Integrated Boat Steering Wheel with On-Handle Throttle and Shift Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boats require operators to take their hands off the steering wheel to perform throttle and shift operations, making smooth steering and throttle operations challenging, especially for inexperienced users.
Innovation Solution
A boat design featuring a steering wheel with integrated operator units that allow for throttle and shift operations to be performed without removing hands from the wheel, using a circular or arcuate shape with bilaterally symmetrical operators for right and left-hand use, and an electric power steering actuator to reduce turning load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the throttle operator is located at a position spaced apart from the handle, then the throttle operation can be performed separately, but the operator must take hands off the handle to perform throttle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the throttle operator with the steering handle into an integrated unit. The throttle operator is positioned on the handle such that both steering and throttle operations can be performed simultaneously with both hands on the handle, eliminating the need to take hands off the steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the steering control (handle) and incorporates the throttle operator. This multi-functional design allows the single component to perform both directional control and speed control operations.
2Device complexity
If the handle and throttle operator are spaced apart, then distinct control functions are provided, but smooth steering and throttle operations require sufficient experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle and throttle operator into a single integrated control unit. This integration allows inexperienced operators to perform smooth steering and throttle operations simultaneously without requiring extensive experience, as both controls are within easy reach on the same handle structure.
3Ease of operation
If operators are integrated on the steering wheel, then hands remain on the wheel for continuous control, but the operator unit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering handle is designed as a multi-functional unit that incorporates both steering control and throttle operation capabilities. This universal design integrates multiple functions into a single structure, maintaining ease of continuous control while managing complexity through functional integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates smooth and efficient steering, throttle, and shift operations by allowing simultaneous manipulation of the propulsion unit without hand switching, reducing the force required for operation and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power steering actuator to reduce turning load
Data Source
AI summary
A boat includes a boat body, a propulsion unit, a steering wheel that turns about a first turning axis and has a circular or substantially circular shape or an arcuate or substantially arcuate shape about the first turning axis, and an operator unit on the steering wheel including a first operator which is located in a first direction with respect to the first turning axis and a second operator which is located in a second direction with respect to the first turning axis, and that performs a throttle operation and a shift operation on the propulsion unit.