Ship Steering Control with Parallel Thrust Parameter Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ship steering systems require cumbersome and time-consuming initial settings of control parameters for propulsors, as each parameter must be set sequentially, necessitating frequent adjustments and significant time to achieve desired thrust balances.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a first input device for forward thrust parameter and a second input device for reverse thrust parameter, allowing simultaneous input and real-time reflection of these parameters, enabling concurrent setting while confirming the ship's action, thereby reducing workload and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control parameters are set sequentially by switching setting items on a single electronic device, then the setting process is simple in terms of device usage, but the work load and time required increase significantly due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parameter setting process into two independent parallel channels: forward thrust parameter setting and reverse thrust parameter setting. Each channel has its own input device, allowing operators to set both parameters simultaneously rather than sequentially switching between them, thereby reducing total setting time while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple input functions into a single integrated system where both forward and reverse thrust parameters can be input concurrently through separate but synchronized input devices. The control unit merges these parallel inputs and applies them together, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and reducing overall setting time
2Ease of operation
If control parameters are set one by one while checking ship action after each setting, then the setting process remains manageable, but the total work time increases due to iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to perform preliminary setting of both forward and reverse thrust parameters simultaneously before executing the steering pattern. By preparing and inputting both parameters in advance through parallel input devices, the system eliminates the need for iterative adjustments during execution, thereby improving setting work efficiency while maintaining process manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides real-time feedback by reflecting both forward and reverse thrust parameters to the propulsors simultaneously, allowing operators to observe the combined effect of both parameters on ship action at once. This eliminates the need for sequential checking and iterative adjustments, thereby improving productivity while keeping the setting process manageable
3Device complexity
If multiple control parameters are set using a single electronic device with switching setting items, then the device complexity is low, but the difficulty and time of parameter setting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs input devices that can handle multiple functions: they can independently set forward thrust parameters, reverse thrust parameters, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows parallel parameter setting without increasing device complexity, as each input device maintains a simple interface while achieving enhanced capability through the control unit's coordination
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A steering system (1) is employed in a ship to which left and right propulsors (2L, 2R) are attached. The steering system (1) includes a first input device (11) configured to receive an input of any one of a forward thrust parameter and a reverse thrust parameter of the propulsors (2L, 2R), a second input device (15) configured to receive an input of the other of the forward thrust parameter and the reverse thrust parameter of the propulsors (2L, 2R), and a controller (17) configured to reflect the forward thrust parameter and the reverse thrust parameter to the propulsors in real time. In the steering system (1), the first input device (11) and the second input device (15) receive the inputs in parallel when a steering pattern for a ship is set.