Multiple Outboard Motor Steering Control After Motor Failure
Solution Overview
Problem
When one of the outboard motors fails, a vessel with multiple outboard motors cannot travel or turn in the desired direction, requiring a different steering control than normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that adjusts the steering angles of multiple outboard motors to maintain vessel directionality by differentiating the control of the steering angles of functional and non-functional motors, setting neutral positions to facilitate straight-ahead movement and corrective turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one of the outboard motors fails, then propulsion is lost, but the vessel cannot turn or move in the desired direction with conventional steering control
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus enables the non-faulty outboard motor to perform dual functions: propulsion and steering. By differentiating control between the faulty motor (set to neutral position) and the non-faulty motor (set to steering angle), the system allows the remaining motor to compensate for both propulsion loss and steering control, maintaining vessel maneuverability despite motor failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus changes the operational parameters of the outboard motors by setting the faulty motor to a neutral position (zero steering angle) and the non-faulty motor to a specific steering angle. This parameter adjustment allows the vessel to maintain directional control and maneuverability despite the loss of propulsion from the faulty motor.
2Device complexity
If conventional steering control is used after motor failure, then the steering mechanism remains simple, but the hull cannot travel or turn in the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus dynamically adjusts the steering angles of the outboard motors based on the operational status. When a motor is faulty, the system automatically differentiates control by setting the faulty motor to neutral position and the non-faulty motor to an appropriate steering angle, enabling the vessel to adapt its maneuverability to the reduced propulsion capability while maintaining control simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the steering angle of the non-faulty motor is adjusted to compensate for the faulty motor, then the vessel can maintain directionality, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus incorporates feedback mechanisms to detect motor failure and automatically adjust steering angles. By monitoring the operational status of each motor and differentiating control based on this feedback, the system maintains directional control without requiring complex manual intervention, though the automated control logic does increase in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a plurality of outboard motors 4, 5 spaced apart at predetermined intervals in a width direction of a hull 2, comprises a first steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the first outboard motor 4, a second steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the second outboard motor 5, and a control unit 30, 40 that controls the first steering unit and the second steering unit such that the hull moves or turns in a direction in accordance with a steering instruction of an operator by differentiating the control of the steering angle of the first outboard motor from the control of the steering angle of the second outboard motor when propulsion of either the first outboard motor or the second outboard motor cannot be obtained.