373results about "Steering initiations" patented technology

An electric power assisted steering assembly comprises a steering mechanism which operatively connects a steering wheel to the roadwheels of a vehicle, a torque sensing means adapted to produce a first output signal indicative of the torque carried by a portion of the steering mechanism, a means for producing a second output signal indicative from a signal indicative of the angular velocity of the portion of the steering mechanism, an electric motor operatively connected to the steering mechanism, a signal processing unit adapted to receive the two output signals and to produce therefrom an overall torque demand signal representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism by the motor, and a motor drive stage adapted to provide a drive current to the motor responsive to the torque demand signal. The overall torque demand signal includes a damping component that is dependent upon the second output signal. The means for producing the yaw damping component includes a filter having one pole and one zero, and in use the second signal is passed through the filter to produce the damping component, the frequency of the pole and zero being selected such that the filter provides a band between the pole and zero within which the phase of the filtered second signal and the velocity signal are further out of phase or in phase than within the band.

An input device for navigational control of a marine vessel has processing circuitry to obtain a requested input device input in response to a maneuvering of the input device; obtain a distance between the marine vessel and a closest obstacle located in a direction indicated by the requested input device input; and control saturation of the input device at least based on the distance. The processing circuitry is integrated in the input device and configured to control the saturation independently of control circuitry of the marine vessel external to the input device.

A marine drive may include a frame configured to support the marine drive with respect to the marine vessel, a cowling enclosing a portion of the frame in a cowling interior, a steering arm configured such that movement of the steering arm causes rotation of the marine drive with respect to the steering axis, and a flexible rigging connector extending from the cowling interior to a location in the marine vessel. The flexible rigging connector may extend through a guide passage in the steering arm. Additionally or alternatively, the steering arm may include a base member and a mounting member selectively movable relative to the base member to adjust the length of the steering arm.

A system includes a vision system camera mounted to a marine vessel with an associated field of view of the vessel's environment. The system receives image data from the camera and identifies waves in the marine vessel's environment based on the image data. When the system determines that a wave's height exceeds a threshold and that the current heading of the marine vessel is misaligned with the wave's heading, the system automatically adjusts the vessel's heading to align more closely with the wave's heading.

A computer system has processing circuitry to control a force feedback unit to progressively increase a force feedback applied to the input device in response to a manual maneuvering of the input device towards a virtual stop position being defined in between an equilibrium position and a mechanical end position of the input device. The virtual stop position is a software-defined set point acting as an intermediate trigger for the input device. The force feedback is progressively increased until it reaches a maximum force feedback at the virtual stop position; and control the force feedback unit to reduce the force feedback applied to the input device at the virtual stop position in response to a force of a manual maneuvering of the input device exceeding the maximum force feedback value.

A method for maintaining a marine vessel at a target position in a body of water, the method being carried out by a processing system and including: estimating at least one roughness condition of the body of water based on measurements related to an attitude of the marine vessel; calculating a desired linear velocity based on a difference between an actual position of the marine vessel and the target position; filtering an actual linear velocity of the marine vessel based on the roughness conditions; and operating a propulsion system of the marine vessel to move the marine vessel to minimize a difference between the desired linear velocity and the filtered actual linear velocity. A method for maintaining a marine vessel at a target heading in a body of water is also disclosed.

A device for steering a trolling motor of a watercraft is provided. The device comprises a housing and a joystick attached to the housing, pivotably supported for movement from a neutral position in directions radial to an axis of the joystick. The movement from the neutral position generates a steering command for the trolling motor. The device has a transmitter within the housing and a processor communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the joystick. The device may further include a memory including a computer program code. The computer program code is configured when executed by the processor to receive movement data from the joystick, generate a steering command from the movement data, and transmit the steering command to the trolling motor. The steering command causes the trolling motor to rotate to aim in the steer direction to cause the watercraft to travel based on the joystick movement.

