Marine Control Dial Assembly With Return-to-Center Rotation Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator interface devices for marine vessels lack intuitive handling and often allow unrestricted 360-degree rotation, leading to confusion and inefficiency in controlling vessel components.
Innovation Solution
An operator interface device with a dial assembly that provides predetermined rotational limits and automatically returns to a predetermined position after release, featuring a spring mechanism and a sensor assembly to detect and signal movement, enhancing intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dial assembly allows unrestricted 360-degree rotation, then the operator has freedom of movement, but this leads to confusion and inefficiency in controlling vessel components
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation range of the dial assembly is segmented into discrete positions (initial position, first operational position, second operational position) rather than allowing continuous 360-degree rotation. The spring legs create mechanical boundaries that divide the rotation into specific可控 segments, improving operator control efficiency by eliminating ambiguous intermediate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial assembly transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic design where the dial can rotate freely within defined limits and automatically return to the initial position. The spring mechanism provides dynamic restoration force, allowing the dial to be movable during operation while maintaining a predetermined home position, thus balancing rotation freedom with control efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the dial assembly is made complex with multiple components, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is merged with the dial assembly structure, with the sensor integrated into the housing and the dial components working together as a unified mechanism. The spring legs are integrated into the dial body, and the sensor assembly detects dial position directly through this integrated structure, achieving precise movement detection without requiring separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the dial assembly to the initial position after the operator releases it. This automatic restoration function is built into the dial assembly structure itself through the spring legs, eliminating the need for additional motors, actuators, or complex control systems to maintain the predetermined position, thus achieving precision without excessive complexity.
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 device ensures precise and efficient control of marine vessel components by limiting rotation and providing automatic return to initial positions, improving operational simplicity and reducing operator confusion.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the dial assembly in a first direction from the initial position toward the first operational position causes the first dial endwall to engage the first spring leg, and when the dial assembly is released the first spring leg acts on the first dial endwall to return the dial assembly to the initial position
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the dial assembly in a second direction from the initial position toward the second operational position causes the second dial endwall to engage the second spring leg and when the dial assembly is released the second spring leg acts on the second dial endwall to return the dial assembly to the initial position
Implementation Method 3
A sensor assembly is configured to sense movement of the dial assembly and generate a signal corresponding to the movement of the dial assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An operator interface device for a marine vessel includes a frame configured to couple to the marine vessel and a dial coupled to the frame and including a dial. The dial assembly is configured to be rotated by an operator about a dial axis into and between an initial position, a first operational position, and a second operational position. The dial assembly is rotated from the initial position toward the first operational position and when the dial assembly is released the first spring leg acts on the first dial endwall to return the dial assembly to the initial position. In addition, the dial assembly is rotated from the initial position toward the second operational position and when the dial assembly is released the second spring leg acts on the second dial endwall to return the dial assembly to the initial position.