Boat Steering System Dynamic Deflection Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat steering systems with electric actuators experience poor operation feel and responsiveness, especially during high direction guide member deflection torque requirements and at varying temperature conditions, leading to impaired steering performance.
Innovation Solution
A boat steering system that includes a controller to calculate a direction guide member deflection angle limit based on detection data from various sensors, ensuring the electric actuator operates within a threshold performance range, and a reaction motor to increase reaction force as the deflection angle approaches the limit, thereby maintaining responsive steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric actuator is used to deflect the direction guide member, then the steering operation feel can be lighter, but the responsiveness deteriorates when larger output is required for direction guide member deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the direction guide member deflection angle limit variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the deflection angle limit based on detected boat conditions (speed, acceleration, deceleration, propulsive force) and electric actuator status (temperature). This allows the system to optimize between operation feel and responsiveness by adapting the deflection limit to current operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between lighter steering feel and maintained responsiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the direction guide member deflection angle limit is increased to improve steering range, then the steering capability is enhanced, but the electric actuator performance deteriorates due to exceeding threshold performance level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring boat running status and electric actuator temperature, then using this information to adjust the direction guide member deflection angle limit. The controller receives detection data from detectors and dynamically sets the deflection angle limit to ensure the electric actuator operates within its threshold performance level. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable actuator performance while maximizing the usable steering range under different operating conditions.
3Temperature
If the motor operates at high temperature, then the motor characteristics change to provide lower torque, but the direction guide member deflection force requirement remains the same, resulting in impaired responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing the direction guide member deflection angle limit when the electric actuator temperature increases. Before the temperature causes significant performance degradation, the controller preemptively adjusts the deflection angle limit to a value that ensures the actuator can still meet the threshold performance level. This prevents the responsiveness impairment that would occur if the actuator operated beyond its temperature-compensated capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat steering system provides an operator with excellent efficiency and an excellent operation feel during direction guide member deflection by considering and making adjustments based on a running status of the boat. An ECU controls a direction guide member deflection angle limit. The ECU includes and/or communicates with detectors and the like for detecting one or more of an operation status corresponding to a steering wheel operation, a running status of the boat, recognizing a status of an outboard motor, and detecting a status of an electric motor that rotates an outboard motor. The ECU also controls a direction guide member deflection angle limit based on one or more of the detection values.