SMART AIR BOX
The air supply for the box is provided by a stable metal housing pump with a flow rate of 40 l/min and an overpressure of about 1.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.
An important aspect in selecting the pump was using a small, fast, but sufficiently pressure-generating device capable of inflating the boat from a fully deflated state quickly, while also withstanding repeated on-off cycles during pressure maintenance.
Power is supplied via DC 12 V, conventional cigarette lighter adapters, or through a fixed power supply when installed.
After integrating into the air system, the box checks the current pressure on first startup. Based on this data, the software calibrates the probe.
These are the initial reference data. With the app, you can set the desired pressure values on your phone. If SMART AIR BOX PRO+ WiFi is not used, the settings can be made on the OLED display interface. The software calibrates the probe, which later serves as the reference data.
Essentially, three pressure values need to be specified:
- The comfortable operating pressure for us.
- The overpressure value.
Based on our experience, this is 0.02 bar for boats 4-6 m and 0.04 bar for boats over 6 m.
The overpressure value is crucial for the accurate functioning of the probe due to the pressure increase in the device.
- Overpressure protection (venting).
The highest pressure prescribed on the ship’s panel.
After entering the desired pressure values, the box begins the pump cycles. To protect the boat, the pressure is maintained in 60-second periods. Based on my experience, it takes 2 to 5 seconds to achieve the correct air pressure. If the box needs to run longer, the boat is likely damaged, and the pressure loss is so significant that using the box is pointless. After 60 seconds, the software shuts off the box and switches it to standby mode.
Once the desired pressure is reached, the pressure is equalized. The probe performs 25-30 measurements per minute and replaces the missing air if there is a pressure loss of 0.02 bar. The probe measures pressure with an accuracy of 0.01 bar. You can also run a test program in the display menu. In this case, the box increases the pressure several times by 0.02 bar and then performs the drainage correction. If we get correct data every time, the box can be left unattended.
If the boat doesn’t appear to have micro-leaks and maintains pressure noticeably, the box also corrects pressure changes due to temperature variations. This keeps the boat under constant pressure, preventing material fatigue and protecting connection points.
For RIB boats, it’s crucial that the front chamber usually doesn’t come into contact with water, so the pressure increase due to sunlight is much greater. This can also be corrected by using the box.
Adjusting the pressure in the main chambers with an accuracy of 0.01 bar results in significantly higher stability and controllability. This allows safe navigation even at higher speeds.
Even with new or young boats, precise and consistent pressure maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan.
The OLED display of the box or the app constantly shows the current pressure, battery voltage, the on and off status of the pump, and the open or closed state of the vent valve.
No Wi-Fi is required for remote access, just a prepaid SIM card (available for an average of 1000 HUF), enabling an internet connection with the boat anywhere. If the boat’s battery is in good condition, the system can operate for weeks without recharging.
To further protect the boat, a mechanical vent valve was installed to reduce overpressure in case of a critical pressure rise due to software failure or insufficient battery voltage to operate the device.
Installation is carried out after prior consultation with state-of-the-art pneumatic devices, which also function stably under extreme weather conditions.
Direct connection of air chambers can be dangerous if one of the air chambers is damaged. Therefore, all air chambers can be mechanically sectioned. Naturally, the pneumatic system can also be installed under the rigid floor. It is possible to install multiple box types.
