Marine Propulsion Wake Control Using Steering and Output Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel control systems struggle to autonomously comply with varying wake restrictions across different water areas, making it difficult for boaters to adhere to local regulations and avoid generating excessive wake or bow rise.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion control system that automatically adjusts steering and propulsion output to meet wake zone requirements by monitoring vessel orientation and adjusting speed or steering to ensure compliance with 'no wake' or 'minimum wake' zones, using sensors and control algorithms to maintain minimum steerage speed and avoid bow rise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vessel speed is increased to maintain productivity, then the wake generation increases and may violate regulations, but reducing speed limits productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vessel speed based on real-time location data and wake restriction information. The propulsion control system continuously monitors the vessel's position relative to regulated water sections and automatically modifies speed to comply with wake limitations while maintaining optimal productivity when regulations permit
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the controller receives continuous data from the location determination device about the vessel's position, compares it with stored wake restriction zones, and automatically adjusts propulsion output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures compliance with wake regulations while optimizing vessel performance
2Reliability
If the vessel enters a regulated water section, then wake restrictions must be complied with, but this requires automatic control intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The wake restriction compliance system operates autonomously by automatically receiving location data, determining the vessel's position relative to regulated zones, and controlling propulsion without requiring operator awareness or action. The system serves itself by maintaining compliance through automated speed adjustments based on its own location information
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the location determination device and the propulsion device. It receives location information, processes it against stored wake restriction data, and translates this into appropriate propulsion control commands, automatically mediating between navigation and regulation compliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling propulsion of a marine vessel includes receiving an instruction to engage a wake control mode and then automatically effectuating a steering change and/or a propulsion output change. A vessel orientation response to the steering change and/or the propulsion output change is measured and a determination of whether a wake zone requirement is met is made based on the orientation response. If the orientation requirement is met, a current propulsion output that meets the wake zone requirement is maintained. If the orientation requirement is not met, a further steering change and/or further propulsion output change is automatically effectuated until the wake zone requirement is met.