Steering Wheel Torque Detection for Manual Autopilot Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autopilot systems in mobile structures require manual disengagement through buttons or screens, leading to delays in emergency situations, potentially causing collisions when the autopilot is not quickly disabled.
Innovation Solution
A torque-based autopilot drive release system that uses sensors and logic devices to detect user input on a steering mechanism, automatically disengaging the autopilot when a threshold torque level is exceeded, distinguishing between user-applied force and external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disengagement through buttons or screens is used, then the autopilot can be controlled, but the response time is delayed in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring steering torque and preparing to disengage the autopilot automatically when a threshold is exceeded. This eliminates the need for manual button pressing during emergencies, as the system is already positioned to act immediately upon detecting the disengagement condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The autopilot system serves itself by automatically detecting when manual intervention is needed through torque sensing and autonomously disengaging without requiring the operator to manually operate controls. The system monitors its own operational state and self-corrects by disengaging when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the autopilot remains engaged during manual steering, then automated control is maintained, but collision risk increases due to delayed disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from torque sensors to continuously monitor steering input and automatically disengage the autopilot when the operator applies sufficient torque. This feedback mechanism ensures the autopilot remains engaged during normal automated operation but immediately disengages when manual intervention is detected, eliminating the harmful delay that creates collision risk.
3Loss of time
If torque threshold is set low, then autopilot disengages quickly for manual control, but false disengagement may occur from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by using multiple sensors (torque sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) to dynamically evaluate the situation before disengagement. Rather than relying on a single static torque threshold, the system analyzes the dynamic characteristics of the applied force to distinguish between intentional steering input and external forces, ensuring reliable disengagement only when appropriate.
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
Enables rapid and reliable disengagement of the autopilot, reducing the risk of collisions and improving safety by allowing immediate manual control during critical situations without the need for additional user input.
Implementation Method 1
The torque sensing unit may include a strain gauge that detects a force or torque applied to a steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to disengage an autopilot drive of a mobile structure based on a steering wheel torque applied manually by a user. A system includes a logic device in communication with a torque sensor unit, such as a strain gauge, load pin, or load cell. Sensor data and/or signals provided by the TSU are used to determine a force applied to a steering mechanism of the mobile structure while the mobile structure is on a heading provided by an autopilot drive of the mobile structure. The force may be a torque applied to the steering mechanism corresponding to manual control of the mobile structure. The system disengages the autopilot device of the mobile structure based, at least in part, on the determined force.