Boat Maneuvering Joystick with Bidirectional Knobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat maneuvering systems are complex and cumbersome, especially during docking, as they require simultaneous operation of multiple controls, making it difficult for occasional users to handle boats safely and accurately, especially in harsh weather conditions with local winds or currents.
Innovation Solution
A boat maneuvering joystick with a base and a pivoting stick featuring bidirectional control knobs and sensors that allow intuitive operation by detecting positions in a two-dimensional plane, enabling independent control of bow and stern thrusters, and a telescopic design that adjusts propulsion force based on the stick's position, simplifying docking and cruising modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple controls are used for propulsion and thrust, then the boat can be maneuvered with adequate control, but the operation becomes complex and difficult for occasional users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (propulsion, bow thruster, stern thruster, rudder) into a single joystick device. The joystick integrates these controls by using a main stick for propulsion direction and magnitude, while additional control knobs or twist motions on the same joystick control the thrusters and rudder, eliminating the need for separate control devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick is designed as a universal control device that performs multiple functions simultaneously. It can control the main propulsion engine, bow thruster, stern thruster, and rudder all through one device, making it adaptable to different maneuvering situations (docking, cruising, low-speed operations) without requiring switching between different controls.
2Ease of operation
If the boat pivots around its main vertical axis in response to joystick twist, then the boat can be positioned, but the stern may drift away from the quay during docking in local wind or current
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into independent control elements: the main joystick stick for propulsion, separate control knobs for bow and stern thrusters, and rudder control. This segmentation allows the operator to independently control each maneuvering function, enabling precise adjustment of the stern position without unwanted pivoting when docking against wind or current.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using joystick twist to control boat pivoting (which causes the stern to drift away), the patent inverts the approach by providing direct control of the stern thruster through a separate control knob. This allows the operator to counteract wind or current effects on the stern directly, rather than indirectly through pivoting motion.
3Ease of operation
If a single control device is used for all maneuvering functions, then the operation becomes simpler, but the control precision for each function may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick control adds dimensional complexity to a single device: the main stick provides two-dimensional control (fore-aft and port-starboard), while additional control knobs or twist motions add further degrees of freedom for thruster and rudder control. This multi-dimensional control architecture maintains precision for each function while keeping all controls integrated in one device.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat maneuvering joystick, system and method for maneuvering a boat. The joystick has a base with sensors arranged for detecting a position of the maneuvering stick. The maneuvering stick comprises a first bidirectional control knob and a second bidirectional control knob, arranged movably relative each other. The joystick comprises first control sensors detecting a first position of the first bidirectional control knob and second control sensors detecting a second position of the stern control knob. The system comprises a maneuvering control unit comprising a bow thruster output terminal and a propulsion output terminal. The maneuvering control unit is arranged for receiving position, first and second control signals and calculating a bow thruster signal and a propulsion signal. A dual mode joystick is also shown.