Marine Vessel Maneuvering Input Resistance Tuned to Vessel Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vessel control (EVC) systems for marine vessels lack precise control and user feedback, leading to potential user fatigue, limited customization, and compatibility issues with modern systems.
Innovation Solution
A maneuvering device with an input source movable between equilibrium and displaced positions, a variable resistance device to adjust movement resistance, and a control unit that adjusts resistance based on requested release inputs and longitudinal speed of the marine vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical input sources are used without force feedback, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and user control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements force feedback by detecting the position of the input source relative to the equilibrium position and generating a counteracting force. The control unit calculates the displacement and applies a restoring force through the actuator, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves measurement precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-based resistance mechanisms with an electro-mechanical actuator system. This substitution allows for more precise control of the restoring force and enables dynamic adjustment of the force characteristics, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mechanical limitations are used for input sources, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the restoring force characteristics based on the detected displacement and operational parameters. The control unit can modify the force feedback parameters in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and user preferences without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization by allowing the control unit to adjust parameters such as the strength and characteristics of the restoring force. This software-based parameter adjustment provides adaptability and customization capability without adding significant hardware complexity, as the same actuator system can operate with different force profiles.
3Measurement precision
If no force feedback is provided to the input source, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user fatigue increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary counteracting force to the input source when displacement from the equilibrium position is detected. This restoring force prevents excessive displacement and guides the input source back to the equilibrium position, improving input precision while actually easing operation by providing natural haptic feedback that reduces user effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A maneuvering device for controlling navigation of a marine vessel is provided. The device has an input source movable between an equilibrium position and at least one displaced position, A variable resistance device adjusts a movement resistance of the input source. A control unit controls the variable resistance device by: obtaining a requested release input of the input source to move from the displaced position towards the equilibrium position, obtaining a longitudinal speed of the marine vessel, and controlling the variable resistance device to adjust said movement resistance of the input source based on the requested release input and the longitudinal speed.