Marine Posture Control Tabs for Lower Steering Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel steering systems require different operation forces for left and right turns due to varying trim positions of outboard motors, which can complicate steering operations and increase driver burden.
Innovation Solution
A control system for marine vessels that includes port-side and starboard-side posture control tabs, actuated by corresponding actuators, which assist steering operations by determining the necessary tab to actuate based on the trim position and steering instructions, reducing the operational force required for steering.
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 system complexity increases due to additional actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering control function with the posture control tab actuation system. The control system integrates multiple functions (steering instruction processing, trim position monitoring, and tab actuation control) into a unified system, allowing the posture control tabs to assist steering operations without requiring completely separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes steering instructions from the steering control, monitors the trim position of the propulsion device, and actuates the appropriate posture control tab. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for dedicated separate systems while improving steering efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the system dynamically adjusts posture control tabs based on trim position, then steering operation force is reduced, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the trim position of the propulsion device in advance, so that when a steering instruction is received, the appropriate posture control tab is already identified and can be actuated immediately. This preliminary monitoring reduces the response time and the force needed for steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the trim position acquisition unit to dynamically determine which posture control tab should be actuated. The control unit continuously receives information about the current trim position and adjusts its control decisions accordingly, ensuring optimal steering assistance while managing control logic complexity through systematic feedback processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel that is capable of assisting operations of a steering control. Posture control tabs are mounted on a stern of a hull movably up or down to control a posture of the hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When a steering instruction is given trough the steering control, a controller determines a posture control tab to be actuated and control an actuator corresponding to the posture control tab determined to be actuated so as to change the position of the determined posture control tab.