Jet Drive Steering Control for Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet drive marine propulsion systems experience reduced or total loss of steering functionality when the manually operated throttle is set to low or idle, leading to off-throttle or off-power steering loss, which can result in reduced maneuverability and control, especially at high speeds or during docking and beaching maneuvers, and prior art solutions often introduce lag and unwanted thrust characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system that maintains a high idle engine speed when the watercraft or amphibian is traveling at or above a determined speed, ensuring continuous steerable thrust without the need for manual throttle input, with the option to deactivate when desired or when speed falls below the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the manually operated throttle is set to low or idle, then fuel consumption is reduced, but steering functionality is lost or reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system preliminarily determines whether steering input is detected and whether the vehicle is traveling above a threshold speed before automatically adjusting the throttle. This preliminary detection and decision-making process enables the system to maintain steering capability by preemptively adjusting engine speed when steering input is detected, rather than waiting for steering loss to occur. The system stores this determination result and uses it to control the throttle actuator, ensuring steering functionality is preserved before it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control system continuously monitors steering device position, vehicle speed, and throttle position. When steering input is detected and the vehicle is traveling above the threshold speed, the control system automatically adjusts the throttle to maintain engine speed above idle, providing feedback-based automatic throttle control that preserves steering functionality while allowing the driver to release the manual throttle.
2Ease of operation
If prior art devices activate off-throttle steering assistance, then steering thrust is restored, but lag and unwanted thrust characteristics occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary determination of steering input and vehicle speed conditions before activation is needed. By continuously monitoring steering device position and vehicle speed and storing the determination result, the system is ready to immediately adjust the throttle when conditions warrant assistance, eliminating the lag experienced in prior art systems that only react after steering loss is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when steering assistance is needed and autonomously adjusting the throttle position and engine speed without requiring driver intervention or complex activation sequences. The control system monitors its own operating conditions and self-corrects the steering thrust deficiency by adjusting the throttle actuator, eliminating the unwanted lag and thrust characteristics of prior art systems.
3Ease of operation
If the throttle is automatically re-applied by the control system, then steering capability is maintained, but intuitive control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system preliminarily determines whether steering input is detected and whether the vehicle is traveling above a threshold speed before automatically adjusting the throttle. This preliminary detection enables the system to distinguish between intentional throttle release (where the driver wants to reduce power) and situations where steering assistance is needed, maintaining intuitive control by only activating assistance when both conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the throttle position and engine speed parameters automatically based on detected conditions, but only when steering input is detected AND the vehicle is traveling above the threshold speed. This conditional parameter adjustment maintains intuitive control by respecting the driver's intent while providing assistance only when genuinely needed, rather than universally overriding driver input.
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
Provides intuitive and continuous steering capability at high speeds, enhancing maneuverability and control while eliminating the lag and unwanted thrust issues associated with prior solutions, allowing for seamless operation without reactivating the throttle.
Implementation Method 1
Propulsion is thus provided by way of a reaction force to the thrust provided by the jet of water ejected via the outlet nozzle
Implementation Method 2
steering of the watercraft or amphibian is effected as a result of the reactionary force to the thrust of the jet exiting the steering nozzle, as steered
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft or amphibian includes a prime mover operable with at least a first and a second idle speed, a marine propulsion device operable to generate thrust when connected to the prime mover, and a determining arrangement for determining whether or not the watercraft or amphibian is operating at or above a determined speed of travel, wherein the second idle speed of the prime mover is higher than the first idle speed, the marine propulsion device generates a steerable thrust when operated by the prime mover at a speed at or above the second idle speed, and wherein the prime mover is operated with the second idle speed when the determining arrangement determines the watercraft or amphibian is operating at or above the determined speed of travel.