Boat Steering Control Device Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering control systems for watercrafts are cumbersome and require additional components like universal joints, which cause misalignment and discomfort during steering due to the need for tilting the steering wheel, leading to increased encumbrance both above and below the bridge.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable steering control device with a drive shaft and control signal generating unit mounted using coaxial and diametrically opposite pivots, allowing the assembly to tilt perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, integrated with a case that tilts together, maintaining alignment and reducing encumbrance by keeping transmission elements within the bridge compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal joint is used to couple the steering wheel hub to the drive shaft to enable tilting, then the steering wheel can be tilted to different angles, but the distance between the steering wheel and bridge increases and the alignment between the wheel hub and drive shaft is compromised causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive shaft and steering wheel hub into a single integrated assembly that tilts as one unit. The drive shaft is mounted on pivots within the bridge structure, and the steering wheel hub is directly coupled to the drive shaft output, eliminating the need for a separate universal joint. This integration maintains alignment between the drive shaft and wheel hub while enabling tilt angle adjustment, thus improving steering comfort while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal joint is interposed between the drive shaft and steering wheel to enable tilting, then the steering wheel can be tilted, but additional components increase encumbrance both above and below the bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive shaft, steering wheel hub, and tilting mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The drive shaft is mounted directly on pivots within the bridge structure, and the steering wheel hub is coupled to the drive shaft output without intermediate universal joints. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate universal joints and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing device complexity and encumbrance both above and below the bridge while maintaining the ability to adjust tilt angles.
3Area of stationary object
If the case housing the drive shaft and control signal generating device is completely arranged underneath the bridge, then space above the bridge is freed, but access to transmission elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission system into two parts: the drive shaft and control signal generating device are mounted within the bridge structure on pivots, while the steering wheel hub and associated transmission elements extend above the bridge. This segmentation allows the majority of the system to be housed within the bridge footprint, freeing space above, while the upper portion remains accessible for maintenance and repair of transmission elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering control device for boats comprising a drive shaft (1) whose rotation in one direction or in the opposite direction, by means of a control member, such as a steering wheel or helm mounted or mountable thereon, causes a steering input for an outboard motor or rudder. The steering input is generated by a transmission member, housed into a case (3), able to transmit the rotational motion of the shaft to an actuator, associated or associable to the motor or rudder, through a transmission circuit. The device comprises a first stationary part intended to be fastened on the bridge of the boat and a second movable part integral with the case of the transmission member. The drive shaft and the transmission member are coupled such that the change in the tilt of the shaft by a given angle causes a change in the tilt of the transmission member by the same angle with a corresponding change in the tilt of the case of the transmission member with respect to the stationary part of the device.