Watercraft Trim Control for Wave Splash Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal watercraft do not automatically adjust their trim to reduce water splash during rough waves, requiring manual operation by the rider and lacking detection of wave conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wave detector and controller to automatically adjust the trim angle based on wave conditions, using sensors like capsize sensors, engine speed sensors, and cameras to determine the smoothness of the water surface and adjust the bow's position accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the trim is manually changed to raise the bow to reduce water splash, then water splash is reduced, but it is troublesome for the rider and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft system performs self-adjustment of trim by automatically detecting wave conditions through sensors (acceleration sensors, wave height sensors) and controlling the trim actuator to raise the bow when rough waves are detected, eliminating the need for manual rider intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wave conditions through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the trim angle, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing sea conditions without rider input
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the rider knows and manually changes the trim according to wave conditions, then water splash is reduced, but the rider still needs to continuously monitor and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic trim control system continuously monitors wave conditions and adjusts trim in real-time without rider intervention, eliminating the time the rider would spend monitoring and manually adjusting trim throughout the ride
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automatic adjustment of trim throughout the ride, with sensors continuously monitoring wave conditions and the control system continuously adjusting the trim angle as needed, rather than intermittent manual adjustments
3Extent of automation
If automatic wave detection and trim adjustment systems are added, then trim adjustment is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve both wave detection and other functions (such as acceleration sensing for stability control, or engine speed sensing for overall performance monitoring), reducing the need for dedicated separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates wave detection, trim control, and existing watercraft control systems into a unified control architecture, sharing processing resources and control pathways to minimize additional complexity
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 reduces water splash and improves rider comfort by automatically adjusting the trim to match wave conditions, enhancing the riding experience by minimizing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The millimeter radar emits millimeter waves toward the water surface forward of the watercraft, and receives millimeter waves reflected from the water surface. The ultrasonic sensor emits ultrasonic waves toward the water surface forward of the watercraft, and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the water surface.
Implementation Method 2
The capsize sensor detects the capsizing of the hull.
Implementation Method 3
The engine speed sensor detects the rotation speed of an engine.
Implementation Method 4
The acceleration sensor measures the vertical acceleration of the hull.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes a hull, a wave detector to detect wave conditions on a water surface, a trim adjuster to adjust a trim angle of the watercraft, and a controller. The controller is configured or programmed to determine, based on a detection value of the wave detector, whether or not the water surface is smooth and, if it is determined that the water surface is not smooth, control the trim adjuster to increase the trim angle.