Boat Steering System Automatic Control Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems for boats with three or more propulsion units require operators to manually switch to neutral and restart propulsion units after failure, making it difficult to predict and handle unit failures, especially when trying to return to shore.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with left and right control levers that automatically reconfigure to maintain operation of remaining propulsion units if one fails, allowing continued control and propulsion without needing to manually switch or restart units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually returns levers to neutral and restarts failed propulsion units, then the propulsion units can be restarted, but the operator cannot predict which unit will fail and how to handle it efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects failed propulsion units and reallocates control lever associations without operator intervention. The controller monitors main switch states and autonomously reconfigures the control system to maintain boat operability, eliminating the need for manual neutral positioning and restart attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever associations are dynamically reconfigured based on the operational status of propulsion units. When a unit fails, the system automatically adjusts which lever controls which propulsion unit, allowing flexible adaptation to different failure scenarios while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator tilts the failed propulsion unit up and uses remaining units to return to port, then the boat can return to shore, but the operator loses predictable control and must manually manage each unit
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the reallocation of control associations when propulsion units fail. The system monitors which units are operational and autonomously reconfigures which levers control which units, eliminating the need for the operator to manually manage each unit's control assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control levers maintain their universal control function across different failure scenarios. The same two levers can control different combinations of propulsion units depending on which units are operational, providing multi-functional adaptability without increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses two control levers for three propulsion units, then the operator can control all units with fewer levers, but the operator cannot predict which unit will fail or how the failure impacts control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operational status of each propulsion unit through main switches and automatically provides feedback by reconfiguring control associations. This feedback mechanism informs the operator of failure impacts through the system's automatic response, eliminating the need for the operator to predict or understand the specific control implications of each failure mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for a boat with three or more propulsion units allows the operator to operate the boat in the same manner before and after a failure of one of the propulsion units. The steering system includes not more than two control levers to control three or more propulsion units. A controller can automatically change the control arrangement between the two control levers and the propulsion units when any of the propulsion units is turned off.