Dynamic Display Scale for Ship Command Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing command transmitters for ship propulsion systems are limited to a single driving program, leading to unclear and cluttered displays when attempting to implement multiple programs, increasing the risk of incorrect command selection and resulting in high production and maintenance costs due to mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A command transmitter with electrical input means, such as a keyboard, for selecting predefined driving programs, featuring a dynamic display field that changes scales electronically, and an adaptive locking mechanism controlled by an electronic control unit, allowing for clear display and selection of commands across multiple programs, utilizing technologies like LCD or e-paper for the display and a stepping motor for the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static display panel with fixed scale is used, then the display is simple and clear for a single driving program, but it cannot display multiple driving programs clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is transformed from a static fixed scale to a dynamic reconfigurable scale that can change according to the selected driving program. The electronic control unit modifies the display panel's scale configuration dynamically, allowing the same physical display to present different scales for different programs (e.g., normal travel, trolling, reverse travel) without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel's parameters (scale division, marking positions, visible range) are changed electronically based on the selected driving program. The electronic control unit adjusts these parameters to optimize the display for each specific program, enabling clear presentation of multiple programs on a single display panel.
2Loss of information
If multiple display fields are provided to show overview and current command, then both overview and current command are visible, but the display becomes cluttered and less clear
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is segmented into functional zones: an overview display field showing historical commands and a current command display field showing the actively selected command. This segmentation allows different types of information to be displayed simultaneously in organized sections, preventing clutter while maintaining clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display utilizes vertical and horizontal spatial arrangement to organize information dimensions. The overview display and current command display are positioned in different spatial zones, allowing both to be visible without overlapping or cluttering each other, thus maintaining information visibility across multiple dimensions.
3Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanism is used for transmitter adjustment lever, then the mechanism is simple and reliable, but manufacturing and maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical locking mechanism is replaced with an electronic locking mechanism controlled by the electronic control unit. The electronic system uses electrical signals to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and wear-prone components while maintaining reliable command selection through electronic control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are added to enable multiple driving programs, then flexibility and adaptability increase, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the display panel, manages the locking mechanism, processes user input, and coordinates the transmitter adjustment lever. This multi-functional approach allows a single integrated unit to handle multiple driving programs without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device 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
Enhances user-friendliness and flexibility by providing a clear and adaptable interface for multiple driving programs, reducing the need for multiple transmitter variants and lowering production costs through software-programmable scales and mechanisms, while maintaining readability even in direct sunlight.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing technologies like LCD or e-paper for the display
Implementation Method 2
utilizing technologies like LCD or e-paper for the display and a stepping motor for the locking mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The sensor has sensor adjustment levers (2) pivotably mounted at a sensor housing (1). The levers are brought into correlation with a corresponding scale (5) of a dynamic display panel (4) of a flat LCD display by a stopping mechanism (3). The scale is arranged at the housing. Electrical input units e.g. keypad (7), are provided for manually selecting predefined driving programs e.g. normal driving program. An electronic control unit (6) displays the scale, which is suited to the selected driving programs, in the display panel. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for remotely controlling a ship drive (2) a computer program product comprising instructions for performing a method for remotely controlling a ship drive.