Watercraft Proximity Sensor and Propulsion Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric watercraft operate quietly, making it difficult for operators to perceive when they are ready for propulsion, potentially leading to unsafe situations due to lack of awareness.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proximity sensor system that detects obstacles and restricts the watercraft's propulsion output when an obstacle is detected, alerting the operator and preventing unintended movement, especially when the watercraft is parked or stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric watercraft operate quietly to reduce noise pollution, then environmental friendliness is improved, but operator awareness of vehicle readiness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary acoustic device that generates artificial engine sounds to mediate between the quiet electric motor operation and the operator's need for awareness. This intermediary sound generation system provides tactile and auditory feedback without requiring the actual motor to produce noise, thus resolving the contradiction between quiet operation and operator awareness.
2Reliability
If the watercraft restricts propulsion output when an obstacle is detected, then safety is improved, but operator control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of propulsion restriction based on the type of obstacle detected. For example, it may apply different restriction levels for stationary objects versus moving objects, or for objects in different directions relative to the watercraft. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain safety while minimizing unnecessary interference with operator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity detection system provides continuous feedback to the control system about obstacle presence and characteristics. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust propulsion output in real-time, restricting power only when and where necessary to avoid obstacles, rather than imposing blanket restrictions that would hinder operator control.
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
Enhances operator awareness and safety by preventing collisions with obstacles and reducing the risk of injury to overboard persons, even in silent electric watercraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting that a temperature of the obstacle is higher than a temperature of water adjacent the obstacle... detecting infrared energy emitted by the obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating watercraft are provided. One method of operating a watercraft includes detecting a presence of an obstacle in proximity to the watercraft. When a propulsion command is received when the presence of the obstacle is detected, an actual output from a powertrain of the watercraft is restricted to a restricted output associated with the presence of the obstacle.