Marine Vessel Dial Assembly With Spring Return and Rotation Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operator interface devices for marine vessels lack predetermined rotational limits and do not automatically return to a predetermined position after use, leading to potential operational confusion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The operator interface device features a dial assembly with predetermined rotational limits and a spring mechanism that automatically returns to an initial position after release, coupled with a sensor to detect and log input movements, allowing precise control of marine vessel components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional operator interface devices allow free rotation without predetermined limits, then the device is simple to operate, but operational confusion and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing predetermined rotational limits and a predetermined initial position within the dial assembly structure. The housing includes features that physically constrain the dial to rotate only within specific angular ranges, and the spring mechanism is pre-configured to always return the dial to its initial position, eliminating operational confusion before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the spring mechanism that continuously exerts a restoring force on the dial, providing tactile feedback to the operator about the dial's position and automatically returning it to the predetermined initial position after each use. This feedback loop ensures the dial is always reset to a known state.
2Productivity
If the dial can rotate freely without automatic return, then the device structure is simpler, but efficiency and operational clarity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring mechanism that automatically returns the dial to its predetermined initial position without requiring manual intervention by the operator. After the dial is rotated to adjust a parameter, the spring automatically restores it to the initial position, making the system self-resetting and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial assembly is pre-configured with the spring mechanism and rotational limits built into its structure, so that the automatic return function is inherent to the device design rather than requiring additional external mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If rotational limits are predetermined, then operational errors are reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotational limit constraints and the initial position return mechanism into a single integrated dial assembly structure. The housing, spring, and dial components work together as a unified mechanism that provides both the rotational limits and the automatic return function without requiring separate independent systems.
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 precise and efficient control of marine vessel systems by limiting dial rotation and ensuring the dial returns to a default position, enhancing operational clarity and reducing user input errors.
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
the sensor assembly includes a Hall-Effect sensor
Data Source
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.