Marine Steering Mode Transition With Wheel-Angle Return Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering control systems for marine vessels experience an uncomfortable feeling during steering operations after canceling automatic steering mode, especially when no steering operation is performed, due to deviations between the steering wheel rotation angle and the actual turning angle of the propulsion device.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device and method that includes a processor to control the steering mode, acquire the rotation angle position of the steering wheel and the actual turning angle of the propulsion device, and execute control to reduce deviation between the two when the steering wheel is stopped during mode shifts from automatic to normal steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic steering mode is canceled and shifted to normal steering mode, then the steering mode transitions successfully, but deviation between steering wheel rotation angle and actual turning angle remains causing uncomfortable feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes return control before completing the mode transition to automatically adjust the propulsion device turning angle to match the steering wheel rotation angle. This preliminary action eliminates deviation before the operator resumes manual steering, preventing uncomfortable feelings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the rotation angle position of the steering wheel and the actual turning angle of the propulsion device, comparing these values to detect deviation. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the turning angle to eliminate the discrepancy during mode transition.
2Productivity
If steering operation is not performed after mode cancellation, then the steering wheel remains stationary, but deviation between angles is not reduced maintaining uncomfortable feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting the deviation between steering wheel rotation angle and propulsion device turning angle, and autonomously adjusting the turning angle through return control without requiring operator intervention or steering wheel movement.
3Ease of operation
If return control is executed to reduce deviation, then steering comfort is improved, but additional control processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The return control function is integrated into the existing steering control unit, merging the deviation reduction capability with the normal steering control logic. This consolidation achieves steering comfort improvement without requiring a separate complex control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering control device for a marine vessel capable of suppressing an uncomfortable feeling in a steering operation occurring after cancellation of an automatic steering mode, even without the steering operation. The marine vessel includes a propulsion device that propels a hull, a steering wheel having a regulated rotatable angle, and a turning driver that changes a turning angle of the propulsion device. A controller of the steering control device determines, based on the acquired rotation angle position of the steering wheel, whether the steering wheel is stopped, and controls, during control to shift the steering mode from the automatic steering mode to the normal steering mode, the turning driver to reduce deviation between a turning angle corresponding to the acquired rotation angle position of the steering wheel and the acquired actual turning angle of the propulsion device if the steering wheel is stopped.