Steering Wheel Speed Paddles for One-Handed Marine Vessel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operability of changing speed in constant speed navigation mode is compromised due to the need for the marine vessel operator to hold the steering wheel with one hand and operate the speed control switch with the other, especially as the up and down buttons are small and not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel steering mechanism with a steering wheel featuring speed increasing and decreasing paddles or switches located on the spoke portions, allowing operators to adjust speed without removing their hands from the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the speed control switch is located away from the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can maintain its standard design, but the operator cannot easily operate the speed control switch while holding the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speed control function with the steering wheel by integrating the speed control switch directly onto the steering wheel structure. Specifically, the switch is mounted on the spoke portion of the steering wheel, allowing the operator to access both steering and speed control functions from a single location, thereby eliminating the need to reach for a separate remote control switch
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is transformed into a multi-functional control device that simultaneously provides steering control and speed adjustment capabilities. By placing the speed control switch on the steering wheel, the device serves dual purposes: directional control through rotation and speed control through button operation, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the up and down buttons are provided along with the speed control switch, then speed adjustment is possible, but the buttons cannot be made large and operability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the speed control buttons larger and more prominent specifically at their location on the steering wheel spoke. The up and down buttons are designed with sufficient size and spacing to be easily pressed, and their position on the spoke portion allows them to be accessed comfortably by the operator's fingers while maintaining an appropriate layout that prevents accidental pressing
3Reliability
If the operator needs to hold the steering wheel with one hand to maintain course, then steering control is maintained, but operating the remote control switch with the other hand becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering control and speed control functions into a single interface - the steering wheel. By placing the speed control switch directly on the steering wheel, the operator can perform both steering and speed adjustment operations from the same location, eliminating the need to switch hands or reach for a separate control device
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel includes a steering mechanism to improve the operability of an operator that changes a speed of the marine vessel. The steering mechanism includes a steering wheel, a speed increasing paddle to accelerate the marine vessel, and a speed decreasing paddle to decelerate the marine vessel.