Marine Electric Power Steering System with Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine vehicle steering systems, particularly those with hydraulic and mechanical components, face issues such as high cost, energy inefficiency, hydraulic fluid leaks, rough steering, vibrations, and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A marine electric power steering system comprising an input assembly with a steering sensor and motor assembly, a steering actuator with a linear actuator and cable assembly, which provides a steer-by-wire system to actuate the steering device, reducing mechanical coupling and enhancing control through a power steering controller and electronic rack and pinion mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic steering systems are used, then steering assistance is provided, but cost increases and hydraulic fluid leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering system with an electric power steering system that uses a motor assembly and cable assembly instead of hydraulic fluid, pump, and valves. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid leaks while maintaining steering assistance functionality through electronic actuation of the steering device.
2Reliability
If hydraulic steering systems are used, then steering assistance is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power steering system uses a motor assembly that consumes electrical energy instead of hydraulic energy. The system includes a control unit that manages motor operation, providing steering assistance with potentially lower energy consumption compared to hydraulic systems, eliminating the need for high-pressure fluid circulation.
3Device complexity
If cable steering systems are used, then mechanical simplicity is achieved, but steering force application becomes rough and uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical cable steering with an electric actuation system. The motor assembly generates controlled rotational motion that is converted to linear motion through a linear actuator, providing smooth and even steering force application while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity through the use of a cable connection between the actuator and steering device.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the motor assembly and the cable assembly. It converts rotational motor motion to linear cable movement, ensuring smooth and controlled steering force transmission while maintaining the mechanical simplicity of the cable-based actuation system.
4Device complexity
If cable steering systems are used, then mechanical simplicity is achieved, but vibrations from the outboard motor are transmitted to the helm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the outboard motor and steering system with an electrically-driven system. The motor assembly is independently mounted and actuates the steering device through a cable assembly, breaking the transmission path for vibrations from the outboard motor to the helm, while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the cable connection.
5Reliability
If hydraulic steering systems are used, then steering assistance is provided, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic system installation with a simpler electric power steering system. The motor assembly, linear actuator, and cable assembly can be installed independently without requiring hydraulic fluid routing, valve installation, or pump integration, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining steering assistance functionality.
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 marine electric power steering system offers improved control, reduced energy consumption, minimized vibrations, and simplified installation by leveraging electric actuation and sensor feedback, addressing the limitations of traditional hydraulic and mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The steering actuator has a linear actuator and a connecting portion that extends from the linear actuator
Implementation Method 2
The input assembly has a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A marine electric power steering system includes an input assembly, a steering actuator, and a cable assembly. The input assembly is operatively connected to a steering shaft. The input assembly has a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly. The steering actuator is disposed within a pontoon and is in communication with the steering sensor assembly. The cable assembly extends through a wall of the pontoon. The cable assembly operatively connects the steering actuator and a steering device that is pivotally mounted to the pontoon.