The utility model provides a steering system based on a yoke steering wheel and electronic steering gear box connecting structure, which comprises a steering unit, a steering unit and a control unit, the steering unit comprises a yoke steering wheel, an electronic steering gear box and a limiting mechanism, the steering unit and the control unit are installed in a ship cockpit, the steering unit is installed on a stern, and the electronic steering gear box is installed on the steering unit. The steering unit and the steering unit are both in electric control and communication connection with the control unit, and the control unit receives user operation information and actual steering data and outputs corresponding adjusting instructions through a PID algorithm. The connecting structure is compact in design, an electronic feedback system is strictly closed, the accuracy and reliability of the steering process are guaranteed, and the control performance of the ship is improved.

A watercraft propulsion system includes a first propulsion device attachable to a hull, a second propulsion device attachable to the hull adjacent to the first propulsion device, a first steering device to steer the first propulsion device, a second steering device to steer the second propulsion device, and a controller configured or programmed to control the first propulsion device, the second propulsion device, the first steering device, and the second steering device. The controller is configured or programmed to determine whether or not a predetermined load torque increase condition is satisfied in which a steering load torque of the second propulsion device is likely to be increased by a water jet generated by the first propulsion device, and to perform a propulsive force restricting control to restrict the propulsive forces of the first propulsion device and the second propulsion device if the predetermined load torque increase condition is satisfied.

To provide a water floating body improving safety during autonomous navigation or remote operation.SOLUTION: A water floating body capable of autonomous navigation includes an operation unit provided on the water floating body and operated to maneuver the water floating body, a navigation unit for generating propulsion force and having the water floating body navigated in the desired direction, a communication unit for communicating with an operation terminal, a control unit to control the navigation unit to have the water floating body carry out autonomous navigation, the control unit stops autonomous navigation when an operation signal from one of the operation unit and the operation terminal during autonomous navigation and the water floating body controls the navigation unit based on the operation signal with high priority regarding respective operation signals of the operation unit and the operation terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

A boat control system controls a boat. The boat control system includes a boat propulsion device and an operation device. The boat propulsion device includes an electric motor and a first controller that controls the drive of the electric motor. The operation device accepts operations. The operation device outputs an operation signal in response to the operation. The first controller switches between a first steering mode in which the first controller controls the drive of the electric motor based on the operation signal and a second steering mode in which the first controller controls the drive of the electric motor based on an automatic control signal to automatically direct the boat to a destination point.

A watercraft operating system includes a plurality of marine propulsion devices, a joystick, a thrust selector, and a controller. The thrust selector is operable to select one of a plurality of thrust modes including a limiting mode, which limits a forward thrust and a rearward thrust, and a non-limiting mode which does not limit at least one of the forward thrust and the rearward thrust. The forward thrust is generated by each of the plurality of marine propulsion devices when the joystick is tilted forward, whereas the rearward thrust is generated when the joystick is tilted rearward. The controller is configured or programmed to control a rudder angle and an output of each of the plurality of marine propulsion devices in accordance with the selected thrust mode, a tilt direction of the joystick, and a tilt amount of the joystick.

A marine rotating seat control device integrated with a portable function box comprises a power module, a propeller controller, a seat and the function box. The power supply module and the propeller controller are integrated in the functional box, and the seat and the functional box are connected through the rotating base; a first connecting seat of the rotating base is fixedly connected with the seat base, and a second connecting seat of the rotating base is fixedly connected with the top surface of the functional box; the first connecting seat is in running fit with the second connecting seat; an angle sensor used for detecting the rotating angle of the seat is installed on the rotating base and electrically connected with the propeller controller. The driving direction of the ship is controlled through the rotating seat, a new mode for controlling the ship is provided for water traveling enthusiasts, an operator can control the moving direction of the ship by only sitting on the rotating seat and twisting the seat, new experience is brought to the operator, and the navigation fun is increased.

A system for controlling a marine vessel comprises an input device for inputting an operator command, a sensor which senses and signals an engine function variable or a vessel dynamic variable, and a first structural element and a second structural element. The first structural element and the second structural element each control speed or direction of motion of the marine vessel, and the first structural element and the second structural element each affect the marine vessel dynamic variable. There is a controller which receives the operator command and the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable. The controller moves the first structural element and the second structural element based on the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable, after receiving the single operator command.

