Marine Autopilot Helm Sensing for Seamless Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine autopilot systems require complex and time-consuming installations of sensors along hydraulic lines to detect helm movement, disrupting the operation of marine vessels and necessitating frequent disengagement and re-engagement of autopilot control.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit mounted on the helm wheel, wirelessly transmitting helm movement data to marine vessel components, which determine if the movement exceeds a predetermined threshold to temporarily disengage autonomous steering, allowing manual control and re-engaging when conditions are met, using a network of interconnected components including a chart plotter and course control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic flow sensors are installed along hydraulic lines to detect helm movement, then autopilot override capability is achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hydraulic sensing systems with an electronic system. A sensor mounted on the helm wheel detects rotational movement and converts it to electrical signals, which are then processed by a controller to disengage or engage the autopilot. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic flow sensors and plumbing, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining the override capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor unit that acts as a mediator between the helm wheel and the autopilot control system. This sensor unit detects helm movement and communicates with the autopilot controller, serving as a bridge that enables override functionality without requiring direct integration with hydraulic systems. The intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic flow sensors are plumbed in line with steering lines, then helm movement detection is achieved, but installation becomes time-consuming and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive hydraulic sensing approach with a non-invasive electronic sensing system. The sensor mounts directly on the helm wheel exterior or interior without requiring access to hydraulic lines, eliminating time-consuming plumbing work and system shutdowns. Helm movement is detected through electronic sensors that measure rotational position and velocity, maintaining precision without the installation burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function from the hydraulic steering system. Instead of integrating sensors into the hydraulic lines, the sensing function is separated and implemented as an independent electronic system mounted on the helm wheel. This segmentation allows the sensing component to be installed independently without disrupting the hydraulic system, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expensive sensor and control components are wired into the existing network, then autopilot override functionality is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor unit and controller to serve multiple functions. The same sensor that detects helm movement for autopilot override also provides data for monitoring helm activity, logging operator actions, and potentially other navigation functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate expensive components, lowering overall installation costs while maintaining full override functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to be self-contained and self-configuring to the extent possible. It includes onboard processing capabilities that allow it to autonomously determine when autopilot disengagement is required based on predefined criteria, reducing the need for expensive external control components and complex wiring. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on sensor input, minimizing the requirement for additional expensive control electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine autopilot system is disclosed. While in autopilot mode, the marine vessel's autopilot system autonomously steers the marine vessel's rudder. Steering input provided using the helm typically results in counter-steering to the autopilot. If the autopilot is following a current heading or course (route), the autopilot may continue its efforts to remain on the heading or course in response to the deviation caused by steering input to the helm. The disclosed autopilot system improves this problem by including one or more sensors that measure helm movement and wirelessly transmit helm movement data to one or more components of the marine vessel's electronic network. If the operator of the marine vessel manually steers the helm to deviate from a current heading or course, helm movement exceeding a predetermined autopilot disengagement threshold may cause the autopilot control to temporarily disengage, allowing a user to manually steer the marine vessel.