Wireless Anemometer with Gimbal for Sailboat Wind Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anemometers used in sailboats become inaccurate when tilted, which is common during sailing, and lack waterproof and durable designs suitable for small sailboats, leading to issues with wind speed and direction measurement and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wireless anemometer with gimbal and inclinometer technology that maintains accuracy when tilted, features a cup-blade design that functions like both cup and propeller anemometers, and is waterproof and durable, allowing for easy installation at the masthead without climbing the mast, with encapsulated electronics and solar power for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anemometers are used on sailboats, then wind speed and direction can be measured, but accuracy deteriorates when the boat heels over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gimbal mechanism that allows the anemometer to dynamically adjust its orientation and maintain a level position regardless of the boat's heel angle. This dynamic adaptation ensures accurate wind measurements whether the boat is upright or tilted, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability to tilted conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inclinometer sensor to detect the boat's heel angle and applies software correction algorithms that adjust the wind measurement parameters based on the detected tilt. This parameter change approach compensates for the effects of heeling, maintaining measurement accuracy across varying boat orientations
2Measurement precision
If anemometers are mounted at the masthead for optimal wind sensing, then installation complexity increases due to mast climbing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation process (mast climbing) with a wireless communication system. The anemometer mounts to the masthead using simple mechanical attachment, then transmits data wirelessly via radio frequency to a receiver on the boat, eliminating the need for complex wiring and mast climbing operations while maintaining optimal wind sensing position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wiring requirement from the installation process by implementing wireless data transmission. This removes the complex electrical connection step, allowing the anemometer to be installed at the masthead using only simple mechanical mounting while maintaining optimal measurement position
3Reliability
If regular anemometers are used on small sailboats, then they lack waterproofing for immersion during capsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof enclosure with sealed construction that protects the electronic components from water immersion during capsizing. The housing acts as a protective shell, allowing the anemometer to be used on small sailboats that may flip, thereby improving reliability in the marine environment while maintaining suitability for small vessel applications
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
Provides accurate wind speed and direction measurements even when the sailboat is heeled, is suitable for small sailboats, and can be easily installed and removed, offering improved navigation data and reduced installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The cup sensor used an existing technology of the day, a mechanical clockworks to record the number of cup rotations in a time period
Implementation Method 2
A wireless anemometer with gimbal and inclinometer technology that maintains accuracy when tilted
Implementation Method 3
A wireless anemometer with gimbal and inclinometer technology that maintains accuracy when tilted
Implementation Method 4
with encapsulated electronics and solar power for data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A machine is disclosed for wind sensing on sailboats. Wind is important for sailing, but sailboats lean away from the wind when under sail. Vertical wind angles reduce the accuracy of existing anemometers. The cup blades disclosed here do not lose rotation speed when heeling over. Since it is now easy to have a sophisticated chartplotter display on a mobile device in waterproof case even on small boats, this waterproof wind sensor is a wireless “appcessory” that can talk to smartphones, tablets, computers, e-readers and marine electronics. The circuit board is encapsulated and is itself the wind direction arrow. A fluxgate compass on the circuit board provides wind direction. The apparatus is solar-powered, so there is no wiring to install or chafe. This allows a further inventive step for raising the anemometer using the mast track without needing to climb up or lower the mast.