Marine Drive Heading Error Classification After Object Strikes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion systems struggle to differentiate between heading errors caused by object strikes and environmental conditions, leading to potential mechanical or electrical failures due to repeated attempts to correct heading errors.

Innovation Solution

Implement enhanced sensing capabilities using accelerometers and heading sensors to classify heading errors as object strikes or environmental events, adjusting the response accordingly to prevent damage by avoiding immediate correction during object strikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the system attempts to correct all heading errors immediately, then the heading accuracy is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates due to mechanical or electrical failures from repeated correction attempts during object strikes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheading accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the response parameter (correction action) based on the detected event type. When an object strike is detected through acceleration analysis, the system suppresses correction commands despite heading errors, preventing mechanical damage while maintaining the ability to correct environmental drifts under normal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The acceleration sensor acts as an intermediary that provides additional information about the cause of heading errors. By analyzing acceleration data, the system can distinguish between object strikes and environmental conditions, enabling intelligent decision-making about whether to execute heading corrections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system uses enhanced sensing capabilities to classify heading errors, then the system reliability is improved by preventing damage during object strikes, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and classification logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acceleration sensor serves multiple functions: it detects object strikes, characterizes their severity through acceleration magnitude analysis, and provides input for classification decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by extracting maximum value from a single sensor addition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its response based on real-time acceleration data analysis. Rather than using fixed thresholds, the system evaluates acceleration magnitude and patterns to dynamically determine whether a heading error requires correction or should be suppressed, enabling adaptive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the system suppresses correction during detected object strikes, then the system reliability is improved by preventing damage, but the heading accuracy deteriorates due to uncorrected heading errors during the suppression period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidheading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary protection by suppressing correction commands when object strikes are detected, preventing the harmful action of repeated correction attempts that could cause mechanical or electrical damage. This preliminary anti-action prioritizes system protection over temporary heading accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically re-evaluates the situation by continuing to monitor acceleration data and heading errors. Once the object strike condition resolves (acceleration returns to normal levels), the system periodically resumes correction actions, allowing temporary suppression followed by restoration of normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Minimizes damage to propulsion systems by distinguishing between object strikes and environmental conditions, ensuring safe and efficient operation of marine drives.

Implementation Method 1

measuring acceleration data of the marine vessel using at least one sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

measuring a heading of the marine vessel using a heading sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeading detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS12473067B1Systems and methods for classifying and responding to heading error in marine propulsion

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 NAVICO HLDG

AI summary

A method of operating a marine drive configured to propel a marine vessel is provided. The method includes operating the marine drive to effectuate a specified heading, measuring a heading of the marine vessel using a heading sensor, and measuring acceleration data of the marine vessel using at least one sensor. The method further includes determining that a heading error between the specified heading and the measured heading exceeds a heading error threshold, classifying the heading error based at least in part on the measured acceleration data during a time period prior to the heading error, and performing a heading error response based on the heading error classification.