Self-Calibrating Joystick Control System for Marine Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joystick control systems for marine vessels require manual calibration by trained engineers, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and do not always result in the desired vessel maneuver due to variations in vessel design and propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for automating the calibration of joystick control systems using high-gain feedback control and adaptive parameters, which adjusts output signals based on real-time vessel feedback from GPS and AHRS data to match predefined maneuvers, allowing for precise calibration without the need for on-site engineer intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration by trained engineers is used, then calibration precision can be achieved, but calibration time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring external engineer intervention. The control module executes calibration routines that autonomously adjust propulsion device parameters based on feedback from sensors and predefined performance criteria, eliminating the need for manual calibration while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process utilizes feedback control where the control module continuously monitors vessel response to joystick inputs and adjusts calibration parameters accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate calibration by comparing actual vessel maneuvers with expected maneuvers and making real-time corrections.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration by trained engineers is used, then calibration precision can be achieved, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs calibration tasks that previously required trained engineers. The control module automatically executes calibration sequences, interprets sensor data, and adjusts parameters, simplifying the overall process while eliminating the need for specialized human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs calibration routines and performance criteria into the control module before operation. This preliminary preparation enables the system to perform complex calibration tasks automatically without requiring engineers to manually configure parameters during the calibration process.
3Productivity
If standardized calibration parameters are used, then mass production becomes feasible, but adaptability to different vessel designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration parameters are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control module can modify calibration values based on feedback from the specific vessel being calibrated, allowing standardized calibration procedures to adapt to different vessel designs, propulsion systems, and operational characteristics while maintaining mass production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows calibration parameters to be changed and optimized for different vessel configurations. The control module stores multiple parameter sets and can select or adjust parameters based on the specific vessel type, enabling standardized calibration processes to accommodate diverse marine propulsion systems without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a marine propulsion system that controls operation of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel includes accepting an input signal from a user input device and determining an output signal corresponding to the input signal based on one or more stored parameters. The stored parameters are pre-calibrated to result in a predefined maneuver of the marine vessel. The marine propulsion device is operated according to the output signal and it is determined if any un-commanded maneuvers of the marine vessel result while operating the marine propulsion device according to the output signal. The method includes adapting one or more of the stored parameters so as to adjust operation of the marine propulsion device to abate the un-commanded vessel maneuvers. The one or more adapted parameters are saved and are used to determine subsequent output signals corresponding to subsequent input signals from the user input device.