Marine Propulsion Control System Joystick Lateral Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion systems for non-steer-by-wire vessels lack lateral and rotational user control, requiring steer-by-wire systems for effective joystick control.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion system that includes steerable propulsion devices and lateral thrusters, controlled by a user interface device such as a joystick or keypad, which enables lateral and rotational movement without adjusting the drive angle of the propulsion devices. The system requires the propulsion devices to be centered before enabling joystick thrust control mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If steer-by-wire systems are used to enable joystick control, then lateral and rotational user control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral and rotational user controlVSAvoidelectronic steering control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic steer-by-wire systems with a mechanical control linkage system that directly connects the steering wheel to the propulsion devices. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex electronics while maintaining effective lateral and rotational control through purely mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical control linkage as an intermediary component that transmits steering inputs from the steering wheel to the propulsion devices. This intermediary mechanical system enables joystick-like control without requiring electronic steer-by-wire infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If propulsion devices are mechanically linked, then system simplicity is improved, but lateral and rotational control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanically linked systemVSAvoidlateral and rotational control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function by separating lateral control and rotational control operations. The mechanical linkage system is designed to independently transmit lateral steering inputs and rotational steering inputs to the respective propulsion devices, enabling both control modes with a simple mechanically linked architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control capabilities in the mechanical linkage system, allowing the linkage to adaptively transmit forces and movements for both lateral and rotational operations. The mechanical system dynamically responds to operator inputs to provide effective control without requiring complex electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12275513B1Marine propulsion control system and method

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A propulsion system and propulsion control method for a marine vessel is configured to detect a steering position of at least one propulsion device, determine a difference between the detected steering position and a centered steering position, and require, by a controller, that the detected steering position be within a threshold range of the centered steering position prior to enabling a joystick thrust control mode wherein thrust by the at least one propulsion device is controlled based on user input at a joystick.