Maneuvering system for watercraft

Abstract

The invention relates to two maneuvering systems, each of which is located in a housing and which are placed as far apart from each other as possible on the stern in order to this enable a watercraft to be moved precisely on the longitudinal axis, laterally, forward / backward and on the vertical axis. By means of a modified throttle and gear lever of the main engines, referred to as a manipulator, which is coupled with the functions of the maneuvering systems and, with the integration of the steering wheel, all of the maneuvering functions and driving modes can be carried out and automated or act in a supportive capacity by means of the controller, or the manual incorporation of the main engines can be permitted at any time by means of an actuator.

Description

CONTINUITY INFORMATION[0001]This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 233,253 filed Apr. 21, 2014, which is a National Phase of International Application No. PCT / CH2012 / 000167 filed Jul. 16, 2012, which claims the benefit of Swiss Application No. CH 1202 / 11 filed Jul. 16, 2011. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates to a maneuvering system for watercraft according to the preamble of the first claim.PRIOR ART[0003]Maneuvering means such as lateral thrust rudders in the form of freestanding propellers or propellers in a tube, centrifugal pumps or jet systems in the bow and in the area of the stern are appropriately known. Their task as simple and efficient course-correction measures or maneuvering aids is to enable a watercraft to rapidly rotate the bow or the stern in an appropriate direction or travel sideways, particularly when maneuvering in narrow ports, in c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a maneuvering system for watercraft that allows for better hydrodynamic performance and easier operation. The system uses thrust forces to move the watercraft around and can be used with swivelable stern-dives, making it safer and more maneuverable. The system also has a "go home" emergency function in case of main engine failure. The housing of the system serves as a buoyancy means and hydrodynamic hull extension. The bottom of the system has improved hydrodynamics, and a movable cap is optionally available to control the inlet of the jet drive. The entire assembly can be mounted in a vibration-damped manner on the stern, reducing noise and vibrations. The positioning of the housing close to the stern ensures better torque effect during maneuvering than swivelable stern-drives or outboard engines.

Problems solved by technology

The increasing desire on the part of skippers to also approach port facilities laterally and maneuver into parking gaps in this way is technically feasible with a bow-and-stern rudder but is tedious for the operator and requires appropriate practice.

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