Marine Steering Switch Height Differentiation for Tactile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering apparatus for marine vessels lacks improved operability, particularly when operating switches near a pier, as operators must visually check switches frequently to avoid accidental activation, leading to inefficiencies in maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
The design includes first and second switches on the spoke portion of the steering apparatus, differing in height, allowing operators to easily identify and operate them with their fingers while using paddles, reducing erroneous operations and enhancing overall switch operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are located on the steering apparatus to assist maneuvering, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the risk of accidental operation and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each switch have distinct physical characteristics (different heights, different positions on the steering apparatus) so that operators can easily distinguish and correctly operate the intended switch without accidentally activating adjacent switches. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining multiple control functions while preventing operational errors.
2Device complexity
If switches are located close together on the steering apparatus to save space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of accidental operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains compact switch arrangement while ensuring operational reliability by赋予 each switch distinct local characteristics (different heights, different positions). This allows switches to be located close together for space efficiency while the differentiated physical properties prevent accidental activation, thus maintaining reliability without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If operators visually check switches frequently to avoid accidental operation, then the operability is improved, but the time consumption and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to correctly identify and operate switches through distinct physical characteristics (different heights and positions) without requiring frequent visual checks. This tactile differentiation allows for rapid, accurate switch operation during maneuvering, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The switches are designed to be self-identifying through their distinct physical properties, allowing the operator to intuitively select the correct switch without external visual verification. This self-identification capability eliminates the need for frequent visual checking, thereby improving maneuvering efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus for a marine vessel includes a central portion supported rotatably around a rotation fulcrum with respect to a hull, a wheel portion, a spoke portion that connects the central portion and the wheel portion, first switches, second switches near the first switches, and paddles operable to cause a thrust to be applied in a front-rear direction to the hull. The first and second switches control the hull in different modes. The first switches are located at positions where a marine vessel operator is able to operate the first switches with the fingers of hands operating the paddles. The first and second switches are on the spoke portion and have different heights in a pressing direction.