Marine Joystick Control with Mode-Switching Self-Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joystick devices for marine vessels, which combine steering, thrust regulation, and docking functions, are overly complex and difficult for inexperienced operators to use effectively, particularly in transitioning between docking and high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A joystick device with a movable steering member that can be tilted in four directions and operates in two modes: a self-centering mode for docking and a mode allowing forward or backward inclination without self-centering, enabling seamless transition between docking and high-speed operations, with optional rotational control and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the joystick combines multiple functions (steering wheel, thrust regulator, docking joystick) into a single device, then the operation of the marine vessel is simplified and can be concentrated on a single device, but the interface becomes cluttered with buttons and knobs making operation overly complicated for inexperienced helmspersons
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick device integrates multiple control functions into a single universal interface. The movable steering member can provide steering commands, speed commands, and docking commands through different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate steering wheel, thrust regulator, and docking joystick devices
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick device dynamically adapts its behavior based on operational mode. In docking mode, the steering member self-centers from all directions; in high-speed mode, it self-centers only from lateral directions while maintaining forward/backward inclination. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation for each specific task without requiring a cluttered interface for all possible functions
2Ease of operation
If the joystick allows forward and backward inclination without self-centering, then hands-free control during high-speed maneuvers is enabled, but docking precision is reduced due to lack of automatic return to neutral
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the self-centering behavior based on detected operational mode. When docking mode is detected, the steering member self-centers from all directions including forward and backward, ensuring precision. When high-speed mode is detected, self-centering is limited to lateral directions, enabling hands-free control
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a joystick device (100) operable to provide speed, direction and steering commands for controlling a marine vessel (300). The present disclosure also relates to a marine propulsion control system controlling a set of propulsion units (308, 310, 312 and 314) carried by a hull of a marine vessel (300), wherein the marine propulsion control system is adapted to receive an input command from such a joystick device (100).