Marine Trim Actuator Control via Acceleration Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-trim systems for marine vessels face inaccuracies in trimming due to discrete actuator control, leading to overshooting or undershooting of target trim positions, and are affected by inertia and hydraulic system dynamics, resulting in inefficient handling and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control method that determines a trim position error and acceleration rate, commanding the trim actuator to adjust the trim position based on acceleration thresholds, using a setpoint trim position different from the target when acceleration rates are below a certain threshold to account for system inertia and overshooting, allowing the trim actuator to coast to the target position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If discrete actuator control is used for auto-trim systems, then the system structure is simplified, but trimming accuracy deteriorates due to overshooting or undershooting of target trim positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control method determines acceleration rate and uses it to predict future trim position requirements. By proactively adjusting the trim actuator based on predicted rather than current position, the system prevents overshooting and undershooting before they occur, improving trimming accuracy without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts trim actuator control based on real-time acceleration rate detection. When acceleration exceeds thresholds, the control method modifies actuator commands to account for inertial effects, allowing the simplified discrete actuator system to achieve better trimming accuracy by adapting its control strategy to changing operational conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If acceleration rate compensation is implemented, then trimming accuracy is improved, but control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method continuously monitors acceleration rate and uses this feedback to adjust trim actuator commands in real-time. This closed-loop approach improves trimming accuracy by compensating for dynamic effects while maintaining a relatively simple control algorithm structure that builds upon existing auto-trim systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters (actuator commands) based on detected acceleration rate thresholds. By modifying control behavior conditionally based on acceleration levels, the system achieves improved trimming accuracy through a straightforward parameter-adjustment strategy rather than complex algorithms
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent trim adjustments are made to correct position errors, then trimming accuracy is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to excessive actuator activity
Solution Approach 1:
By predicting future trim position requirements based on acceleration rate, the control method makes fewer but more accurate actuator adjustments. This proactive approach maintains trimming accuracy while reducing the frequency of actuator activity, thereby improving fuel efficiency by eliminating unnecessary adjustments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of adjustments needed for trim position corrections, improving handling and fuel efficiency by accurately trimming the marine device based on vessel acceleration, thereby enhancing operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
A trim actuator is coupled to the marine device and configured to rotate the marine device about a horizontal trim axis in response to commands from the controller
Implementation Method 2
The controller determines at least a magnitude of an acceleration rate of the marine vessel, and in response to determining that the magnitude of the acceleration rate exceeds a given rate threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a trim system on a marine vessel includes receiving an actual trim position of a trimmable marine device at a controller and determining a trim position error by comparing the actual trim position to a target trim position with the controller. The method also includes determining an acceleration rate of the marine vessel. In response to determining that the trim position error exceeds a first error threshold and the magnitude of the acceleration rate exceeds a given rate threshold, the controller commands the marine device to the target trim position. In response to determining that the trim position error exceeds the first error threshold and the acceleration rate does not exceed the given rate threshold, the controller commands the marine device to a setpoint trim position that is different from the target trim position. An associated system is also disclosed.