Marine Propulsion Buffer Control for Precise Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel control systems face challenges in navigating close proximity to objects due to unpredictable marine environments and the need for precise propulsion control, especially during docking and launch, which can result in collisions or damage.
Innovation Solution
A marine propulsion control system that utilizes proximity sensors and a controller to maintain a buffer distance from objects, limiting operator control authority and enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation to ensure safe and controlled vessel movement, with user override options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator control authority is limited to maintain a buffer distance from objects, then collision prevention is improved, but operator maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts operator authority based on proximity to objects. When the vessel is far from objects, full operator control is permitted. When approaching critical distances, the system automatically limits control authority in the direction of the object, creating a dynamic buffer zone that adapts to real-time spatial conditions while preserving operator maneuverability in safe zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vessel's position relative to nearby objects using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when the vessel is approaching objects and automatically adjust control limitations accordingly, allowing the operator to maintain full authority when safe while preventing collisions when danger is detected
2Measurement precision
If autonomous control is used to maintain precise position near objects, then positioning precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control layer between the operator's commands and the propulsion system. This intermediary autonomously calculates thrust adjustments needed to maintain the buffer zone while allowing the operator to retain overall control intent. The intermediary handles the complex calculations of proximity constraints and thrust vector adjustments, keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple while achieving precise positioning
3Reliability
If the buffer zone is maintained on all sides of the vessel, then collision avoidance is improved, but navigation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control characteristics to different sides of the vessel based on local spatial conditions. The buffer zone is dynamically adjusted for each side independently - maintaining full protection on sides where objects are present while allowing greater freedom on sides where the path is clear. This enables the vessel to navigate flexibly through open areas while maintaining collision avoidance where needed
Data Source
AI summary
A docking system for a marine vessel includes a user input device configured to facilitate user selection of a docking surface, the user input device comprising a direction indicator display including at least two direction indicators each configured to visually indicate a direction with respect to the marine vessel and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a direction of a potential docking surface with respect to the marine vessel and control at least one of the at least two direction indicators on the direction indicator display to indicate the direction of the potential docking surface with respect to the marine vessel.