Marine Vessel Joystick Control for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel propulsion control systems are inefficient during frequent heading direction changes and attitude adjustments, leading to excessive energy consumption due to repeated steering angle changes, especially during docking and maneuvering in wind or current.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel propulsion control apparatus with a joystick unit and a control unit that maintains the steering angle of the steering unit when the propulsion unit is stopped, and adjusts the steering angles to define a V shape or inverted V shape to minimize unnecessary steering changes, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering angle is changed frequently in response to repeated joystick operations, then the heading direction and attitude of the marine vessel can be adjusted, but energy consumption of the steering unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit predicts the operator's intent to return the lever to neutral position and preemptively maintains the steering angle, preventing unnecessary steering unit activation before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors lever position and propulsion unit output state, using this feedback to intelligently determine when to maintain steering angle versus when to allow normal steering changes
2Ease of operation
If the lever is returned to neutral position by spring restorative force, then the joystick returns to neutral position automatically, but meaningless steering angle changes occur when propulsion unit is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system anticipates the lever return to neutral position and the subsequent meaningless steering change, acting in advance by maintaining the steering angle when the propulsion unit is stopped to prevent the energy waste before it happens
Solution Approach 2:
The steering angle control dynamically adapts based on the propulsion unit's operational state, maintaining the angle when stopped and allowing changes when running, optimizing energy efficiency across different operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel propulsion control apparatus is arranged to control a propulsion unit and a steering unit. The marine vessel propulsion control apparatus includes a joystick unit, and a control unit programmed to control an output of the propulsion unit and a steering angle of the steering unit in accordance with an output signal of the joystick unit. The joystick unit includes a lever that is tiltable from a neutral position and arranged to be operated by a marine vessel operator to command a heading direction and stem turning of a hull. The control unit is programmed to maintain the steering angle of the steering unit when the output of the propulsion unit is stopped.