Boat Steering Wheel Power Transfer With Battery-Safe Inductive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy and data transmission systems for vessels face challenges in the marine environment due to corrosion from salt spray and the need to protect battery power without overloading it, impacting essential functions like propulsion engine starting.
Innovation Solution
A system with detection means for voltage and current, a control unit to manage energy transmission based on threshold values, and electromagnetic induction transmission means to ensure efficient and safe energy delivery to a smart steering wheel, preventing over-discharge and malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy transmission systems are installed onboard vessels to provide heated steering wheels and other electronic functions, then the functionality and comfort of the vessel are improved, but the aggressive marine environment causes corrosion of metal components and the battery may be overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the battery and the energy-consuming components. The control unit monitors battery voltage and current consumption, and selectively activates or deactivates energy transmission to heated steering wheels, lights, and other electronic functions based on real-time battery status, thereby preventing overloading while maintaining functionality when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected environment for electrical components by using non-conductive materials and sealing mechanisms that isolate metal parts from the corrosive marine atmosphere. The control unit housing and electrical connections are designed to resist salt spray corrosion, effectively creating an inert environment for the electronics despite the aggressive external conditions
2Ease of operation
If energy transmission systems are installed to provide heated steering wheels, then user comfort is improved, but the battery may be excessively discharged, compromising essential functions like propulsion engine starting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors battery voltage and current consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts energy transmission to heated steering wheels and other electronic functions. When battery voltage drops below threshold levels or current consumption exceeds safe limits, the control unit automatically reduces or stops energy transmission to non-essential functions, ensuring essential functions like engine starting remain powered
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing heated steering wheel functionality only when battery conditions permit sufficient power availability. Rather than continuously operating at full capacity, the system provides heating functionality partially - activating it when battery voltage and charge state are adequate, and deactivating or reducing it when battery reserves are low, thus balancing user comfort with battery conservation
3Reliability
If detection means and control units are added to manage energy transmission, then battery protection and system reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated control unit that combines battery voltage monitoring, current consumption measurement, threshold comparison logic, and energy transmission control all in one device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive battery protection and energy management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a multi-functional device that performs various tasks: monitoring battery voltage, measuring current consumption, comparing values against predetermined thresholds, controlling energy transmission to multiple different components (heated steering wheels, lights, pumps), and providing user interface functions. This universal approach allows one component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity
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 effectively transmits energy and data to a smart steering wheel, preventing corrosion and over-discharge, ensuring the integrity of the steering wheel and battery while allowing for intelligent interaction with vessel components.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second transmission means are configured to transmit the electric current from the power source to the exploitation system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting energy and data for vessel steering wheels includes a first part mounted integral with the dashboard of the vessel and a second part mounted integral with the steering wheel, the first part including a first transmission system connected to a power source mounted onboard the vessel. The second part includes a second transmission system connected to a system for exploiting the transmitted energy and data, the first and second transmission systems being configured to transmit the electric current from the power source to the exploitation system. A system for detecting the voltage of the power source and/or the current absorbed by the exploitation system are also provided, a first control unit having a first switch configured to activate/deactivate the connection of the first transmission system to the power source, the first switch being operated on the basis of the value detected by the detection system.