Marine Active Control of WEDs and Engine Steering for 3-Axis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine stabilization systems lack the capability to simultaneously control accelerations, rates, and angles in the roll, pitch, and yaw axes of a marine vessel, as well as engine trim and steering angle adjustments, leading to incomplete vessel stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic active control system (DACS) that utilizes proprietary inertial sensing hardware and software to learn and predict vessel motions, simultaneously controlling the deployment of water engagement devices (WEDs) and adjusting engine trim and steering to counteract pitch, roll, and yaw motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WEDs are used for trim and list control, then basic stabilization is achieved, but comprehensive control of all three axes (roll, pitch, yaw) and engine adjustments is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling WED deployment for trim and list, adjusting engine trim, and modifying engine steering angle all through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive stabilization across all three axes while avoiding the need for separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate stabilization functions (WED control, engine trim adjustment, engine steering control) into a single integrated control system. By merging these functions, the system achieves comprehensive three-axis stabilization without requiring multiple independent systems, thus managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If WEDs are deployed to counter roll motion, then roll stabilization is improved, but yaw moment is generated requiring additional control
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful yaw moment generated by asymmetric WED deployment into a useful control opportunity. By detecting the yaw moment and responding with appropriate engine steering adjustments, the system transforms an adverse effect into a secondary control action that maintains overall vessel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors vessel motion and the effects of WED deployment, including any generated yaw moments. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when asymmetric WED deployment creates unwanted yaw and to automatically compensate through engine steering adjustments, maintaining roll stability while eliminating the harmful side effect.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engine steering angle is adjusted to counter yaw, then yaw control is improved, but roll moment is generated requiring compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful roll moment generated by engine steering adjustment into a controllable parameter. By detecting the roll moment effect and responding with appropriate WED deployment adjustments, the system transforms an adverse effect into a secondary control action that maintains overall vessel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the effects of engine steering adjustments, including any generated roll moments. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when yaw control actions create unwanted roll and to automatically compensate through WED adjustments, maintaining yaw stability while eliminating the harmful side effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into one system, then comprehensive stabilization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple stabilization functions through a single integrated platform, managing complexity by consolidating rather than multiplying components. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive three-axis stabilization while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
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
The DACS achieves comprehensive vessel stabilization by simultaneously controlling all three axes of motion and engine adjustments, providing optimal performance and control, and automatically optimizing vessel operating characteristics for comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
generates a variable amount of lift in a marine vessel by selective engagement of the device with or into the water flow
Implementation Method 2
generates a torque that is proportional to the rate of precession and angular momentum
Implementation Method 3
generates a torque that is proportional to the rate of precession and angular momentum
Implementation Method 4
The DACS is configured with proprietary inertial sensing hardware and software to learn, capture and make a determination and/or predict the various motions of the marine vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic active control system (DACS) configured for: (1) total vessel pitch axis control by fast symmetric deployment of water engagement devices (WEDs) or controllers, coupled with engine trim adjustments; (2) total roll and heading control by differentially deploying WEDs to counter rolling motions while simultaneously adjusting engine steering position to counter the steering moment associated with WED delta position; and (3) adjustment of the engine steering angle to counter yaw moments produced by gyroscopic stabilization systems.