Single-Outboard Watercraft Sideways Control With Bow Thruster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft control systems require multiple outboard motors to move sideways, which can be inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a bow thruster and a steerable outboard motor to generate a net thrust force for sideways movement, enabling a watercraft to move sideways with only one outboard motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outboard motors are used to move the watercraft sideways, then the sideways movement capability is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple outboard motors into a single outboard motor by integrating a bow thruster system. The bow thruster provides additional thrust components that, when combined with the steerable outboard motor, enable sideways movement without requiring multiple separate outboard motors. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the desired adaptability for sideways movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outboard motor is designed with multi-functionality by combining it with a bow thruster system. The outboard motor not only provides forward propulsion but also works in conjunction with the bow thruster to enable sideways movement. This universal design allows one motor system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated motors.
2Device complexity
If a single outboard motor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sideways movement capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bow thruster acts as an intermediary component that enables the single outboard motor system to achieve sideways movement capability. The bow thruster mediates between the single outboard motor and the watercraft hull, providing additional thrust vectors that facilitate sideways movement. This intermediary component allows the simplified single-motor configuration to achieve the versatility of multi-motor systems.
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
Enables efficient and smooth sideways movement of a watercraft using a single outboard motor, allowing for seamless transitions between different movement modes.
Implementation Method 1
The bow thruster includes a port oriented in an obliquely forward direction of the watercraft to jet a stream of water in the obliquely forward direction of the watercraft
Implementation Method 2
The outboard motor is attached to the watercraft and steerable right and left
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a watercraft includes a bow thruster, an outboard motor being an only outboard motor attached to the watercraft, and a controller. The bow thruster includes a port oriented in an obliquely forward direction of the watercraft to jet a stream of water in the obliquely forward direction of the watercraft. The outboard motor is attached to the watercraft to be steered right and left. The controller is configured or programmed to control the outboard motor and the bow thruster to cause the watercraft to move sideways by a net force of a first thrust generated by the bow thruster and a second thrust generated by the outboard motor.