Marine Electric Power Steering Cable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic steering systems in marine vessels with outboard motors are costly, prone to leaks, and energy-intensive, and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A marine electric power steering system comprising an actuator assembly, a gear assembly, and a cable assembly that uses electric power assist components to pivot the steering device without a hydraulic system, including a steering sensor to monitor torque and position, and a step-down gear assembly with a crank arm connected to a cable assembly to move the steering device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then steering assistance is provided, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering system with an electric motor-driven steering system. The electric motor (component 28) directly drives the steering mechanism through a gear assembly, eliminating hydraulic pumps, fluid reservoirs, and associated components. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining steering assistance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic components (hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid tank, hydraulic valves) from the steering system, retaining only the essential steering function. The cable assembly (component 30) and gear assembly (component 24) are kept to provide mechanical steering action without the complex hydraulic infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then steering assistance is provided, but hydraulic fluid leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic fluid and sealed hydraulic circuits by replacing them with an electric motor and mechanical transmission components. The electric motor-driven system uses solid mechanical components (gears, crank arm, cable) that do not suffer from fluid leakage issues, thereby improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then steering assistance is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic pump (which requires continuous engine-driven operation) with an electric motor that can be controlled more efficiently. The electric motor (component 28) can be activated only when steering assistance is needed and can be precisely controlled in terms of power delivery, reducing overall energy consumption.
4Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used, then steering assistance is provided, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hydraulic subsystem (pump, reservoir, hoses, valves, filters) from the installation requirements. The simplified system consists of an electric motor, gear assembly, and cable mechanism that can be more easily integrated into the outboard motor structure, reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine electric power steering system includes an actuator assembly, a gear assembly, and a cable assembly. The actuator assembly has an actuator assembly input and an actuator assembly output. The actuator assembly input is operatively connected to a steering shaft that extends along a steering column axis. The gear assembly includes a first gear that is driven by a second gear and a crank arm extending from the first gear. The cable assembly extends from an end of the crank arm to a steering device.