Variable Steering Ratio Drum for Marine Craft Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steering apparatuses for marine crafts provide a uniform steering ratio, which results in high sensitivity and difficulty in making small steering adjustments when moving forward, while being inadequate for turning maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A variable steering apparatus with a non-uniform, oblong cross-sectional profile that adjusts steering ratios based on the position of the controller, providing a high ratio for straight movement and a low ratio for turning, allowing for improved control and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a uniform steering ratio is used, then the steering apparatus provides consistent control response, but it creates high sensitivity and difficulty in making small steering adjustments when moving forward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering control response consistencyVSAvoidsmall steering adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The steering apparatus employs a variable steering ratio that dynamically changes based on the operational mode. The system transitions between a first steering ratio for forward movement and a second steering ratio for turning maneuvers, allowing the control characteristics to adapt to the current operational requirements rather than remaining static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the steering ratio parameter according to the operational phase. By using different steering ratios (first ratio for forward movement, second ratio for turning), the system optimizes both small adjustment precision and control response consistency for different maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a uniform steering ratio is used, then the control response remains consistent, but it provides inadequate control for turning maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol response consistencyVSAvoidturning maneuver adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system dynamically adjusts the steering ratio based on the detected maneuver type. The controller identifies whether the marine craft is moving forward or turning, and automatically selects the appropriate steering ratio to optimize control characteristics for that specific maneuver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The steering apparatus is designed to handle multiple operational modes (forward movement and turning) with optimized performance for each. By incorporating variable steering ratios, a single system achieves both precise forward control and effective turning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a high steering ratio is used for straight movement, then steering accuracy is improved, but sensitivity for turning maneuvers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering accuracy for forward movementVSAvoidturning sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the steering ratio parameter based on the operational mode. A first steering ratio provides high accuracy for forward movement, while a second steering ratio enhances sensitivity for turning maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10370076B2Steering apparatus providing variable steering ratios

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

Steering apparatus having variable steering ratios are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a steering drum having an oblong shaped cross section and a cable wrapped around an outer surface of the steering drum.