Marine Propulsion Trim Control for Reverse Thrust Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art systems for maneuvering marine vessels often position marine propulsion devices at inefficient and ineffective trim angles during operational modes such as docking, stationkeeping, and reverse translation, leading to inefficiencies in thrust utilization due to interference with the hull.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a control circuit to automatically trim marine propulsion devices to an optimal angle when reverse thrust is requested, ensuring the thrust vector does not intersect with the hull, thereby optimizing thrust efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the marine propulsion device is positioned at a trim angle optimized for forward thrust, then forward propulsion efficiency is improved, but reverse thrust effectiveness deteriorates because the thrust vector intersects with the hull
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the trim angle of the marine propulsion device based on the operational mode. During forward propulsion, the device maintains an optimized forward trim angle. When reverse thrust is requested, the control circuit automatically trims the device to a reverse position where the thrust vector does not intersect with the hull, thereby resolving the contradiction between forward efficiency and reverse effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the trim angle parameter of the propulsion device according to operational requirements. The control circuit monitors thrust requests and automatically modifies the trim angle to optimize performance for the current operational mode, switching between forward-optimized and reverse-optimized positions
2Power
If the marine propulsion device is fully trimmed down for maximum forward thrust, then forward power output is improved, but reverse thrust utilization deteriorates due to hull interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static trim angle to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The control circuit automatically trims the propulsion device to appropriate positions based on whether forward or reverse thrust is requested, ensuring optimal power utilization in both directions without energy loss from hull interference during reverse operations
3Device complexity
If the marine propulsion device maintains a fixed trim angle for simple control, then system complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency deteriorates across different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically determines the appropriate trim angle based on the operational mode without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the propulsion device position based on thrust requests, maintaining simplicity in operation while achieving high operational efficiency across different modes through automated trim management
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for maneuvering a marine vessel limit interference by the hull of the vessel with reverse thrust. A marine propulsion device provides at least a reverse thrust with respect to the marine vessel. The propulsion device is vertically pivotable into a trim position wherein the hull does not impede or interfere with the reverse thrust. A control circuit controls the propulsion device to move into the trim position when the reverse thrust of the propulsion device is requested.