Marine Drive-by-Wire Steering With Simulated Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive-by-wire systems for marine vessels lack tactile feedback, leading to unintentional over- or under-correction of steering inputs, dissatisfaction due to a numb steering feeling, and difficulty in judging heading changes, as they do not provide direct mechanical or hydraulic linkages for force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A drive-by-wire control system that includes a manually rotatable steering wheel, a steering actuator, and a controller that applies a resistance force to the steering wheel based on sensed conditions, simulating inertia through lookup tables correlating steering wheel position, velocity, and acceleration to resistance force, and utilizing a resistance device such as a hydraulic or electric motor to provide variable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a drive-by-wire control system is used to eliminate mechanical linkages, then automation and control precision are improved, but tactile feedback is lost leading to poor steering control
Solution Approach 1:
A resistance device is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering wheel and the drive-by-wire actuator. This resistance device generates artificial tactile feedback forces that simulate the sensation of mechanical steering resistance, allowing the operator to perceive steering conditions without direct mechanical linkages. The resistance device acts as a mediator that translates electronic control signals into tactile sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering linkage system with an electronic drive-by-wire system combined with an artificial tactile feedback mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical connection, the system uses electronic sensors to detect steering wheel position and a resistance device to generate simulated mechanical resistance, substituting the mechanical system with an electronic-tactile hybrid approach.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages are eliminated for drive-by-wire control, then system reliability is improved, but the ability to judge heading changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance device provides real-time tactile feedback to the operator about the steering system's state and the vessel's response to steering inputs. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to perceive heading changes and steering effectiveness through resistance variations in the steering wheel, compensating for the lack of mechanical linkages and maintaining situational awareness.
3Ease of manufacture
If drive-by-wire control without tactile feedback is implemented, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but steering precision deteriorates due to lack of feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the electronic control system and the operator's tactile senses. It generates artificial resistance forces that provide steering feedback without requiring complex mechanical linkages, achieving steering precision through electronic control of tactile forces rather than mechanical precision.
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 system effectively simulates the tactile feedback of mechanical steering systems, reducing unintentional corrections and enhancing the operator's ability to judge heading changes, resulting in improved control and a more natural steering feel.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance device that applies a resistance force against rotation of the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a resistance device such as a hydraulic or electric motor to provide variable resistance
Implementation Method 3
a steering actuator that causes the propulsion device to steer based on rotation of the steering wheel
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a resistance device such as a hydraulic or electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A drive-by-wire control system for steering a propulsion device on a marine vessel includes a steering wheel that is manually rotatable and a steering actuator that causes the propulsion device to steer based upon rotation of the steering wheel. The system further includes a resistance device that applies a resistance force against rotation of the steering wheel, and a controller that controls the resistance device to vary the resistance force based on at least one sensed condition of the system.