Marine Trim Control System Using Selectable Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic trim control systems for marine vessels lack flexibility and precision, as they often require manual configuration and have limited preset profiles, failing to adapt to varying conditions such as weather, loading, and specific boat types, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A trim control system that stores multiple trim profiles defining relationships between vessel speeds and trim angles, allowing users to select profiles based on vessel type and conditions, with the option to refine aggressiveness using sub-profiles, and automatically adjusts the trim angle based on measured vessel speed and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trim profiles with sub-profiles are stored and selectable, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim control system divides the overall trim control into multiple selectable profiles, each containing sub-profiles for different conditions. This segmentation allows the system to store pre-calibrated trim data for various vessel types, loading conditions, and weather scenarios, enabling quick adaptation without complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration and optimization of trim angles offline for different operating conditions, storing these as pre-configured profiles and sub-profiles. During operation, the system simply selects the appropriate pre-computed profile based on current conditions, avoiding the need for complex real-time optimization algorithms
2Productivity
If automatic trim control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic trim control system monitors vessel speed, pitch angle, and operating conditions continuously, automatically selecting appropriate trim profiles and adjusting trim angles without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and stored profiles to make real-time trim decisions, maximizing productivity while minimizing operational complexity for the user
3Loss of energy
If trim angle is automatically adjusted based on vessel speed, then fuel efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vessel speed, pitch angle, and trim position using sensors, comparing actual values against target values from selected trim profiles. The control algorithm adjusts trim angles based on feedback from these measurements, optimizing fuel efficiency while accounting for the precision limitations of onboard sensors through robust control strategies
Data Source
AI summary
A trim control system includes a memory storing a plurality of trim profiles, each trim profile defining a unique relationship between a plurality of vessel speeds and respective propulsion device trim angles. The unique relationship is: (a) a calibrated relationship developed by determining optimal trim angles for a particular propulsion device powering a particular marine vessel at a number of tested vessel speeds and a number of different conditions; or (b) developed by modifying a nominal relationship between a number of vessel speeds and a number of corresponding trim angles. An input device allows a user to select one of the trim profiles from the memory so as to specify an aggressiveness of trim angle relative to vessel speed. A controller determines a setpoint trim angle corresponding to measured vessel speed according to the selected trim profile. The control system positions the propulsion device at the setpoint trim angle.