Marine Steering Speed Control for Quiet Neutral Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional marine vessel maneuvering systems experience noticeable driving noise from the steering mechanism when the operator returns to the neutral position, especially when the propulsive force is stopped or reduced, due to the continuous operation of the motor and water flow, which affects noise levels and component longevity.

Innovation Solution

A marine vessel maneuvering system with a controller that adjusts the steering speed to a lower second steering speed when the operator returns to the neutral position, reducing the driving noise and operational load on the steering mechanism by controlling the steering speed to be a first speed when the operator moves from the neutral position and a second speed, which is lower than the first, when returning to the neutral position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the steering mechanism is driven at high speed to return the operator to the neutral position, then the steering response is fast, but the driving noise becomes noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering speedVSAvoiddriving noise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the steering speed variable rather than constant. The controller dynamically adjusts the steering speed based on the operational state: using first steering speed when the propulsive force is generated and second steering speed (lower than first) when the propulsive force is stopped. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing fast steering response when needed while reducing noise when the propeller is not running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of steering speed from a fixed value to a conditional variable. By introducing two different steering speed parameters (first steering speed and second steering speed) that are selected based on whether the propulsive force is generated, the system optimizes both responsiveness and noise reduction in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the propulsive force is completely stopped when returning to neutral position, then energy consumption is reduced, but the steering mechanism noise becomes more noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsteering mechanism noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of propulsive force generation from a binary state (on/off) to a conditional state based on steering operations. By maintaining propulsive force generation during the steering return process, the system prevents noticeable steering noise while still optimizing energy consumption by using lower steering speed (second steering speed) when returning to neutral position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11987338B2Marine vessel maneuvering system and marine vessel

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A marine vessel maneuvering system includes a controller configured or programmed to control a steering speed to be a first steering speed when an operator is moved from a neutral position, and to control the steering speed to be a second steering speed that is lower than the first steering speed when the operator is returned to the neutral position.