Marine Propulsion Toe Angle Adaptation for Steering Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for marine vessels face high steering pressures when traveling straight ahead, leading to inefficiencies and potential diagnostic faults due to unbalanced hydrodynamic forces, which existing calibration methods fail to adequately address, especially under dynamic conditions like changing trim angles and crosswinds.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors monitoring pressure and current feedback in each propulsion device's steering system, using a closed-loop feedback control algorithm to gradually adapt the toe angle between marine propulsion devices until the absolute difference in steering pressures reaches a calibrated value, reducing hydrodynamic forces and steering pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed toe angle is used in marine propulsion devices, then the steering system structure is simple, but high steering pressures occur when traveling straight ahead leading to inefficiencies and diagnostic faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the toe angle between marine propulsion devices using a control system that continuously monitors steering pressures and automatically adjusts the toe angle to optimize pressure balance. This transforms the static toe angle configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to changing operating conditions, thereby reducing steering pressures and preventing diagnostic faults while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If calibration methods are used to adjust toe angle, then steering pressure balance is improved, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic conditions like changing trim angles and crosswinds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed-loop feedback control system that continuously monitors steering pressures from pressure sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the toe angle. The control system compares actual pressures with target pressures and automatically modifies the toe angle configuration in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to dynamic conditions such as changing trim angles and crosswinds while maintaining optimal pressure balance.
3Reliability
If the toe angle is continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure feedback, then steering pressures are reduced and diagnostic faults are prevented, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating control system that automatically monitors steering pressures and adjusts the toe angle without requiring external intervention. The system uses pressure sensors to detect imbalances and autonomously commands the actuator to adjust the toe angle, enabling the steering system to self-correct and maintain optimal pressure balance, thereby reducing diagnostic faults while managing complexity through automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces steering pressures, enhances vessel handling, and prevents diagnostic faults by continuously adjusting the toe angle based on real-time conditions, improving efficiency and extending the life of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic cylinder (38a, 38b) is provided with a piston (44a, 44b) movable along a first axis
Implementation Method 2
A steering actuator (24a, 24b) is provided with an output member (37a, 37b) rotatable about a vertical steering axis (32a, 32b)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing steering pressures of marine propulsion device steering actuators are disclosed. First and second sensors sense first and second conditions of first and second steering actuators. A third sensor senses an operating characteristic of the marine vessel. A controller is in signal communication with the first, second, and third sensors. In response to the marine vessel travelling generally straight ahead, the controller determines a target toe angle between the first and second marine propulsion devices based on the operating characteristic. The controller commands the first and second steering actuators to position the first and second marine propulsion devices at the target toe angle. The controller thereafter gradually adapts the target toe angle between the first and second marine propulsion devices until the controller determines that an absolute difference between the first condition and the second condition reaches a calibrated value.