Vessel Controller Coordinates Dual Thrust for Intuitive Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel operation systems require finely tuned operations and expertise to manage the interaction between main propulsion motors and trolling motors, leading to complex control scenarios and potential interference between thrusts, especially when trying to achieve desired hull behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A vessel operation system with a controller that allows for integrated control of propulsion apparatus and trolling motors, enabling the vessel operator to adjust thrust magnitude and direction independently, reducing the need for complex operations by generating secondary thrusts that override or complement the trolling motor's thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel operator uses both the main propulsion motor and the trolling motor simultaneously, then the vessel can achieve desired hull behavior through combined thrusts, but the operation becomes complicated and requires finely tuned control and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives commands from the operator and automatically coordinates the thrusts from both the main propulsion motor and the trolling motor. The controller calculates and adjusts the individual thrust magnitudes and directions based on the operator's intent, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning and expert knowledge while achieving the desired hull behavior through combined propulsion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-coordination of the dual propulsion motors through the controller. When the operator issues a command, the controller automatically determines the appropriate thrust distribution between the main propulsion motor and the trolling motor, adjusting their individual outputs without requiring continuous manual intervention or expert operational skill from the vessel operator.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the vessel operator stops the trolling motor to use the main propulsion motor, then the main propulsion motor can generate thrust without interference, but the operation requires sequential steps and loses the benefit of combined thrust control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a mediator that manages the potential harmful interference between the two propulsion motors. It continuously monitors and adjusts the thrust outputs of both motors, ensuring that the main propulsion motor's thrust can be effectively applied while the trolling motor provides supplementary assistance, eliminating the need to stop either motor and avoiding thrust conflicts through intelligent coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel operator adjusts the thrust of both motors simultaneously, then the desired hull behavior can be achieved, but the operation requires considerable vessel operation skill and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs self-adjustment of the thrust parameters for both propulsion motors based on the operator's high-level commands. It automatically calculates the appropriate thrust magnitudes and directions for each motor, eliminating the need for the operator to possess considerable vessel operation skill or expertise in coordinating dual propulsion systems while still achieving the desired hull behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel operation system includes an outboard motor or other propulsion apparatus disposed on a hull, a trolling motor mounted externally to the hull, a joystick or other first operator, and a controller. The joystick is operated by a vessel operator in order to indicate at least one of a magnitude and a direction of a thrust that the outboard motor is to apply to the hull. In a state in which the trolling motor is generating a first thrust, the controller controls the outboard motor so as to generate a second thrust in accordance with a command indicated by the joystick. Additionally, the controller controls the trolling motor so that the first thrust changes.