Marine Steering System Adaptive Toe Angle Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for optimizing the toe angle of marine vessel steering systems do not account for changing conditions such as weather and water temperature, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency, especially during maneuvering modes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that acquires data from steering devices while maintaining the steering angle, creates a statistical model using machine learning methods like neural networks or Bayesian regression, and adjusts the orientation of steering devices in real-time to optimize fuel efficiency, considering varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a predetermined optimum toe angle is selected based on traditional sea trial data, then fuel efficiency is optimized under specific conditions, but the system cannot adapt to changing conditions such as weather and water temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static predetermined toe angle to a dynamic adaptive system that continuously adjusts the toe angle based on real-time sensor data. The control unit processes current weather conditions, water temperature, and vessel performance data to dynamically determine the optimal toe angle, enabling the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data from the marine environment and vessel performance are continuously monitored and fed back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compare actual performance with expected performance and adjust the toe angle accordingly, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency under varying conditions
2Loss of energy
If the predetermined optimum toe angle is maintained during sea mode, then fuel consumption is minimized, but steering performance deteriorates during maneuvering mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the toe angle based on the vessel's operational mode. During sea mode, the system maintains a fuel-efficient toe angle, while during maneuvering mode, it transitions to a steering-optimized toe angle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to prioritize fuel efficiency when cruising and steering performance when maneuvering, resolving the contradiction between these two operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the toe angle parameter based on operational conditions. By detecting whether the vessel is in sea mode or maneuvering mode, the control unit adjusts the toe angle parameter to optimize for either fuel consumption or steering performance, allowing the system to achieve optimal performance for the current operational context
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional independent measurements are used to determine the optimum toe angle, then the optimization process is simple to implement, but it does not account for multiple varying factors affecting the wake field
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single control unit performs multiple functions: collecting sensor data, processing environmental parameters, analyzing vessel performance, and determining the optimal toe angle. This universal system replaces multiple independent measurement procedures with one integrated solution that considers all relevant factors simultaneously, maintaining implementation simplicity while improving optimization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that integrates data from multiple sensors and processing algorithms. Rather than requiring direct complex measurements of all wake field factors, the control unit processes sensor data and environmental parameters to determine the optimal toe angle, simplifying the implementation while achieving comprehensive optimization
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for improving the fuel efficiency by controlling the steering system of a marine vessel. In the method the steering system is configured to acquire data related to the fuel efficiency by changing the orientations of steering devices without changing the steering angle of the marine vessel. The acquired data is modeled statistically and an optimum value can be determined from the model. The optimum value is then used for actuating the steering devices to the optimum angle.