The application discloses a control method, a power device, a steering wheel, a propulsion system, a water area movable device and a computer readable storage medium. The control method is applied to an electric steering scene and includes the following steps: if it is detected that a current rotation angle of a steering wheel exceeds a rotation limit angle, a return torque is output to the steering wheel by a return mechanism, and the return torque is used for returning the steering wheel to a limit position corresponding to the rotation limit angle; and during the returning of the steering wheel from a current position to the limit position, the return torque changes according to an output time of the return torque or a rotation stroke of the steering wheel, so that the power consumption of the steering wheel in the over-limit return process can be reduced.

While hull-home and operating in a heading adjustment mode, the control system of the disclosed craft receives indications of a target craft heading and an observed craft heading. Embodiments include determining that the difference in heading is above a threshold, determining an adjusted wing-affixed control setting for affecting a change in the observed heading of the craft based on at least (a) sensed environmental conditions, (b) the initial wing- affixed control setting, (c) the target craft heading, and (d) the observed craft heading; and operating wing-affixed control element(s) according to the adjusted wing-affixed control setting to change the observed heading of the craft to the target craft heading. After determining that the heading difference is not above the threshold heading difference, the wing-affixed control setting is adjusted to forgo affecting further change in the observed heading of the craft.

To provide an automatic guidance method for a vessel, an automatic guidance program for a vessel, an automatic guidance system for a vessel, and a vessel, capable of controlling deviation from a planned route to a certain deviation or less even if disturbance occurs without the necessity of a large amount of calculation.SOLUTION: An automatic guidance method for a vessel using an automatic steering device at least carrying out automatic steering of a traveling vessel includes: a planned route generation step S1 for acquiring a planned route or carrying out calculation for the planned route; a vessel information acquirement step S3 for acquiring a position of the vessel and bow orientation; a pure pursuit calculation step S4 for calculating a target point fulfilling a prescribed condition on a planned route in the proceeding direction of the vessel or calculating orientation of the target point based on the position and the bow orientation; an automatic steering calculation step S5 for calculating the steering angle of the vessel based on the target point or the orientation, and the position or the bow orientation; and a control step S6 for controlling the automatic steering device based on the calculated steering angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

A control system for controlling an operating thrust of an electric propulsion system for a watercraft by a user is disclosed. In an embodiment, the control system comprises a user wearable object and a control module having at least one sensor associated with a sensing region of the control module. The at least one sensor provides a sensed signal indicating whether the user wearable object is located on or within the sensing region. When the sensed signal indicates that the user wearable object is not located on or within the sensing region, the control module generates at least one control signal for controlling the electric propulsion system to operate at a low or no level of thrust. A method of controlling an operating thrust of an electric propulsion system for a watercraft is also disclosed.

To provide a foilboard, in particular an e-foil, which can be ridden by a rider in a seating position and which has a good controllability and is save to use, a foilboard (100), in particular e-foil (10), is proposed comprising a board (11) and a hydrofoil (12), the hydrofoil (12) comprising a mast (13) and at least one wing (14), wherein the mast (13) is attached to an underside (15) of the board (11), wherein the foilboard further comprises a seating device (16) for a rider (17) to sit on, wherein the seating device (16) is arranged on a top side (18) of the board (11), such that the seating device (16) can be rolled and / or tilted at least in a forward direction (19) and in a backward direction (20) by the rider (17) to control and / or steer the foilboard.

A marine vessel maneuvering system that is able to avoid a collision with an object includes a controller configured or programmed to function as a judging unit to judge whether or not there is a collision possibility of a collision between an object and a marine vessel, wherein the controller is configured or programmed to execute a deceleration control in response to the judging unit judging that there is the collision possibility.

This ship maneuvering device causes a ship having at least one propulsion device mounted thereon to travel along a scheduled course. The ship maneuvering device is provided with a control unit. The control unit acquires an azimuth deviation between an actual bow azimuth, which is the current bow azimuth of the ship, and a target bow azimuth of the ship, and, on the basis of the azimuth deviation, generates a thrust command that indicates the thrust with which the ship is to be propelled. In the case where the azimuth deviation is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, the control unit generates a thrust command such that causes the speed of the ship is reduced below an actual speed which is the current speed of the ship.

