Watercraft Trim Control via Engine Speed and Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal watercraft lack the ability to detect wave conditions, leading to inconsistent riding comfort, as they rely on manual adjustments and do not have built-in sensors to assess the smoothness of the water surface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating existing sensors such as engine speed sensors and capsize sensors to determine wave conditions, allowing the controller to adjust the trim settings automatically based on the detected values, without the need for additional devices like cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional devices such as cameras are added to detect wave conditions, then the ability to detect wave conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors (acceleration sensor, engine speed sensor) to serve dual purposes: their original functions plus wave condition detection. The acceleration sensor originally designed for capsize detection now also detects vertical acceleration for wave assessment, while the engine speed sensor originally for propulsion control now also detects water resistance variations for wave detection, eliminating the need for dedicated wave detection devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the watercraft use its own existing sensor data for wave condition detection. The controller processes data from sensors already installed on the vehicle (acceleration sensor for vertical acceleration, engine speed sensor for rotation speed) to autonomously determine wave conditions and adjust trim settings, making the system self-sufficient without external or additional detection devices
2Device complexity
If manual adjustments are used for trim settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the riding comfort in varying wave conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where the controller continuously monitors sensor data (vertical acceleration from acceleration sensor, engine speed from engine speed sensor), determines wave conditions based on this feedback, and automatically adjusts trim settings accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying wave conditions in real-time, improving riding comfort while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from static manual trim adjustments to dynamic automatic trim control. The trim actuator is controlled to pivot the deflector based on real-time wave conditions detected by sensors, allowing the watercraft to dynamically adapt its trim settings according to changing environmental conditions, thereby improving riding comfort without requiring complex manual intervention
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
This solution enhances riding comfort by reliably determining wave conditions and adjusting the watercraft's trim settings accordingly, improving handling and reducing water splash in varying water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the ON/OFF sensor is turned on and off according to the vertical acceleration of the hull. When the watercraft travels forward in the rough water region, the hull is liable to repeatedly experience instantaneous reciprocal upward and downward movement. At this time, a downward inertial force and an upward inertial force are often alternately applied to the ON/OFF sensor
Implementation Method 2
an engine speed sensor to detect a rotation speed of the engine
Implementation Method 3
When the watercraft travels forward in a rough water region in which the water surface is not smooth, a water resistance applied to the engine is liable to be repeatedly reduced and increased, thus repeatedly and suddenly increasing and reducing the rotation speed of the engine
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes a hull, an engine to generate power to propel the hull, an engine speed sensor to detect the rotation speed of the engine, and an ON/OFF sensor to be turned on and off according to a vertical acceleration of the hull. The watercraft further includes a controller configured or programmed to determine, based on at least one of a detection value of the ON/OFF sensor and a detection value of the engine speed sensor, whether or not a water surface is smooth.