Electric Ship Steering Linkage Without Hydraulic Oil Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship propulsion steering systems, such as mechanical cable, hydraulic, and electronic-hydraulic systems, face issues like high operational force requirements, complex installations, high maintenance costs, and risks of oil leakage, especially at high speeds and in varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electric steering system with an actuating device and a steering device having no direct mechanical connection, utilizing an electric motor to rotate a link arm and adjust the propeller orientation, allowing for compact, simple, and wireless or wired installation, compatible with various propulsion apparatuses, and capable of operating across temperature extremes with reduced operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical cable steering system is used, then the steering system has a simple structure, but substantial force is needed to operate the steering wheel and the system becomes dangerous at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable steering system with an electric steering system that uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance. The steering wheel is connected to a steering angle sensor that detects rotation and sends signals to a control unit, which then controls the electric motor to assist with steering, eliminating the need for substantial manual force while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the steering wheel and the rudder/propeller. The motor acts as a mediator that amplifies the steering input from the driver, providing assistance force without requiring direct mechanical connection through cables, thus resolving the force requirement issue while maintaining system simplicity.
2Speed
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then the steering response is improved, but the installation becomes complex and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering system with an electric steering system that uses an electric motor and electronic control unit. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic oil circuits, pumps, and associated complex installation requirements, while still achieving fast steering response through electronic control of the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic components (oil circuits, pumps, hoses) from the steering system, retaining only the essential steering function through an electric motor-driven mechanism. This extraction simplifies installation while maintaining steering performance.
3Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then steering control is achieved, but oil leakage risks and high maintenance costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electric motor-driven steering system that uses electrical signals and electromagnetic forces instead of hydraulic fluid. This substitution completely eliminates oil leakage risks while maintaining steering control functionality through the electric motor and control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an electric motor system that uses inexpensive electrical components rather than expensive hydraulic fluids and seals. The electric system has fewer wear-prone parts and no consumable fluids, reducing both maintenance costs and leakage risks.
4Ease of manufacture
If the steering device has direct mechanical connection to the actuating device, then the transmission is straightforward, but the installation position becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connection with wireless or electrical signal transmission between the steering device and actuating device. The steering angle sensor detects wheel rotation and transmits signals electronically to the control unit, which then controls the electric motor. This eliminates mechanical linkage constraints, allowing flexible installation positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical spatial connection to electromagnetic signal transmission, adding the dimension of wireless or electrical communication. This allows the steering device and actuating device to be positioned independently without mechanical linkage constraints, providing installation flexibility.
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 electric steering system provides a compact, low-maintenance solution that reduces operator effort, eliminates complex oil circuits and leakage risks, and adapts to different propulsion systems, ensuring reliable operation at both high and low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device includes an electric motor. The actuating device is configured to control the electric motor to rotate the link arm according to the steering signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electric steering system (1) including a steering device (40), an actuating device (30) and a related method for controlling the electric steering system. The steering device (40) is configured to transmit steering signals in response to user operations. The actuating device (30) is configured to control the electric motor (301) to rotate a link arm (202) according to the steering signal, bringing the rotatable assembly (203) to rotate along an axis of the ship propulsion apparatus (20), thereby adjusting an orientation of the propeller (2034). The actuating device (30) is rotatably coupled to an end of the link arm (202).