Electronic Gearcase for Multi-Motor Craft Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multi-motor craft maneuvers in restricted spaces are complex, expensive, and require pilots to compensate for craft dynamics and external disturbances like wind and current, lacking intuitive control and adaptive calibration.
Innovation Solution
A system using fuzzy logic processing and sensing means to generate control signals for propelling and maneuvering actuators, compensating for disturbances and maintaining selected positions and orientations, applicable to various propulsion types and easily retrofittable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direct one-to-one relationship between control movements and propelling means settings is used, then the control system is simple, but the pilot must manually compensate for craft dynamics and external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic gearcase as an intermediary device between the joystick control and the propelling means. This electronic gearcase processes control signals, incorporates feedback from sensors about craft dynamics and environmental conditions, and automatically adjusts motor commands to compensate for disturbances. The intermediary layer shields the pilot from complex compensation tasks while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor craft position, orientation, and environmental conditions (current, wind). This feedback information is fed back to the electronic gearcase, which automatically adjusts motor commands to compensate for disturbances. The feedback mechanism enables automatic compensation without increasing pilot workload or operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific propelling means with thrust orientation capacity are used, then the manoeuvre capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic gearcase serves multiple functions: it controls motor thrust magnitude, adjusts thrust orientation through differential motor control, and provides automatic compensation for disturbances. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent achieves enhanced manoeuvre capability without requiring additional specialized propelling equipment, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical orientation mechanisms (such as physically orientable stern motors or outboard motors) with an electronic control system that achieves orientation effects through differential thrust control. This substitution of mechanical orientation with electronic differential control simplifies the propelling system while maintaining manoeuvre capability.
3Device complexity
If manual compensation for craft dynamics and external disturbances is required, then the control system remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors that monitor craft position, orientation, and environmental conditions to automatically adjust motor commands. This feedback mechanism enables the system to reliably compensate for external disturbances such as wind and current, maintaining manoeuvre reliability in adverse conditions without increasing overall control system architecture complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic gearcase performs self-service by automatically detecting disturbances through sensor feedback and generating appropriate compensation commands without pilot intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable operation in adverse conditions while keeping the control system architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system of automatic control of manoeuvre of motor crafts that allows, in a reliable and efficient way, to simplify piloting of multi-motor crafts, particularly in manoeuvres within restricted spaces such as for instance, but not exclusively, during phases of mooring, anchoring, or refuelling. In particular, the system automatically compensates the effects of currents, wind and other possible external disturbances upon the craft motion, performing the required movement or maintaining the position and the bow orientation set by the pilot. The present invention further concerns the related method of automatic control of manoeuvre, the processes of calibrating the system, the apparatuses and instruments apt to perform the method, and the motor crafts provided with such a system.