Marine Propulsion Rudder Angle Control for Consistent Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watercraft control systems using joysticks result in variable turning velocities based on thrust magnitude, leading to reduced comfort during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a marine propulsion device, joystick, and controller, where the controller adjusts the rudder angle's change speed in response to thrust magnitude, ensuring consistent turning velocities regardless of thrust level, enhancing operational comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rudder angle is changed at a constant velocity, then the control system is simple, but the turning velocity becomes variable depending on thrust magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rudder angle change velocity variable rather than constant. The control system dynamically adjusts the rudder angle change velocity based on the current thrust magnitude, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing constant control parameters to achieve consistent turning velocity across different thrust levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the thrust magnitude as input to the control system. The controller receives information about the current thrust level and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate rudder angle change velocity. This closed-loop approach ensures that turning velocity remains consistent regardless of whether the thrust is high or low, resolving the reliability issue.
2Power
If the thrust magnitude is increased, then the propulsion capability is improved, but the turning velocity increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the rudder angle change velocity parameter based on thrust magnitude. When thrust is high, the system uses a smaller rudder angle change velocity to prevent excessive turning. When thrust is low, a larger rudder angle change velocity is used to maintain adequate turning response. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high propulsion capability and controlling turning velocity.
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick outputs an operating signal indicating a tilt amount and a twist direction of the joystick. A controller receives the operating signal and controls a marine propulsion device to output a thrust having a magnitude depending on the tilt amount. The controller changes a rudder angle of the marine propulsion device such that a watercraft turns in a direction corresponding to the twist direction. The controller reduces a speed of changing the rudder angle with an increase in the magnitude of the thrust.