Automatic Steering Device Without Rudder Angle Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic steering devices for ships require a rudder angle sensor, which can be difficult to attach to certain hull designs, limiting their applicability due to wiring challenges and the need for a rudder angle sensor in the vicinity of the rudder.
Innovation Solution
An automatic steering device that calculates and stores target rudder angles, allowing for steering control without a rudder angle sensor, using a target rudder angle calculating unit and storage unit to determine necessary steering commands based on previous commands and heading changes, with features like steering triggers and pulsed control to stabilize rudder angle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rudder angle sensor is installed to detect actual rudder angle, then steering control precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rudder angle sensor from the system by extracting this measurement function. Instead of directly detecting actual rudder angle with a sensor, the system calculates the required rudder angle through target rudder angle calculation based on heading and target course, thereby eliminating the sensor and its associated installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an information-processing-based calculation system. The actual rudder angle detection function is substituted by calculating the target rudder angle from heading and target course data, transforming a physical measurement approach into an computational approach
2Measurement precision
If a rudder angle sensor is installed near the rudder, then steering control precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rudder angle sensor from the system by extracting this measurement function. Instead of directly detecting actual rudder angle with a sensor, the system calculates the required rudder angle through target rudder angle calculation based on heading and target course, thereby eliminating the sensor and its associated installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by internally calculating the target rudder angle using available data (heading and target course) without requiring external sensor input. This self-calculating approach eliminates the need for sensor installation and wiring, making the system easier to deploy on various hull types
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous feedback control is implemented to maintain course stability, then course stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously calculating the target rudder angle based on current heading and target course, comparing the result with the previous target rudder angle, and adjusting the steering command accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains course stability while using simple calculations rather than complex sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by only adjusting the rudder angle when the calculated target rudder angle differs from the previous target rudder angle by a predetermined threshold or when steering is actually needed. This selective control maintains stability while avoiding unnecessary continuous adjustments that would increase system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The automatic steering device comprises a target rudder angle calculating unit, a target rudder angle storage unit, and a steering command unit. The target rudder angle calculating unit calculates a target rudder angle of a steering based on a heading and a target course. The target rudder angle storage unit stores a target rudder angle at a time of a previous steering command. The steering command unit outputs a steering command for instructing the steering to steer based on a newest target rudder angle calculated by the target rudder angle calculating unit and the target rudder angle at the time of the previous steering command stored by the target rudder angle storage unit.