360-Degree Outboard Motor Control for Shiftless Watercraft Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard motors on watercrafts with limited steering angles cause audible and tactile shocks during gear shifts, especially in smaller vessels, due to frequent changes between forward and reverse gears for low-speed maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing outboard motors with a 360-degree steering range and a control system that allows for net zero thrust by orienting propellers in directly opposed orientations when the joystick is in its default position, and transitioning to net forward thrust without gear changes upon joystick manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional outboard motors with limited steering angles are used, then the watercraft can perform basic maneuvering, but audible and tactile shocks occur during gear shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering angle parameter from conventional limited angles (typically ±30 degrees) to a full 360-degree range. This allows the propellers to be oriented in directly opposed positions to generate counteracting thrusts, enabling the system to produce net zero thrust without requiring gear shifts, thereby eliminating the associated shocks and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering angles of the outboard motors continuously to modulate thrust output. By varying the angular positions of the propellers, the system can smoothly transition between different thrust levels including zero thrust, avoiding the discrete gear changes that cause mechanical shocks.
2Speed
If frequent gear shifts are performed for low-speed maneuvers, then the watercraft can achieve precise speed control, but audible and tactile shocks are generated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing gear parameters to control speed, the system changes the steering angle parameter of the outboard motors. By adjusting the angle at which propellers face relative to the watercraft's direction of travel, the system can modulate the effective thrust component in any desired direction, achieving precise low-speed control without gear engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear shifting system with a steerable propeller system. Rather than using mechanical transmission changes to control thrust magnitude and direction, the system uses hydraulic or electric steering mechanisms to orient propellers, substituting a smoother, shock-free mechanical system for one prone to impacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outboard motors are shifted into and out of gear for each maneuver, then the watercraft can change thrust direction, but shock and vibration are transmitted to the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses steering angle as the primary control parameter for thrust direction rather than gear selection. By rotating the outboard motors through their full 360-degree range, the propellers can be oriented to generate thrust in any direction relative to the watercraft, including directly opposed orientations for canceling thrust, providing versatile maneuvering without mechanical gear changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control system for a watercraft can provide various modes of joystick propulsion control including cruise control, sub-idle watercraft speed operation, composite lateral propulsion, and shiftless docking maneuvers. The system can be used with outboard motors having 360-degree rotatable lower units.