Marine Vessel Cable Steering System for Tilt-Induced Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for marine vessels with primary and auxiliary propulsion units face issues with cable jamming and reduced motion transmission due to limited rotation and twisting when the primary propulsion unit is tilted, particularly when using cables to couple the propulsion units.
Innovation Solution
A steering system utilizing a push/pull cable that extends through tilt tubes and support rods, allowing for the transmission of steering movements from a primary propulsion unit to an auxiliary propulsion unit while minimizing twisting and enabling independent tilting, using a hydraulic steering assembly with a piston rod and pivot plates to connect the propulsion units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable is used to couple the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit, then the connecting member is flexible and rotatable, but the cable may be limited in rotation and/or unduly twisted when the primary propulsion unit is tilted, resulting in jamming and less motion being transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple segments that can rotate independently relative to each other. Each cable segment is connected to the next through a rotation joint, allowing each segment to accommodate tilting movements independently without twisting the entire cable assembly, thus preventing jamming while maintaining flexible rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is designed with dynamic rotation joints that allow the cable segments to rotate and adapt their orientation in real-time during tilting operations. This dynamic capability enables the cable to accommodate changing angular positions without accumulating twist, ensuring continuous reliable motion transmission from the primary to auxiliary propulsion unit.
2Productivity
If a tie bar is used to couple the propulsion units, then the propulsion units can be steered simultaneously, but the system lacks the flexibility to accommodate independent tilting of each unit
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid tie bar is replaced with a segmented cable system where each cable segment can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the primary and auxiliary propulsion units to be steered simultaneously while also enabling independent tilting of each unit, as each cable segment can accommodate its own angular displacement without constraining the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable-based steering system serves multiple functions: it enables simultaneous steering of both propulsion units, allows independent tilting of each unit, and maintains flexible rotation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing a single system that accomplishes what the tie bar could only partially achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit.