Marine Propulsion Control System with Collision Avoidance Override

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propulsion control systems for marine vessels lack effective methods to limit vessel velocity in the direction of an object based on proximity, which can lead to collisions.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion control system that calculates and imposes velocity limits in the direction of an object based on proximity measurements and a predetermined buffer distance, limiting user input authority to prevent collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the marine vessel operates with full propulsion authority, then the vessel can move freely and respond quickly to control inputs, but the vessel may collide with objects due to excessive velocity near obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidpropulsion control authority

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the velocity parameter based on proximity to objects. When an object is detected within a threshold distance, the system imposes a velocity limit that reduces the maximum speed in the direction of the object, thereby preventing collision while allowing normal operation when no objects are present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion control authority is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors object proximity and adjusts the velocity limit in real-time, allowing full authority when safe and reduced authority when objects are detected, creating an adaptive control system that responds to changing environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the vessel maintains high speed for productivity, then operational efficiency is improved, but the risk of collision increases when approaching objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system modifies the velocity parameter based on the detected proximity to objects. When objects are detected within the threshold distance, the velocity limit is imposed to reduce speed in the direction of the object, thereby eliminating collision risk while allowing high-speed operation when the path is clear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3978352B1Marine propulsion control system and method with collision avoidance override

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 BRUNSWICK CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method of controlling propulsion of a marine vessel (10) includes receiving proximity measurements (90) from one or more proximity sensors (72,74,76,78) on the marine vessel (10) and limiting user input authority over propulsion output in a direction of an object (O) by at least one propulsion device (12a,12b) based on the proximity measurement (90) so as to maintain the marine vessel (10) at least a buffer distance (50) from the object (O). The method further includes suspending maintenance of the buffer distance (50) from the object (O) in response to a user-generated instruction. Then, when user control input is received via a user input device (22,28,29,30,32,34) to move the marine vessel (10) in the direction of the object (O), the at least one propulsion device (12a, 12b) is controlled based on the user control input such that the marine vessel (10) approaches and impacts the object (O).