Ship Steering Device with Directional Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship steering devices using stick-type controllers can lead to unintended vessel maneuvering, particularly when the operator is in a posture where they cannot accurately view the joystick, resulting in potential operation errors.
Innovation Solution
A ship steering device that divides the movable region of the operation unit into multiple directions around a neutral position, with varying center angles for each direction, and a control unit that determines the propulsion force based on the region the operation unit is in, allowing for more precise control and reducing unintended movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stick-type controller is used for ship steering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of the operator's intention deteriorates when the operator cannot view the joystick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operation unit's movable region into multiple directional regions (first direction, second direction, third direction, fourth direction) with different center angles. This segmentation allows the system to interpret the operator's intention more accurately based on which region the operation unit is positioned in, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different center angles to different directional regions of the operation unit. Each region has a specific center angle that reflects its directional characteristic, allowing the control unit to determine propulsion force more accurately based on the local properties of each region. This local quality approach improves the system's ability to measure operator intention precisely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation unit can be tilted in all directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of ship steering deteriorates due to unintended maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation unit's movement into distinct directional regions with defined center angles. By controlling the propulsion force based on which region the operation unit is positioned in, the system maintains adaptability to various steering directions while improving reliability by preventing unintended maneuvering through precise region-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the operation unit and determines the propulsion force based on which directional region it is in. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ship's maneuvering reliably reflects the operator's intention, preventing unintended movements while maintaining the ability to steer in multiple directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A ship steering device for controlling one or more propulsion units of a ship based on an operation performed on an input device having an operation unit movable from a neutral position. A movable region of the operation unit is a plurality of regions divided in a plurality of directions about the neutral position, the center angle of the region in at least one direction has a plurality of regions different from the region in the other direction, based on the region in which the operation unit is located among the plurality of regions, to determine the propulsion force to be applied to the ship.