Marine Vessel Steerable Drive Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels equipped with multiple steerable propellers face challenges in independent control, leading to potential propeller collisions and inefficient maneuvering due to mechanical linkage constraints, which limits their ability to develop variable force vectors and enhances the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that decouples the steering control of each propeller drive, allowing independent actuation and control through a joystick system, using mechanical guards, sliding bars, and adaptive tie-bar mechanisms to prevent collisions while enabling free movement and precise force vectoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical linkage is used to connect multiple propeller drives, then structural stability is improved, but independent control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propeller drive system into independently controllable segments. Each propeller drive (port and starboard) is equipped with its own steering actuator and control circuitry, allowing independent angular adjustment without mechanical linkage constraints. This segmentation enables each drive to operate autonomously while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the steering angle of each propeller drive can be independently adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements. The control system allows continuous variation of steering angles during operation, enabling adaptive response to changing maneuvering conditions without the rigidity of fixed mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If propeller drives are allowed to move independently, then maneuverability is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through control circuitry that monitors the position and movement of each propeller drive. The system receives steering angle commands and provides feedback to adjust actuator positions, enabling real-time coordination between independently moving drives. This feedback control prevents excessive divergence that could lead to collisions while maintaining maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system as an intermediary between the operator and the independently moving propeller drives. This intermediary coordinates steering commands, monitors drive positions, and adjusts operational parameters to prevent collisions. The control system acts as a mediator that enables independent movement while maintaining safety through coordinated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decoupled steering control is implemented, then force vectoring capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal control circuitry that can manage multiple propeller drives with identical or similar characteristics. The control system is designed to handle various operational modes (steering, thrust vectoring, synchronized operation) through a unified architecture, reducing the need for specialized components for each drive and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling one or more propulsion devices of a marine vessel. The system includes circuitry configured to: receive a steering angle command for a propulsion device of the marine vessel; receive a trim position of the propulsion device; and generate a steering actuator position command for the propulsion device based on the steering angle command and the trim position of the propulsion device.