Variable Steering Ratio for Marine Vessel Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel steering systems require excessive turns of the steering wheel to achieve full steering angles, especially in docking maneuvers, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly for single-propulsion vessels without additional thrust sources.
Innovation Solution
A control module reduces the steering ratio between input and output signals when initiating a docking mode, allowing the steering wheel to be turned by fewer degrees to achieve the full steering angle range, thereby simplifying and speeding up docking maneuvers by dynamically changing the end stops and providing feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard steering ratio is used in marine vessel steering systems, then the steering mechanism provides stable and predictable control, but excessive turns of the steering wheel are required to achieve full steering angles, making docking maneuvers cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering ratio variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the steering ratio based on the detected maneuver type: using a first (higher) steering ratio for normal navigation and a second (lower) steering ratio for docking maneuvers. This allows the steering wheel to be turned fewer times to achieve full steering angles during docking, reducing maneuver time while maintaining stable control during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering ratio parameter depending on the operational context. By detecting whether the vessel is performing a docking maneuver or normal navigation, the system switches between two different steering ratio values. This parameter change enables optimized performance for different scenarios: slower, more precise control during docking and standard control during normal operation.
2Productivity
If the steering ratio is reduced for docking maneuvers, then fewer steering wheel turns are required and docking time is reduced, but the steering control becomes less precise for normal navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the steering ratio based on the maneuver being performed. During docking maneuvers, a lower steering ratio provides faster response and fewer wheel turns, improving efficiency. During normal navigation, the system switches to a higher steering ratio that provides more gradual steering changes, maintaining precision and control. The controller detects the maneuver type and adjusts the ratio accordingly, ensuring optimal performance for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by switching between two distinct steering ratio values based on operational mode. The first steering ratio (higher value) is used for normal navigation to maintain precision, while the second steering ratio (lower value) is used for docking to improve efficiency. This conditional parameter change resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate ratio for each specific operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for steering a marine vessel powered by a marine engine and having a steerable marine device includes initiating a docking mode, and in response to initiation of the docking mode, reducing a steering ratio between input signals corresponding to steered positions of a steering wheel and output signals corresponding to desired steering angles of the marine device, such that the steering ratio is less than the steering ratio would otherwise be were the vessel in a non-docking mode. Input signals are accepted from the steering wheel, and output signals are generated based on the input signals and the reduced steering ratio. The output signals are sent to a steering actuator coupled to the marine device, which controls a position of the marine device to the desired steering angles.