Dual Steering Station Layout for Clear Boat Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual steering systems for fishing boats face visibility issues due to overlapping navigation stations, leading to impaired field of view and increased center of gravity, which affects stability and control, especially in treacherous weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual steering system with an elevated upper steering station positioned behind and above the lower station, allowing operators at both stations to have unobstructed visibility through a designed opening in the superstructure, with a support structure that includes a step or pipework for easy access, and shared control capabilities between stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper navigation station is arranged directly in front of the lower navigation station, then the dual steering system allows operators to navigate from an elevated position, but the operator at the upper station impedes the field of view of the operator at the lower station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the upper navigation station above and behind the lower navigation station, utilizing the vertical and rear dimensions to eliminate the line-of-sight obstruction. This dimensional reconfiguration allows both operators to have unobstructed forward visibility while maintaining the elevated navigation capability at the upper station.
2Ease of operation
If the upper navigation system is arranged directly on top of the lower navigation station, then visibility at the lower station is improved, but the center of gravity of the vessel increases, making the vessel less stable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the upper station directly above the lower station (vertical stacking), the patent positions it above and behind, utilizing the rearward dimension. This separation in the horizontal plane reduces the concentration of weight at the center, thereby minimizing the increase in center of gravity while maintaining the elevated visibility benefit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators stand at both navigation stations, then both stations can be operated simultaneously, but the upper station operator blocks the field of view of the lower station operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the upper station to be positioned above and behind the lower station, using the rearward dimension to create spatial separation. This arrangement allows both operators to stand at their respective stations simultaneously while both have unobstructed forward visibility, enabling versatile simultaneous operation without compromising either operator's field of view.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual steering system and related boat are disclosed herein. The dual steering system includes a lower steering station including a frame extending from the main deck, and a lower control console disposed on and attached to the frame; and an upper steering station including a support having at least a first surface elevated above the main deck and behind the lower control console, a superstructure including an opening extending through bottom and top surfaces of the superstructure and that aligns with the first surface of the support, an upper control console arranged above and behind the lower control console, wherein the first surface of the support is arranged for a person to stand on the first surface in an elevated position above and behind the lower control console and in a position to operate the upper control console.