Marine Vessel Input Resistance Control for Adaptive Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input sources for marine vessel electronic vessel control systems lack force feedback, leading to limited precision, user fatigue, and compatibility issues with modern systems.
Innovation Solution
A maneuvering device with an input source movable between equilibrium and displaced positions, featuring a variable resistance device controlled by a unit that adjusts movement resistance based on requested release inputs and longitudinal vessel speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical input sources are used without force feedback, then the device structure remains simple, but precision and user fatigue resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force feedback mechanisms with an electrical/electronic system. The variable resistance device is controlled by a control unit that receives signals from the input source and adjusts resistance accordingly, substituting complex mechanical linkages with electrical control circuits to achieve force feedback while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the mechanical input source and the variable resistance device. This intermediary processes signals and coordinates the interaction between the driver's input and the resistance feedback, enabling precise control without direct mechanical coupling
2Device complexity
If fixed resistance is provided to the input source, then the device structure remains simple, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance control system where the resistance value changes based on operating conditions. The control unit continuously monitors the vessel's longitudinal speed and adjusts the variable resistance device accordingly, transitioning from static mechanical resistance to dynamic electrical control that adapts to different sailing scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically based on longitudinal speed thresholds. When the vessel exceeds a threshold speed, the control unit adjusts the resistance value to provide appropriate force feedback, enabling the system to adapt to different operating regimes without increasing structural complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If no force feedback is provided, then manufacturing cost remains low, but user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force feedback mechanisms with an electrical control system. The variable resistance device, controlled through electrical circuits and a control unit, provides force feedback without requiring heavy mechanical components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while improving user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides force feedback that assists the driver by automatically adjusting resistance based on detected operating conditions. The control unit monitors speed and input position, then self-adjusts the resistance to reduce driver effort, making the system easier to operate without increasing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A maneuvering device (10) for controlling navigation of a marine vessel (100). The device (10) comprises an input source (20) movable between an equilibrium position (22) and at least one displaced position (24); a variable resistance device (30) adapted to adjust a movement resistance of the input source (20); and a control unit (40) configured to control the variable resistance device (30) by: obtaining a requested release input of the input source (20) to move from the displaced position (24) towards the equilibrium position (22), obtaining a longitudinal speed of the marine vessel (100), and controlling the variable resistance device (30) to adjust said movement resistance of the input source (20) based on the requested release input and the longitudinal speed.