Ship Remote Control Display Rotation for Light Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control devices for ship propulsion face challenges in visibility due to external light reflection, installation surface inclination, and varying operator positions, making it difficult to view display information effectively.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device with a rotatable display unit coupled to the main body via a support mechanism, allowing the display to adjust its angle and position to optimize visibility based on external light conditions and operator position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the display is fixed in the housing with a fixed angle, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the display visibility deteriorates under certain lighting conditions, installation surface inclinations, and operator positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay installation simplicityVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is made rotatable about a vertical axis rather than being fixed, allowing the display angle to be dynamically adjusted according to external light conditions, installation surface inclination, and operator position. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling visibility optimization without complicating the fundamental mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display angle parameter is made variable through the rotation mechanism, allowing adjustment of the display orientation to optimize visibility under different operating conditions. This parameter change capability enables the system to adapt to varying light conditions, installation angles, and operator positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the display angle is adjusted to optimize visibility, then display visibility improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoiddisplay mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single rotation mechanism about a vertical axis provides the necessary display angle adjustment without over-complicating the structure. This dynamic element allows visibility optimization while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to multi-axis adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: adjusting for external light conditions, compensating for installation surface inclination, and adapting to different operator positions. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive visibility optimization without requiring separate mechanisms for each adjustment need, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the display is positioned to accommodate one operator position, then visibility is optimized for that position, but visibility deteriorates for other operator positions or aspects of ship maneuvering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibility for specific operator positionVSAvoiddisplay adaptability to different operator positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable display unit enables dynamic repositioning to accommodate different operator positions and aspects of ship maneuvering. Rather than being fixed for a single position, the display can be rotated to optimize visibility for various operator locations and maneuvering scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism provides universal adaptability to multiple operator positions and maneuvering aspects through a single mechanism. This multi-functional capability allows the display to serve various operational contexts without requiring multiple fixed displays or complex reconfiguration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4588785A1Remote control device
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4588785A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4588785A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4588785A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A remote control device (11) for remotely controlling a ship propulsion device (3) provided in a ship (1). The remote control device (11) includes a remote control device main body (12) including a main body case (13) installed on an installation surface (5) provided in the ship (1), and a remote control lever (17) attached to the main body case (13), a display unit (22) provided outside the main body case (13), and including a display case (23) and a display (25) provided in the display case (23), and a support mechanism (41) that couples the display unit (22) and the remote control device main body (13) to each other and that supports the display unit (22).