Marine Vessel Propulsion Orientation for Trolling Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel speed control systems lack the ability to efficiently manage trolling speeds, which are typically below 10 mph, and do not provide sufficient control or flexibility in varying these speeds while maintaining the desired heading.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second propulsion devices with a control circuit that adjusts the orientation of these devices about their steering axes, allowing for varying engine speeds and alternative operating conditions, such as transmission slip and splay angle, to control the marine vessel's speed and maintain direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the propulsion devices are kept in aligned position with parallel thrusts, then the vessel achieves higher speed and better propulsion efficiency, but the ability to control trolling speeds below 10 mph is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the orientation of propulsion devices between aligned and unaligned positions based on the desired speed mode. In trolling mode, the devices are positioned unaligned to create non-parallel thrusts that cancel lateral components, enabling precise low-speed control. In higher speed modes, the devices align to provide maximum propulsion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the orientation parameter of the propulsion devices to achieve different speed regimes. By adjusting the angle between thrust vectors, the system can operate at trolling speeds (below 10 mph) or higher speeds, providing adaptability across different operating conditions.
2Speed
If the propulsion devices are oriented unaligned to reduce speed, then trolling speed control is improved, but the thrust efficiency and propulsion performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically positions the propulsion devices based on operational requirements. When trolling speed is required, the devices are oriented unaligned to reduce effective thrust and enable precise speed control below 10 mph. When maximum power and thrust efficiency are needed, the devices are aligned to provide optimal propulsion performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system segments the operating modes into distinct categories (trolling mode with unaligned thrusts for low speed, and propulsion mode with aligned thrusts for high speed), allowing the vessel to optimize performance for each specific operational requirement.
3Speed
If the thrust vectors are altered to control speed, then speed variability is improved, but the desired heading may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric positioning of the propulsion devices relative to the vessel centerline. The devices are oriented at equal but opposite angles from the centerline, creating symmetric cancellation of lateral thrust components while maintaining forward propulsion. This asymmetric arrangement allows speed control without compromising heading stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the lateral components of the non-parallel thrusts as counterbalancing forces. The angled orientation of one propulsion device's thrust is compensated by the corresponding angle of the other device, creating a counterweight effect that cancels lateral forces and maintains stable heading while enabling speed control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that controls the speed of a marine vessel includes first and second propulsion devices that produce first and second thrusts to propel the marine vessel. A control circuit controls orientation of the first and second propulsion devices about respective steering axes to control directions of the first and second thrusts. A first user input device is moveable between a neutral position and a non-neutral detent position. When a second user input device is actuated while the first user input device is in the detent position, the control circuit does one or more of the following so as to control the speed of the marine vessel: varies a speed of a first engine of the first propulsion device and a speed of a second engine of the second propulsion device; and varies one or more alternative operating conditions of the first and second propulsion devices.