Posture Control Plate and Outboard Motor for Marine Hull Trim
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the posture of a hull in marine vessels, such as planing boats, face challenges in efficiently eliminating porpoising and roll due to the time lag in effects from manual operation of trim tabs and power tilt and trim (PTT) mechanisms, and lack of control based on fuel consumption and engine speed data.
Innovation Solution
A posture control system that includes a movable posture control plate, a movable outboard motor with adjustable tilt angle, and a controller programmed to automatically control the movement of these components to adjust the hull's posture, using control maps and graphs to optimize the PTT rise amount and trim tab lowering amount to eliminate porpoising and roll while considering fuel consumption and ship speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual operation of trim tabs and PTT mechanisms is used to control hull posture, then the operator can adjust the hull posture, but it takes time for the effect to manifest and porpoising cannot be eliminated quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect hull posture (pitch, roll, yaw angles) and engine parameters (RPM, fuel consumption) in real-time, feeding this data back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts trim tabs and PTT mechanisms based on this feedback, eliminating the time lag inherent in manual operation by creating a closed-loop control system that responds instantaneously to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vessel to control its own posture automatically without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The controller processes sensor data and autonomously actuates the trim tabs and PTT mechanisms, allowing the hull to self-correct porpoising and roll conditions based on real-time performance data.
2Reliability
If trim tabs are lowered to eliminate porpoising, then the bow can be lowered, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including trim tab angle, PTT mechanism position, engine RPM, and fuel injection timing based on real-time hull posture and performance data. By optimizing the combination of these parameters rather than relying on a single fixed adjustment, the system eliminates porpoising while minimizing fuel consumption through precise, condition-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated control that continuously adapts to changing sea conditions and vessel state. The controller real-time adjusts trim tab and PTT positions based on current hull posture, engine load, and environmental factors, enabling optimal porpoising elimination with minimal fuel penalty.
3Reliability
If PTT mechanisms are used to change outboard motor angle, then the bow can be lowered to eliminate porpoising, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple components (trim tabs, PTT mechanisms, engine control) into a unified automated control system. By integrating these separate functions under a single controller that processes sensor data and coordinates all adjustments, the system manages the inherent complexity through centralized coordination rather than requiring separate control systems for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (hull posture sensors, engine sensors), calculates optimal control commands, coordinates trim tab actuation, controls PTT mechanism movement, and adjusts engine parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate control systems into a single integrated unit, managing complexity through functional consolidation.
4Productivity
If automated control based on fuel consumption and engine speed data is implemented, then hull posture can be controlled more efficiently, but the measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor fuel consumption, engine RPM, hull posture angles, and other operational parameters, feeding this data back to the controller. This feedback mechanism automatically provides the controller with real-time information about system performance and conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement and data collection processes while enabling efficient automated control based on actual operational data.
Data Source
AI summary
A posture control system for a hull includes a movable posture control plate. An outboard motor is attached to the hull and is movable with respect to the hull. A controller is configured or programmed to control movement of the posture control plate and movement of the outboard motor so as to control the posture of the hull.