Electric Assist Marine Steering Cable Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel steering systems, particularly on smaller vessels, lack cost-effective power-assisted solutions, as hydraulic systems are expensive and mechanical systems are insufficient for larger vessels, necessitating a more affordable and efficient steering control method.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power steering system coupled with a mechanical control system, utilizing an electric motor to apply torque to a mechanical cable assembly, providing steering assist and control, and incorporating a processor for sensor data-driven motor torque commands to enhance operator assistance and autonomous capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic powered steering systems are used, then steering assist capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power steering system with an electric motor-driven steering system. The electric motor (component 20) directly drives the steering cable (component 16) through a reduction gear mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, and fluid lines while providing comparable steering assist capability at lower cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic system components (pump, reservoir, fluid lines) from the steering system, retaining only the essential mechanical cable-driven steering mechanism and adding a compact electric motor to provide the necessary power assist.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical cable assembly is used, then system cost is reduced, but steering assist capability becomes insufficient for larger vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both mechanical and electric systems by combining the simple, cost-effective mechanical cable-driven steering mechanism with a compact electric motor. This hybrid approach maintains the simplicity and low cost of mechanical systems while adding electric power to provide sufficient steering assist for larger vessels.
3Ease of operation
If electric motor applies continuous torque, then steering assist is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when steering assist is required (detected by torque sensors or position sensors) and deactivating when the vessel is sailing straight or steering is not needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining steering assist capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system uses dynamic control where the electric motor's torque output is continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring steering wheel position, torque applied by the operator, and vessel heading, ensuring optimal energy efficiency while maintaining adequate steering assist.
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 electrical power steering system offers cost-effective power assist for marine vessels, enabling efficient steering control across various sizes, reducing operator fatigue, and allowing for semi-autonomous operation, while monitoring cable wear and adjusting torque assist accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to apply a torque to the mechanical cable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system for controlling a marine vessel includes an electrical power steering unit coupled to a mechanical control system, the mechanical control system including a steering wheel connected by a shaft to a mechanical cable assembly, the mechanical cable assembly configured to be actuated by the steering wheel to control a steering mechanism of the marine vessel. The electrical power steering unit includes an electric motor configured to apply a torque to the mechanical cable assembly. The system also includes a processor configured to control the electrical power steering unit to provide at least one of steering assist and control of the marine vessel.