Marine Steering Alignment via Non-Motorized Cable Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems for marine vessels often misalign steering devices with steerable components, leading to operator discomfort and the use of large, complex motorized actuators, which are costly and prone to issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses sensors to detect the rotational positions of both the steering device and steerable component, adjusting their operation to achieve alignment without motorized movement, employing a non-motorized steering actuator and a controller to adjust the steering ratio for alignment, allowing for alignment during vessel motion or at startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If motorized actuators are used to achieve steering alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized actuators with a non-motorized actuator that uses a cable and pulley system to achieve steering alignment. The controller adjusts the cable tension to rotate the steering device into alignment with the steerable component, eliminating complex motorized systems while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system uses the existing steering mechanism and cable system to achieve self-alignment. The non-motorized actuator utilizes the natural mechanical linkage between the steering device and steerable component, allowing the system to self-correct alignment without external motorized assistance.
2Ease of operation
If motorized actuators are used for steering alignment, then alignment capability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized actuators with a non-motorized actuator that uses a cable and pulley system. This mechanical system has fewer electronic components and moving parts that could fail, improving reliability while maintaining the ability to achieve steering alignment through cable tension adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-motorized actuator uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (cable, pulley, tensioner) that are more reliable than complex motorized systems. These components are easier to replace if needed and have fewer failure points.
3Device complexity
If non-motorized actuators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the rotational positions of both the steering device and steerable component and adjusts the cable tension in real-time to achieve and maintain alignment. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise alignment despite using a simple non-motorized actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-motorized actuator uses a dynamic cable tensioning system that can adjust tension on demand. The tensioner mechanism allows for fine-tuned, dynamic adjustment of cable tension to achieve precise steering alignment, overcoming the static nature of traditional mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling steering alignment in a marine vessel includes detecting a rotational position of a steering device and detecting a rotational addition of a steerable component, wherein the steerable component is couplable to a marine vessel and steerable to a plurality of positions so as to vary the direction of movement of the marine vessel. The rotational position of the steering device and the rotational position of the steerable component are then compared. The operation between the steering device and the steerable component is then automatically adjusted while the steering device is moved by a user until alignment between the steering device and the steerable component is reached.