Marine Propulsion Control Using Parallel Drives for Lateral Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems for non-steer-by-wire vessels lack lateral and rotational thrust control, requiring steer-by-wire systems for independent propulsion device control and parallel thrust vectors, which is not feasible in mechanically steered vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two or more parallel propulsion devices connected via a tie bar, a lateral thruster, and a user input device (joystick or keypad) that allows for lateral and rotational control without adjusting the propulsion device angles, using a controller to manage thrust magnitude and direction to achieve commanded movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steer-by-wire systems are used to enable independent propulsion device control and parallel thrust vectors, then lateral and rotational thrust control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives steering inputs and translates them into differential thrust commands for the propulsion devices. This mediator enables lateral and rotational control without requiring direct mechanical steering linkages, thus achieving steer-by-wire functionality while maintaining simpler mechanical connections through the tie bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering system with an electronic control system that manages thrust distribution. Instead of mechanically linking steering wheels to propulsion device angles, the controller electronically distributes thrust to achieve the same steering effect, eliminating complex mechanical steer-by-wire components.
2Device complexity
If mechanically steered vessels use traditional propulsion control, then structural simplicity is maintained, but lateral and rotational control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic thrust distribution to statically linked propulsion devices. By continuously adjusting thrust magnitudes on each side based on controller inputs, the system achieves dynamic lateral and rotational control capabilities while maintaining the static mechanical simplicity of tied-together propulsion devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from mechanical angle adjustments to thrust magnitude variations. Instead of physically rotating propulsion devices through mechanical linkages, the system varies the thrust parameter independently on each side, enabling lateral and rotational control without mechanical steering complexity.
3Strength
If propulsion devices are mechanically linked with tie bar, then structural robustness is achieved, but independent angle control is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical angle control with electronic thrust control. The tie bar maintains structural robustness by physically connecting propulsion devices, while the controller provides independent angle control functionality through differential thrust management, replacing the need for mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
A marine propulsion system (100) includes at least two parallel propulsion devices (21, 22) that each generate forward and reverse thrusts, wherein the parallel propulsion devices (21, 22) are oriented such that their thrusts are parallel to one another, and at least one drive position sensor (44) configured to sense a drive angle (θ) of the parallel propulsion devices (21, 22). A lateral thruster (15) is configured to generate starboard and port thrust to propel the marine vessel (10). A user input device (40) is operable by a user to provide at least one of a lateral thrust command to command lateral movement of the marine vessel (10) and a rotational thrust command to command rotational movement of the marine vessel (10). A controller (34) is configured to control the parallel propulsion devices (21, 22) and the lateral thruster (15) based on the lateral steering input and/or the rotational steering input and the drive angle (θ) so as to provide the lateral movement and/or the rotational movement commanded by the user without controlling the drive angle (θ).