Single-Outboard Watercraft Control for Sideways Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft control systems require multiple outboard motors to move sideways, which is inefficient and may not be practical for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single outboard motor and a bow thruster to generate a net force by controlling the thrusts of both components, enabling sideways movement of the watercraft.
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 it with a bow thruster. The single outboard motor provides both propulsion and sideways movement capabilities when coordinated with the bow thruster, eliminating the need for multiple separate outboard motors while achieving the same functional outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outboard motor is designed to perform multiple functions: forward propulsion, backward movement, and sideways movement (when combined with the bow thruster). This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized motors, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single outboard motor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sideways movement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bow thruster acts as an intermediary component that enables the single outboard motor to achieve sideways movement. By coordinating the thrust from the bow thruster with the angled thrust from the single outboard motor, the system generates net lateral force without requiring multiple outboard motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sideways movement function is segmented into two separate components: the bow thruster provides lateral thrust while the single outboard motor provides propulsion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the combined capability of sideways movement with reduced complexity.
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 sideways movement of the watercraft using a single outboard motor, allowing for efficient and smooth transitions between different movement modes.
Implementation Method 1
The bow thruster includes a spouting port for a stream of water; the spouting port is disposed to be oriented in an obliquely front direction of the watercraft. The bow thruster is disposed in the watercraft to spout the stream of water in the obliquely front direction of the watercraft.
Implementation Method 2
The outboard motor is attached to the watercraft to be enabled to be steered right and left. The controller controls 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.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present system includes a bow thruster (10), an outboard motor (1) provided as the only one outboard motor attached to a watercraft (100), and a controller (30). The bow thruster (10) includes a spouting port (21, 22) for a stream of water; the spouting port (21, 22) is disposed to be oriented in an obliquely front direction of the watercraft (100). The bow thruster (10) is disposed in the watercraft (100) to spout the stream of water in the obliquely front direction of the watercraft (100). The outboard motor (1) is attached to the watercraft (100) to be steered right and left. The controller (30) controls the outboard motor (1) and the bow thruster (10) to cause the watercraft (100) to move sideways by a net force (F3) of a first thrust (F1) generated by the bow thruster (10) and a second thrust (F2) generated by the outboard motor (1).