Boat Trim Angle Control Using Speed Change During Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat trim control systems require complex structures, including steering angle sensors, to adjust trim angles during turns, leading to increased turning diameters and reduced water contact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A boat control system that automatically adjusts trim angles based on changes in boat speed, using existing detectors like engine rotational speed and throttle opening sensors, without the need for a steering angle sensor, to control the trim actuator and change the trim changer's orientation to deceleration or acceleration modes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steering angle sensor is added to automatically control trim angle during turns, then the automatic trim control function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing sensors (acceleration sensor, throttle opening sensor) to automatically detect turning conditions and control trim angle without requiring additional steering angle sensors. The boat's own operational parameters are used to infer steering state, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Existing sensors are made multi-functional: the acceleration sensor not only detects linear acceleration for speed control but also detects centrifugal acceleration during turns to determine steering angle. The throttle opening sensor serves both power control and steering detection purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated steering sensors
2Stability of the object's composition
If the trim angle is maintained during turns, then the boat stability is improved, but the turning diameter increases and turning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim angle is dynamically adjusted during turns rather than maintained statically. The system detects turning conditions through acceleration sensors and automatically changes trim angle to optimize both stability and turning performance, allowing the boat to adapt its configuration to the maneuvering state
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary trim angle adjustment before and during the turn initiation phase by detecting changes in acceleration patterns. This proactive adjustment ensures the boat is in the optimal trim configuration when the turn begins, reducing turning diameter and improving efficiency
3Speed
If the contact area between boat body and water surface is reduced during turns, then the speed is improved, but the turning diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the trim angle parameter during turns to optimize the contact area between the boat body and water surface. By adjusting the trim angle based on detected turning conditions, the system increases water contact area to reduce turning diameter while maintaining appropriate speed characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A boat includes a propulsion device that generates, by driving of an engine, a propulsive force to propel a boat body, a trim changer that changes a trim angle of the boat body, a trim actuator that drives the trim changer, and a controller configured or programmed to control operation of the trim actuator based on a value corresponding to a change in a boat speed.