Propeller-powered watercraft system and method of remote-controlled waterway navigation
US11104410B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H2025/045
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A propeller-powered propulsion system and method of remote-controlled waterway navigation is configured to navigate a waterway in a navigation route while being controlled remotely, and being tracked by a GPS system. The watercraft provides a watercraft body that carries a propeller subassembly having multiple propellers that operate independently of each other for variable propulsion and steering. A mobile communication device transmits a command signal to a receiver in the propeller subassembly. A microcontroller converts the command signal to a speed for each propeller, independently of the other. The propeller speeds create a disproportionate level of thrust from each propeller to enable remote controlled steering of the watercraft toward port and starboard directions, at variable speeds, and preprogrammed navigation routes. The mobile communication device also acquires location data of the watercraft body obtained by a GPS system. The microcontroller processes the location data to automate the navigation of the watercraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.