Marine Vessel Positioning Control via Thrust Vector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel positioning systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently maneuvering vessels in confined spaces or when obstacles are present, as they often require complex calculations and precise alignment of thrust vectors to avoid rotation and ensure smooth movement.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a control circuit that calculates position and heading differences between a user-desired and actual position of a marine vessel, using marine propulsion devices to minimize these differences by adjusting thrust vectors to align with the center of gravity, allowing for precise control and efficient maneuvering, even in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex calculations and precise alignment of thrust vectors are used to maneuver vessels in confined spaces, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically calculates optimal thrust vector alignments and propulsion device settings without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts based on real-time positioning data, eliminating the need for complex manual calculations while maintaining high positioning accuracy in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the marine vessel's actual position and compares it with the desired position, then automatically adjusts thrust vector alignment and propulsion device operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies the control process while maintaining precise positioning by letting the system self-correct based on real-time performance data.
2Stability of the object's composition
If thrust vectors are precisely aligned to avoid rotation during maneuvering, then movement smoothness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the optimal thrust vector alignment angles and propulsion device settings required to achieve smooth movement without rotation. The system performs these complex alignment calculations autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining movement smoothness during confined space maneuvers.
3Measurement precision
If multiple propulsion devices are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independently controllable propulsion devices, each capable of being individually adjusted to contribute to the overall positioning effort. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high positioning accuracy by coordinating multiple simpler units rather than relying on a single complex propulsion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple propulsion devices serve dual functions: they provide both the necessary thrust for movement and the differential thrust for rotation and precise positioning. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high positioning accuracy without adding dedicated positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are for orienting a marine vessel having a marine propulsion device. A control circuit controls operation of the marine propulsion device. A user input device inputs to the control circuit a user-desired global position and a user-desired heading of the marine vessel. The control circuit calculates a position difference between the user-desired global position and an actual global position of the marine vessel and controls the marine propulsion device to minimize the position difference. The control circuit controls the marine propulsion device to orient an actual heading of the marine vessel towards the user-desired global position when the position difference is greater than a threshold. When the position difference is less than the threshold, the control circuit controls the marine propulsion device to minimize a difference between the actual heading and the user-desired heading while minimizing the position difference.