The utility model discloses a rudder with a quick disassembly and assembly function, and relates to the technical field of rudders. The wheel comprises a mounting sleeve, a mounting seat, a rotating wheel, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of handles, first limiting grooves corresponding to the spokes are formed in the side faces between the mounting sleeve and the mounting seat, grooves corresponding to the spokes are formed in the inner walls of the first limiting grooves, clamping blocks are arranged at one ends of the spokes in a sleeving mode, and the spokes are rotationally matched with the clamping blocks. Spring collision beads are embedded in the side faces of the first limiting grooves in the mounting sleeves, and a plurality of positioning grooves corresponding to the spring collision beads are formed in the circumferential array of the side face of the spoke. When the handle needs to be replaced, the spoke is rotated, the handle is driven to slide and pushed out of the second limiting groove, the handle is conveniently and rapidly disassembled, one end of the handle is limited in the second limiting groove, the situation that when an operator operates the handle, the handle is pushed to rotate, and consequently the handle is loosened or falls off is avoided, and the handle installation stability is conveniently improved; and the replacement convenience is improved.

Improvement of a ship propulsion system that issues a warning for the auxiliary ship propulsion unit in a ship having a main propulsion unit and an auxiliary ship propulsion unit. [Solution] The ship propulsion system comprises a ship's main propulsion engine, a ship's auxiliary propulsion engine having a maximum output smaller than the maximum output of the ship's main propulsion engine, and a controller provided in the ship's auxiliary propulsion engine. The controller performs a notification process to notify an external party if an abnormality occurs in the ship's auxiliary propulsion engine.

An attitude detection device includes a rudder angle sensor, a speed sensor, an inertia sensor, and a control device. The rudder angle sensor detects a rudder angle of a ship. The speed sensor detects a speed of the ship. The inertia sensor detects information related to an inertial force applied to the ship. The control device finds a centrifugal force applied to the ship on the basis of a signal output from each of the rudder angle sensor and the speed sensor. The control device acquires an inclination of the ship on the basis of the signal output from the inertia sensor. The control device corrects the inclination of the ship on the basis of the output of the inertia sensor according to the centrifugal force applied to the ship.

A personal watercraft is provided that comprises a hull, a deck, a handlebar, a steering column and a frame. The deck is provided to the hull. The handlebar has a steering shaft. The steering column rotatably supports the steering shaft. The frame is disposed between the hull and the deck and supports the steering column.

A member for supporting a vehicle or watercraft steering wheel, the member including a fixed support device, firmly connected in rotation, to said vehicle, or watercraft, and a device supporting the steering wheel that is rotatable with the steering wheel and connected to a device for transmission of rotation of the steering wheel towards, or to, a device for directing said vehicle, or watercraft, and a device that carries an aid device to the pilot of the vehicle, or watercraft. The carrying device is in a fixed, or firm, condition, in rotation with respect to the steering wheel, so as to allow an easy operation or displaying of the aid device for any position taken by the steering wheel.

This invention provides an automated ship handling system and ship control method that can perform appropriate ship handling according to the situation. [Solution] The automatic ship handling system (2) includes a ship (1) with a propeller (20), a steering device (30), a position sensor (46), a camera (44) that takes images of the area around the ship, and a controller (41) that performs automatic ship handling control to control the propeller and steering device for automatic ship handling from the departure point to the destination. The automatic ship handling control includes camera ship handling control, which controls the propeller and steering device by performing recognition processing on images acquired by the camera, and position sensor ship handling control, which controls the propeller and steering device based on position information acquired by the position sensor. If the position sensor fails within a predetermined water area where automatic ship handling is possible using only camera ship handling control, the controller directs the ship to a predetermined target position within the predetermined water area where the failure occurred using camera ship handling control.

An automatic watercraft maneuvering system includes a watercraft and a communication device.