Boat Steering System with Reaction Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat operators using electric steering systems for outboard motors lack feedback on external forces such as wind or waves, making it difficult to compensate for these forces during steering, as existing systems do not provide an optimal reaction torque based on the boat's attitude, speed, and yaw rate.
Innovation Solution
A steering system that includes a reaction motor and sensors to detect steering angles and boat behavior, applying a reaction torque to the steering wheel based on the phase of turning, optimizing the torque to enhance operator feedback and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reaction torque is applied to the steering wheel based on steering angle only, then the steering system provides some feedback, but the reaction torque is not optimum to the boat's attitude and speed, making it difficult for the operator to respond appropriately to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reaction torque applied to the steering wheel is continuously adjusted based on detected boat behavior (yaw rate, lateral acceleration) and steering state (initial phase detection). This closed-loop feedback ensures the steering feedback accurately reflects actual external forces acting on the boat, enabling the operator to respond appropriately to wind, waves, and other environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction torque is made dynamic by varying it according to the boat's actual behavior and steering conditions. The system detects yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and determines whether the steering is in an initial phase, then adjusts the reaction torque accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures the feedback remains accurate across different operating conditions, boat speeds, and turning phases.
2Ease of operation
If the steering system does not provide reaction torque feedback, then the system is simple, but the boat operator lacks steering feeling and cannot detect external forces like wind or waves
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by applying reaction torque to the steering wheel that corresponds to external forces detected during boat operation. Sensors detect yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and steering angle, and the control unit processes this information to generate appropriate reaction torque. This feedback mechanism restores the operator's ability to feel external forces such as wind and waves, improving situational awareness without requiring overly complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction torque acts as an intermediary that translates detected external forces into tactile feedback on the steering wheel. The control unit serves as a mediator that processes sensor data and converts it into appropriate torque commands. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the external environment and the operator, providing intuitive steering feeling without directly exposing the operator to the raw external forces.
3Ease of operation
If reaction torque is applied during initial phase of turning, then the operator receives feedback, but the lateral centrifugal force is reduced due to boat tilt, requiring optimized torque calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reaction torque calculation based on the detected steering phase and boat behavior. During the initial phase of turning, when the boat tilts and lateral centrifugal force is reduced, the control unit modifies the torque calculation to account for this reduced force. The system continuously adapts the reaction torque based on real-time detection of yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and steering angle, ensuring accurate feedback throughout the entire turning sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the steering state to determine whether the turning is in an initial phase before applying the reaction torque. By detecting the steering angle and boat behavior in advance, the control unit can pre-calculate the appropriate torque adjustment needed for the initial phase conditions. This preliminary action ensures that the reaction torque is optimally applied from the start of the turn, compensating for the reduced lateral centrifugal force caused by boat tilt.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves the operator's ability to detect and react to external forces by providing a more intuitive steering experience, reducing abrupt changes in boat attitude and behavior during turns.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction motor configured to apply a reaction torque to a steering wheel of the boat in response to external force to the boat
Data Source
AI summary
A steering method for a boat with a marine propulsion unit at the stern is provided in which a reaction torque is applied to a steering wheel in response to external force to the boat. The steering method includes: detecting a steering angle and the behavior of the boat; determining whether or not the turning of the steering wheel is in an initial phase based on the detected steering angle and the behavior of the boat; and applying the reaction torque to the steering wheel in response to the determination.