Boat Propulsion Steering Accuracy via Angle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat propelling systems using electric motors and reduction gear mechanisms fail to accurately determine operation accuracy due to deterioration from wear, leading to discrepancies between target and actual pivot angles, which affects steering precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A boat propelling system that includes an actual pivot angle detection section, a first information obtaining section for actual pivot angle change, a second information obtaining section for calculated theoretical pivot angle change, and a determination section to compare these values, allowing for the assessment of transmission mechanism accuracy, along with a locking member to prevent unnecessary electric motor usage and a buffer member to absorb impacts, thereby extending mechanism life and maintaining steering accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reduction gear mechanism is used to transmit driving force from the electric motor to the propelling system main body, then the steering control is achieved, but the operation accuracy deteriorates due to wear and deterioration of the reduction gear mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual pivot angle of the propelling system main body and compares it with the target pivot angle. Based on the angle difference, the control section adjusts the drive amount of the electric motor to compensate for accuracy loss due to reduction gear mechanism deterioration, thereby maintaining steering precision despite wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section dynamically changes the drive amount parameter of the electric motor based on the detected angle difference between actual and target pivot angles. This parameter adjustment compensates for the cumulative errors introduced by the reduction gear mechanism, ensuring accurate positioning of the propelling system main body.
2Measurement precision
If the electric motor is continuously operated to maintain steering position, then the steering accuracy is maintained, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the electric motor is operated periodically only when needed to correct pivot angle deviations. The system detects angle differences and activates the motor intermittently to restore accurate positioning, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining steering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detected angle difference information to self-regulate motor operation. When the actual pivot angle matches the target angle, no motor operation is needed. The motor automatically activates only when correction is required, making the system energy-efficient while maintaining precision.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the reduction gear mechanism operates for extended periods, then the steering function is maintained, but the mechanism deteriorates due to wear reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously monitoring the actual pivot angle and comparing it with the target angle, the system detects deviations caused by reduction gear mechanism wear. This feedback enables early detection of deterioration and allows for compensation, maintaining reliable operation even as the mechanism ages and extends its effective service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat propelling system capable of determining operation accuracy of a transmission mechanism includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor provided in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a pivot sensor provided in the electric motor to detect a pivot angle of a motor shaft, a transmission mechanism provided in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an Electronic Control Unit arranged and programmed to control an operation of the boat propelling system.