Watercraft Trailer Loading With Sensor-Guided Propulsion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Loading a watercraft onto a trailer can be challenging due to factors like boat traffic, ramp pitch, wind, tide, and current, leading to potential damage to the boat and trailer.

Innovation Solution

A system equipped with sensors and processors that generate position data to guide the watercraft onto the trailer by adjusting the propulsion device's direction and power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual loading method is used, then device complexity is low, but alignment precision and loading safety are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system combining sensors (optical, ultrasonic, or laser) to detect watercraft position and processors that calculate propulsion commands, achieving precise alignment without complex mechanical guidance equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the watercraft to self-position onto the trailer by using its own propulsion device under automated control, eliminating the need for external towing equipment or manual positioning efforts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated positioning system is implemented, then loading safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors watercraft position using sensors and adjusts propulsion device commands in real-time based on detected position data, ensuring safe and accurate loading while maintaining relatively simple system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that receives sensor data, calculates appropriate propulsion commands, and controls the propulsion device, simplifying the overall system by centralizing control logic rather than requiring complex direct sensor-actuator connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If precise alignment is achieved through automated control, then damage risk is reduced, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage riskVSAvoidpropulsion energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies propulsion force in controlled increments rather than continuous full power, adjusting thrust based on real-time position feedback to achieve precise alignment with minimal energy expenditure while preventing damage from excessive force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12280863B2Systems and methods for loading a watercraft on a trailer

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 NAVICO INC

AI summary

Methods and systems described herein can assist a user when loading a watercraft onto a trailer (e.g., at a boat ramp). For example, position data generated by sensor(s) coupled to the watercraft and/or trailer can cause one or more propulsion devices associated with the watercraft to automatically (e.g., without user intervention) position the watercraft onto the trailer, for example, by controlling the power and/or thrust direction of the propulsion device(s).