Outboard Marine Engine Steering Actuator with Lead Screw Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for outboard marine engines lack efficient and precise control mechanisms for steering, particularly in terms of hydraulic actuation and fluid flow management, which can lead to suboptimal performance and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A steering actuator system featuring a piston device and a valve device with a lead screw, motor, and ball nut configuration that controls hydraulic fluid flow to actuate the piston, allowing precise steering of the outboard marine engine by alternately directing fluid to opposite sides of the piston, thereby pivoting the engine about a steering axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional steering systems with multiple separate components are used, then the steering function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve device and piston device into a single integrated steering actuator assembly. The valve device with lead screw and ball nut is directly coupled to the piston device, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: the motor drives the lead screw for valve actuation, the valve controls hydraulic flow direction, and the piston converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical steering motion. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the steering system.
2Productivity
If manual steering control is used, then the system is simpler, but the operational efficiency and control precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electro-hydraulic system. An electric motor drives the lead screw to actuate the valve, which controls hydraulic fluid flow to the piston, enabling programmable and precise steering control without manual intervention while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of steering parameters through the programmable motor controller, which can adjust the motor's rotational direction and speed to precisely control the valve position and consequently the hydraulic flow rate and piston movement, achieving high operational efficiency and control precision.
3Speed
If hydraulic fluid is continuously supplied to the piston, then the steering response is fast, but the hydraulic fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device uses periodic or intermittent action to control hydraulic fluid flow to the piston. The motor-driven lead screw actuates the valve only when steering input is detected, directing hydraulic fluid to the appropriate side of the piston for the required duration to achieve the desired steering angle, then returning to a neutral position that stops fluid flow, thereby reducing overall hydraulic fluid consumption while maintaining fast response when needed.
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 system provides efficient and precise hydraulic actuation of the outboard marine engine, enabling smooth and controlled steering movements with reduced complexity by utilizing a programmable control system to manage the valve device's positions and fluid flow, enhancing operational efficiency and user control.
Implementation Method 1
The valve device comprises a lead screw; a motor configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction and alternately in an opposite, second rotational direction; and a ball nut coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes the ball nut to axially move along the lead screw
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis
Data Source
AI summary
A steering actuator is for steering an outboard marine engine about a steering axis. The steering actuator has a piston device and a valve device. Hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis. The valve device controls a flow of hydraulic fluid to the piston device to thereby hydraulically actuate the piston device. The valve device comprises a lead screw; a motor configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction and alternately in an opposite, second rotational direction; and a ball nut coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes the ball nut to axially move along the lead screw, and wherein axial movement of the ball nut along the lead screw actuates the valve device, which thereby actuates the piston device to steer the outboard marine engine.