Joystick-Controlled Automatic Docking for Simplified Boat Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic docking devices for boats require complex setup and tuning to match the specifications of individual boats, making their introduction challenging due to numerous setting and adjustment items.
Innovation Solution
An automatic docking device and system that includes a boat propulsor, propulsion direction variable mechanism, and joystick boat maneuvering device, which simplifies the setup by utilizing a joystick boat maneuvering device's propulsion controller to control the boat's movement based on lever operation signals, eliminating the need for complex controller settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional automatic docking device is used, then the boat can be automatically docked, but the setup and tuning process becomes complex requiring numerous setting and adjustment items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic docking control functions with the existing joystick boat maneuvering device's propulsion controller. The automatic docking processor generates lever operation signals that are directly input to the propulsion controller, combining multiple control functions into a single integrated system, thereby reducing setup complexity while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion controller serves dual purposes: it controls the boat propulsor during manual operation via the joystick and automatically executes docking maneuvers when lever operation signals are generated by the automatic docking processor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controller settings, simplifying the overall system setup
2Manufacturing precision
If complex controller settings are required to match individual boat specifications, then the automatic docking device can be precisely tuned, but the introduction and setup process becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing propulsion controller's inherent control capabilities to achieve precise docking without requiring external tuning or configuration. The automatic docking processor generates appropriate lever operation signals that the propulsion controller executes automatically, allowing the system to self-adjust to different boat specifications without complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring fixed complex settings for different boat types, the system dynamically adjusts control parameters through the lever operation signals generated by the automatic docking processor based on real-time boat position and docking target information, enabling precise docking across various boat specifications without manual reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic docking device for automatically docking a boat. The boat includes a boat propulsor configured to generate a propulsion force of the boat, a propulsion direction variable mechanism configured to change a left-right direction of the propulsion force, and a joystick boat maneuvering device including an operation lever, a manual operation processor, and a propulsion controller. The manual operation processor is configured to detect a displacement of the operation lever in a case where the operation lever is operated, and output a lever operation signal corresponding to the detected displacement of the operation lever to the propulsion controller, and the propulsion controller is configured to control the boat propulsor and the propulsion force variable mechanism, based on the lever operation signal, to move the boat.