Marine Jack Plate Automatic Positioning Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling marine propulsion devices to transoms of marine vessels lack efficient automatic positioning mechanisms that adapt to changing vessel speeds, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of speed and acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an automatic actuator assembly, a jack plate position sensor, and a vessel speed sensor, controlled by a controller that automatically positions the movable part of the jack plate based on predefined vessel speed profiles, allowing the marine propulsion device to adjust its height in response to changes in vessel speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of the jack plate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but vessel speed and acceleration performance deteriorate due to suboptimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors vessel speed and autonomously adjusts the jack plate position without requiring manual intervention. The controller receives speed signals, compares them to stored profiles, and actuates the positioning mechanism automatically, allowing the system to service itself and optimize performance continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the controller continuously receives vessel speed signals, compares current speed against stored speed profiles, and adjusts the jack plate position accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the positioning adapts dynamically to changing operating conditions to maintain optimal performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed jack plate position is used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different vessel speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate positioning system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, adjustable position based on real-time vessel speed. The system continuously adapts the jack plate position according to the vessel's operating conditions, enabling optimal performance across varying speeds rather than being constrained to a single fixed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the jack plate based on vessel speed parameters. By storing multiple speed-position profiles and switching between them based on current operating conditions, the system dynamically adjusts the positioning parameter to match optimal performance requirements for different speed ranges.
3Productivity
If automatic positioning system is implemented, then vessel performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic positioning system performs all positioning adjustments autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The controller monitors vessel speed and automatically actuates the positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining optimal performance, thus the system serves itself rather than requiring external operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a jack plate coupled to a transom of a marine vessel includes: in response to receiving a first store command, storing a measured first position of a movable part of the jack plate in connection with a measured first vessel speed; in response to receiving a second store command, storing a measured second position of the movable part of the jack plate in connection with a measured second vessel speed; in response to determining that the marine vessel is operating at or above the first vessel speed, but below the second vessel speed, automatically positioning the movable part of the jack plate at the stored first position; and in response to determining that the marine vessel is operating at or above the second vessel speed, automatically positioning the movable part of the jack plate at the stored second position.