Marine Vessel Drift Control Using Adjustable Hull Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drift fishing methods using marine vessels face issues with fishing line entanglement due to differing movements of the hull and fishing line caused by tidal currents and wind, which are not effectively managed by manual resistance members.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a marine vessel featuring independently movable resistance members on the hull, controlled by a system that acquires wind and tidal current data to adjust resistance levels, ensuring the hull moves in sync with the fishing line, using propulsion devices like outboard and trolling motors for additional control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a manual resistance member (sea anchor) is used to increase water resistance, then the hull is more strongly affected by tidal current, but it becomes difficult to maneuver the hull to move in line with the fishing line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resistance member is divided into multiple segments (first resistance member and second resistance member) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows differential resistance application on left and right sides of the hull, enabling precise maneuvering while maintaining overall water resistance for tidal current alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resistance members are made dynamically adjustable through automated control based on sensor inputs (wind direction, wind speed, current direction). The system continuously modifies resistance levels to optimize both the force applied to align with tidal currents and the ease of maneuvering the hull with the fishing line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the hull drifts freely with tidal current, then drift fishing is simplified, but wind effects cause differential movement between hull and fishing line leading to entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrift fishing simplicityVSAvoidfishing line entanglement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor wind direction, wind speed, and current direction, feeding this information back to the control unit. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to resistance member positions, compensating for wind effects and preventing hull-fishing line misalignment that causes entanglement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The resistance members act as intermediaries between the wind/current environment and the hull. By strategically positioning and adjusting these members, the system mediates environmental forces to maintain hull alignment with the fishing line while preserving the drift fishing mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If resistance members are positioned to maximize tidal current effect, then hull alignment with current improves, but control over hull position relative to fishing line decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehull alignment with currentVSAvoidhull position control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the resistance system into independently controllable units positioned at different locations on the hull, the system can selectively apply resistance to maintain current alignment while using differential control to adjust hull position relative to the fishing line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes parameters (resistance member position, resistance level) based on sensor feedback to simultaneously achieve hull alignment with tidal currents and proper positioning relative to the fishing line, resolving the apparent contradiction between stability and controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system provides a comfortable drift fishing environment by minimizing differential movement between the hull and fishing line, maintaining alignment with tidal currents even under varying wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

resistance members... each independently drivable and movable between a first position, where the resistance received from water in a predetermined direction is adjusted to a first magnitude, and a second position, where the resistance is adjusted to zero or to a second magnitude smaller than the first magnitude

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP4671110A1Control device for a marine vessel, marine vessel and method for controlling a marine vessel
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4671110A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4671110A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4671110A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device for a marine vessel (1) includes a hull (2), at least a pair of resistance members (93), a first acquisition unit (71), a second acquisition unit (71), and a control unit (71). The resistance members (93) are arranged on the hull (2), one on the left and one on the right, each independently drivable and movable between a first position, where the resistance received from water in a predetermined direction is adjusted to a first magnitude, and a second position, where the resistance is adjusted to zero or to a second magnitude smaller than the first magnitude. The first acquisition unit (71) acquires wind speed (WS). The second acquisition unit (71) acquires tidal current speed (TV1). The control unit (71) controls the resistance members (93) based on the wind speed (WS) and the tidal current speed (TV1).