Marine Vessel Steering Assist via Torque Sensor and Electronic Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel steering systems, particularly for larger vessels, face challenges with hydraulic systems being costly and difficult to assemble, and mechanical systems lack essential assist features, while existing non-hydraulic solutions are inadequate for larger vessels.
Innovation Solution
A torque and/or position sensor-based electrical steering assist system that measures steering wheel input and electronically controls a steering mechanism at the stern region, providing speed-dependent assist and autonomous capabilities through a processing device and actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic powered steering systems are used on larger vessels, then steering assist capability is improved, but system cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system consisting of a torque sensor, processing device, and electric actuator. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, hoses, and mechanical linkages while providing equivalent or superior steering assist capability through electronic control, directly resolving the contradiction between steering assist and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing device as an intermediary between the torque sensor and the actuator. This intermediary processes sensor signals, determines steering commands, and controls the actuator, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining steering assist functionality and reducing assembly complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical flex-cable driven non-power assisted systems are used on smaller vessels, then system cost is reduced, but steering assist capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flex-cable system with an electrical system using a torque sensor, processing device, and electric actuator. This substitution adds steering assist capability to smaller vessels at a cost comparable to or lower than hydraulic systems, while providing programmable control and speed-sensitive assist features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements speed-sensitive assist by changing the system's operational parameters based on vessel speed. The processing device adjusts the steering assist level dynamically, providing higher assist at low speeds and reduced assist at high speeds, thereby enhancing ease of operation across different operating conditions
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic steering systems are used on larger vessels, then steering control capability is improved, but system cost and programmability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the non-programmable hydraulic system with a programmable electrical system. The processing device can be programmed with different control algorithms, speed-sensitive assist levels, and steering characteristics, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining steering control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic steering control where the system characteristics change based on operating conditions. The processing device dynamically adjusts assist levels, response characteristics, and control parameters based on speed, torque input, and other sensed parameters, providing adaptability that hydraulic systems cannot achieve
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system for controlling a marine vessel includes a torque and/or position sensor configured to measure at least one of a torque applied by a steering wheel of the marine vessel and a rotational position of the steering wheel, and a processing device configured to receive a measurement of the steering wheel and electronically control a steering mechanism at a stern region of the marine vessel. The processing device is configured to estimate an angle of the steering wheel, determine a corresponding angle to be applied to the steering mechanism, and transmit a steering command based on the corresponding angle to an actuation device at the stern region.