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the indicator from the underwater dimension (where the propeller operates) to the above-water dimension (above the draft line of the hull). This spatial relocation allows the light signal to be transmitted through the air medium, which is much more effective for visibility to surrounding vessels than underwater light transmission, thereby solving the recognition difficulty while preserving the propulsion function at the propeller level.
Solution Approach 2:
The air medium acts as an intermediary between the indicator and surrounding vessels. By positioning the indicator above the water surface, the optical signal can travel through the air to reach other watercraft users, providing effective communication. The water remains the intermediary for the propulsion function, while air serves as the communication medium for the indicator signal.
3Reliability
If the indicator is always actuated to communicate propulsion state, then visibility and recognizability are improved, but unnecessary signaling occurs when the propeller is in the above-water position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the indicator through a controller that adjusts the indicator's operation based on real-time detection of the propeller's position. The controller receives signals from sensors monitoring whether the propeller is in the underwater or above-water position, and accordingly activates or deactivates the indicator. This dynamic adjustment ensures the indicator provides necessary communication when the propeller is underwater while avoiding unnecessary signaling when above water.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the propeller's position and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently controls the indicator's operation, activating it only when the propeller is in the underwater position and deactivating it when the propeller is above water. This feedback-based control prevents unnecessary signaling while maintaining effective state communication when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft propulsion system includes an electric propulsion device attachable to a hull, an indicator located above a draft line of the hull and operable to indicate to surroundings of the electric propulsion device information about the state of the electric propulsion device, and a controller. The controller has a plurality of control modes including an electric propulsion device enabled mode in which the electric propulsion device is enabled to be driven, and is configured or programmed to perform an indicator control operation in the electric propulsion device enabled mode to actuate the indicator to indicate that the electric propulsion device is in a drivable state.