Watercraft position management system & method

Abstract

Movement of a watercraft/vehicle is precisely controlled for operations such as docking, remaining on-station, and rotating about the craft's center of mass. The system uses the primary propulsion units used to operate the watercraft under normal conditions without the need for thrusters. Two or more primary propulsion units are controlled to move the watercraft/vehicle forward/aft, laterally, obliquely lateral and may include rotation as desired. One propulsion unit produces reverse thrust and one propulsion unit produces forward thrust while the propulsion angles of the propulsion units are controlled. A variable length draglink simplifies operation of the system. An engine control unit and user interface generate signals to control the thrust magnitude and propulsion angles of the propulsion units. Movement sensors provide data to the control unit for improved control of the watercraft/vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates primarily to propulsion control systems for watercraft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling multi-propulsion unit systems capable of precisely maneuvering watercraft using the primary propulsion units without the need for thrusters.[0002]In recent years, the popularity of watercraft for sport, recreation, and transportation has increased. As such, various systems for controlling and maneuvering watercraft have been developed. Prior art systems provide a simple means of controlling thrust and turning of a watercraft. More complex systems provide for additional maneuvering capabilities but are prohibitively expensive and typically require thrusters, cannot be easily retrofit to existing watercraft, or they are difficult to operate.[0003]With the increased popularity of watercraft as a sport and recreational activity, watercraft equipment has drastically increased in p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of these prior art position management systems have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive position management system and method which comprises two propulsion units, a steering mechanism for controlling the propulsion angle of the propulsion units, and a unique method of manipulating thrust vectors to achieve precision maneuvering. Additionally the invention comprises art engine control unit for communicating propulsion angle commands and for ...

Problems solved by technology

More complex systems provide for additional maneuvering capabilities but are prohibitively expensive and typically require thrusters, cannot be easily retrofit to existing watercraft, or they are difficult to operate.

While these systems operate satisfactorily for propelling a watercraft in a substantially forward direction, they are less satisfactory in precisely maneuvering the watercraft in tasks such ...

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