Marine Steering Controls for Diagonal Lateral Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel maneuvering support systems lack operability when moving a hull diagonally while laterally maneuvering, requiring complex operations involving lateral movement switches and shift lever positioning.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel maneuvering support system featuring a steering apparatus with mode switches and paddles, controlled by a controller that executes lateral thrust generation modes and adjusts thrust in the front-rear direction in response to paddle operations, enabling diagonal movement and longitudinal adjustment of the hull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the marine vessel uses conventional maneuvering support systems with lateral movement switches and shift levers, then lateral movement of the hull is achieved, but diagonal movement while moving laterally is not possible and operability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lateral movement function and diagonal movement function into a single lateral movement switch. When the switch is operated, the system automatically executes lateral movement; when released, it automatically executes diagonal movement, merging what were previously separate control functions into one unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic maneuvering modes that automatically switch between lateral movement and diagonal movement based on the operational state of the switch. The system transitions from a static control mode to a dynamic one where the maneuvering capability adapts automatically to the operator's input state, enhancing both ease of operation and maneuvering versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the marine vessel requires operation near the throttle operation portion for lateral movement, then lateral movement is achieved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral movement switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls lateral movement when operated and automatically controls diagonal movement when released. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controls for different maneuvering modes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining full maneuvering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically switches between lateral movement and diagonal movement modes based on the switch state without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically determines the appropriate maneuvering mode and executes the corresponding thrust generation, making the system self-regulating and reducing the cognitive load on the operator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the marine vessel requires changing shift lever position for diagonal movement, then diagonal movement is achieved, but the time and complexity of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple maneuvering modes (lateral movement mode and diagonal movement mode) and automatically selects the appropriate mode based on the switch state. This eliminates the need for manual mode switching or shift lever repositioning, as the system has already prepared both maneuvering capabilities and simply activates the correct one based on operator input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic maneuvering modes that automatically switch between lateral movement and diagonal movement based on the operational state of the switch. The system transitions from a static control mode to a dynamic one where the maneuvering capability adapts automatically to the operator's input state, enhancing both ease of operation and maneuvering versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel maneuvering support system includes a steering apparatus including a wheel portion supported rotatably with respect to a hull, mode switches provided on the wheel portion and operable to execute lateral thrust generation modes to generate a thrust that moves the hull in a lateral direction, paddles provided on the steering apparatus and operable to cause a thrust to be applied to the hull in a front-rear direction, and a controller configured or programmed to control at least two propulsion devices and execute the lateral thrust generation modes in accordance with instructions from the mode switches. The controller is configured or programmed to control at least one propulsion device of the at least two propulsion devices to generate or change the thrust in the front-rear direction acting on the hull in response to operations of the paddles when the lateral thrust generation mode is being executed.