Steering Wheel Torque Override for Fast Autopilot Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autopilot systems for mobile structures often require manual disengagement through additional user input, leading to delays in emergency situations, increasing the risk of collisions when an object is on the mobile structure's path.
Innovation Solution
A torque-sensing autopilot drive release system that automatically disengages the autopilot when a user applies a force exceeding a threshold level to the steering mechanism, differentiating between user input and external forces, allowing for intuitive and rapid manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional autopilot systems require manual disengagement through additional user input, then the autopilot can be reliably disabled, but the response time in emergency situations is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring steering torque and preparing to disengage the autopilot automatically before the user can manually disable it. The torque sensor is already in place and the system is ready to react immediately when emergency steering torque is applied, eliminating the time delay associated with manual button pressing or wheel spinning.
Solution Approach 2:
The autopilot system serves itself by automatically detecting when manual override is needed through torque sensing and self-disengaging without requiring additional user input. The system monitors its own operational state and autonomously transitions from automated to manual mode when the driver applies sufficient torque to the steering wheel, making the disengagement process self-activating rather than user-initiated.
2Loss of time
If the autopilot disengages automatically upon detecting steering torque, then the response time is reduced, but the system may falsely disengage due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring steering torque and comparing it against predefined thresholds to determine whether to disengage the autopilot. The torque sensor provides real-time feedback on steering input, and the control system processes this information to distinguish between genuine manual override intentions and external forces, enabling reliable automatic disengagement only when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by using different torque thresholds to differentiate between normal steering operations and emergency manual override situations. By setting appropriate threshold levels, the system can filter out minor torques from external forces while remaining sensitive enough to detect genuine driver intentions, thus preventing false disengagements while maintaining rapid response capability.
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
This solution provides a reliable and expedient method to disengage the autopilot, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing drive safety by enabling immediate manual control without additional user input, particularly in navigational crises.
Implementation Method 1
A torque-sensing autopilot drive release system that automatically disengages the autopilot when a user applies a force exceeding a threshold level to the steering mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to disengage an autopilot drive of a mobile structure based on a steering wheel torque applied manually by a user. A system includes a logic device in communication with a torque sensor unit, such as a strain gauge, load pin, or load cell. Sensor data and/or signals provided by the TSU are used to determine a force applied to a steering mechanism of the mobile structure while the mobile structure is on a heading provided by an autopilot drive of the mobile structure. The force may be a torque applied to the steering mechanism corresponding to manual control of the mobile structure. The system disengages the autopilot device of the mobile structure based, at least in part, on the determined force.