Integrated Hydraulic Steering Layout for Compact Boat Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering systems for boats and small vessels are cumbersome due to separate construction parts that require long cables and pipes, leading to increased material and installation costs, potential malfunctions, and aesthetic and comfort issues, especially in small boats with outboard motors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated hydraulic steering device with a pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor forming a single body, featuring an integrated tank with a pressure compensation chamber sealed by a membrane, which simplifies the connection of electrical control signals and reduces the need for bulky hydraulic conduits, allowing for a compact and reliable steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate construction parts are used for hydraulic steering systems, then traditional actuator cylinder performance can be maintained, but cable and pipe length increase leading to higher material costs, installation complexity, and potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into a single integrated body, eliminating the need for separate construction parts. This merging reduces the number of external connections required, thereby reducing cable and pipe length, minimizing potential failure points, and improving overall system reliability while maintaining traditional actuator performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate construction parts are mounted at distance on the hull, then traditional steering system functionality is achieved, but material and installation costs increase due to longer cables and pipes
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into one integrated unit, the patent dramatically reduces the quantity of hydraulic conduits and electrical cables required. This integration simplifies installation procedures and reduces material costs while maintaining full steering functionality.
3Reliability
If long sections of pipe and cable are used, then separate parts can be positioned flexibly, but points of potential breakage and malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of hydraulic components into a single body eliminates long external piping and cable runs. By consolidating functions within one compact unit, the patent minimizes the length of stationary connections, thereby reducing potential breakage points and improving system reliability.
4Device complexity
If integrated design is used, then cable complexity is reduced and reliability enhanced, but new design and manufacturing challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into a single body, which reduces cable and conduit complexity. While this integration presents new manufacturing challenges, it eliminates the need for complex external routing and assembly of multiple separate components, ultimately simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 integrated design reduces cable complexity, enhances reliability, and maintains performance, making it suitable for small boats by simplifying the connection of control signals and reducing the bulkiness of hydraulic components, while maintaining traditional actuator cylinder performance and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an oil pressure compensation chamber (27), which chamber is sealed off from the oil containment compartment by means of a movable wall, or a membrane (28)
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump coupled to a drive motor for feeding a drive fluid alternately according to two directions of flow
Implementation Method 3
at least one hydraulic actuator cylinder which is connected to the delivery and return of said pump; said actuator cylinder or the rod of the actuator cylinder being mechanically articulated to a direction variation element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Hydraulic steering device for boats, small vessels or the like, comprising: a hydraulic pump (2) coupled to a drive motor to feed a drive fluid alternately according to two flow directions; at least one hydraulic actuator cylinder (4) connected to the delivery and return of said pump (2); a fluid flow distributor (11) switching the connection of the delivery and suction of said pump alternatively to one of two inlets / outlets of the cylinder (4) communicating with one of the two chambers of said cylinder (4); said actuator cylinder being mechanically articulated (5) to a direction variation member, which steering variation member determines the direction change by modifying its orientation relative to an axis of said boat, said small vessels or the like, preferably to a longitudinal axis; the modification of the orientation of said direction variation organ being implemented by said actuator cylinder (4) according to the supply of hydraulic fluid to said cylinder caused by the operation of the pump (2); and wherein said motor has inputs for a power supply signal for driving said pump to supply the fluid flow according to one of the two directions of flow provided.