Dual Steerable Propulsion Control for Marine Vessel Maneuvering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel control systems lack efficient methods for precise control of movement, particularly in navigating complex maneuvers and maintaining distance from objects, often requiring additional propulsion devices and complex sensor integration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first propulsion device steerable about a perpendicular axis closer to the stern and a second propulsion device steerable at least 10 degrees about a perpendicular axis closer to the bow, both controlled by a module that adjusts steering and thrust based on input from various devices like joysticks and sensors to achieve desired movements, including lateral, longitudinal, and rotational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single propulsion device is used for marine vessel maneuvering, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform complex maneuvers and maintain precise position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two independent propulsion devices (first and second propulsion devices) positioned at different locations on the vessel. Each device can be independently controlled to provide thrust in different directions, enabling complex maneuvers such as lateral movement, rotation, and precise positioning that cannot be achieved with a single propulsion device.
2Measurement precision
If additional propulsion devices are added to improve maneuvering precision, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control module merges the control of two propulsion devices into a unified system that responds to operator input through a single interface (joystick or electronic control). The control module processes the operator's maneuvering commands and automatically distributes appropriate thrust commands to both propulsion devices, achieving precise position control while maintaining relatively simple operator interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the thrust output and steering angles of both propulsion devices based on real-time vessel position, orientation, and operator commands. The control module continuously calculates the optimal thrust distribution to achieve the desired vessel movement, allowing adaptive response to changing operational conditions.
3Ease of operation
If propulsion devices are positioned far apart to improve rotational control, then the rotational maneuvering capability is improved, but the power difference between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the propulsion devices by allowing each device to operate at different thrust levels and steering angles independently. The control module balances the power distribution between the two devices based on the specific maneuvering requirements, adjusting the thrust output of each device to minimize power differences while maintaining effective rotational control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are for controlling movement of a marine vessel extending along a longitudinal axis between a bow and a stern and along a lateral axis between a port side and a starboard side, having a first propulsion device located closer to the stern than to the bow and steerable about a first steering axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral axes, a second propulsion device located closer to the bow than to the stern and steerable about a second steering axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral axes. An input device is configured to input a request for movement of the marine vessel. A control module is configured to control steering and thrust of the first and second propulsion devices to achieve a resultant movement of the marine vessel commensurate with the request for movement.