Boat Control Lever With Electromagnetic Clutch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel command devices with mechanical clutch systems are prone to wear, breakage, and high production costs due to complex constructions, and provide unpleasant mechanical clicks during operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electromagnetic brake system that generates a variable clamping force based on the lever's position, eliminating mechanical components and allowing customizable clutch points and haptic feedback for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical trigger system is used for clutch means, then the lever can identify transition points between operating conditions, but the mechanical components are prone to wear, breakage, and high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trigger system with an electromagnetic brake system. The electromagnetic brake uses magnetic fields generated by an electromagnet to create friction on the lever, eliminating the need for mechanical trigger components. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing a more reliable system without mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to identify clutch points through controlled friction variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters by using an electromagnetic field instead of mechanical contact. The electromagnetic brake allows dynamic adjustment of friction levels through electrical control, enabling the system to identify transition points without the mechanical complexity and reliability issues of traditional trigger systems.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical trigger system is used for clutch means, then the lever can identify transition points, but the construction becomes complex with many components
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic brake system replaces complex mechanical trigger components with a single electromagnetic actuator. This reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to identify clutch points through controlled friction variations that provide tactile feedback to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic brake serves multiple functions: it provides friction-based clutch point identification, enables smooth lever operation, and allows for customizable friction profiles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated mechanical trigger systems.
3Reliability
If mechanical clutch components are used, then the lever can provide clutch points, but the components wear out and require replacement interventions
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical contact-based trigger systems with an electromagnetic brake system, the patent eliminates wear-related failures. The electromagnetic components have no friction-based wear mechanisms, significantly extending component lifespan and eliminating maintenance interventions for clutch system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic brake system requires no maintenance for clutch point identification functionality. The electromagnetic components self-regulate through electrical control without mechanical wear, eliminating the need for replacement interventions that would otherwise be required for mechanical trigger systems.
4Device complexity
If an electromagnetic brake is used instead of mechanical clutch components, then the number of components is reduced, but the system requires electrical power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic brake replaces multiple mechanical components with a single electrically-controlled device. While it introduces electrical power requirements, the overall system complexity is reduced, and the power consumption is minimal compared to the mechanical energy losses in traditional trigger systems.
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
Reduces the risk of breakages and malfunctions, provides a smooth user experience by eliminating mechanical clicks, and allows for customization of lever travel and clutch points, enhancing user satisfaction and adaptability to different vessel constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch means consist of an electromagnetic brake, configured for the generation of a clamping force acting on the lever, so as to brake its travel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Command device for vessels comprising at least one command lever (1) mounted translatable on the command panel of said vessels, in such a way that said lever (1) performs a travel of a certain amplitude (B), during which travel (B) the lever (1) sets the propulsion engines of the vessel according to at least two operating conditions, clutch means being provided which are aimed at identifying the transition from one condition to the other. Said clutch means consist of an electromagnetic brake (3) acting on said lever (1) with a clamping force so as to brake the travel of said lever (1), the clamping force varying based on the current generated by a power supply unit, which current is generated variably based on the position of said lever (1).