Marine Posture Control Tabs for Balanced Steering Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels with posture control tabs face challenges in assisting steering operations, as the operation force required for turning can differ significantly between left and right turns due to varying trim positions of the outboard motor, leading to inefficiencies in steering control.
Innovation Solution
A control system for posture control tabs that includes port and starboard actuators and a processor to determine which tab to actuate based on the trim position and steering instructions, adjusting their position to assist steering operations by reducing the necessary operation force, particularly when the steering wheel is operated at higher speeds or during abnormal steering conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If posture control tabs are used to assist steering operations, then steering efficiency is improved, but the operation force becomes unbalanced between left and right turns due to varying trim positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts which posture control tab (port or starboard) is actuated based on the real-time trim position of the outboard motor. When the trim position indicates a need for assistance in a specific direction, the system selectively activates the corresponding tab to provide balanced steering assistance for both left and right turns, resolving the operation force imbalance while maintaining high steering efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the posture control tab is actuated to assist steering, then the operation force required is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to need for trim position sensing and conditional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the appropriate tab actuation based on trim position sensor data and steering input, without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The processor executes conditional control logic that self-adjusts the posture control tab selection and actuation magnitude, reducing operation force while managing system complexity through automated decision-making rather than complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If posture control tabs are used for steering assistance, then steering control is improved, but the system requires additional components including actuators, sensors, and control processors
Solution Approach 1:
The posture control tabs and their actuators serve dual functions: traditional trim control and steering assistance. The same hardware components are utilized for both stabilizing the hull posture and providing steering support, thereby improving steering control without proportionally increasing system complexity through dedicated separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel assists operations of a steering control. The posture control tabs are mounted on a stern of a hull to move up or down to control a posture of the hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When a steering instruction is provided through the steering control, a processor determines the posture control tab to be actuated and controls the actuator corresponding to the posture control tab determined to be actuated so as to change the position of the determined posture control tab.