Boat Propulsion Steering Patterns to Prevent Propeller Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat control systems with multiple propulsion devices can experience propeller interference when their turning ranges overlap, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A boat control system with a controller that determines a turning pattern to prevent interference by adjusting the steering angles of overlapping propulsion devices based on current and target angle relationships, using sensors to detect angles and execute a steering angle change process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two boat propulsion devices are located close to each other to improve space utilization, then the area occupied by the boat is reduced, but the propeller of one propulsion device may interfere with the other propulsion device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering angles of the propulsion devices adjustable and time-dependent. The control device dynamically changes the steering angles during operation to prevent propeller interference, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the operational state and spatial relationships between propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering angle parameters of the propulsion devices to avoid interference. By adjusting these angular parameters in real-time based on detected spatial relationships, the system maintains close positioning of propulsion devices while preventing harmful propeller interactions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering angles of propulsion devices are adjusted to prevent propeller interference, then propeller interference is eliminated, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using detection devices to continuously monitor the spatial relationships and steering angles of propulsion devices. This feedback information is fed back to the control device, which automatically adjusts the steering angles to prevent interference, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through automated regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting potential interference conditions and adjusting steering angles without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and makes necessary corrections autonomously, reducing the burden on external control mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering angles are dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal turning patterns, then propeller interference is prevented, but the response time and operational speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing turning patterns that prevent propeller interference. The control device detects the current spatial relationships and proactively selects appropriate turning patterns before interference occurs, allowing for smoother transitions and maintaining operational speed by avoiding reactive corrections.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat control system includes first and second boat propulsion devices each turnable about a steering axis and having overlapping turning ranges, a controller, an operator, and a sensor to detect steering angles of the first and second boat propulsion devices. When an operation is accepted by the operator, the controller is configured or programmed to perform a pattern determination process to determine a turning pattern in which the first and second boat propulsion devices do not interfere with each other based on a current angle relationship between the steering angles of the first and second boat propulsion devices and a target angle relationship corresponding to the operation accepted by the operator, and to perform a steering angle change process to change the relationship between the steering angles of the first and second boat propulsion devices to the target angle relationship.