Vessel Steering System Dynamic Pivoting Limit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vessel steering systems face challenges with interference between propulsion units, requiring complex structures and adjustments to prevent interference, and existing systems lack efficient control mechanisms for varying vessel and propulsion unit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vessel steering system that calculates and sets a pivoting limit angle based on the actual state of the vessel and propulsion units, using a control unit to control the pivoting apparatus and prevent interference by limiting the pivoting range of each propulsion unit, allowing for variable adjustment according to the specific configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the respective steering angles of the propulsion units are independently and freely controlled, then the vessel can travel in a lateral direction through the propulsion force produced by the combination of the propulsion-direction vectors, but the driving bodies of the propulsion units may interfere with one another, causing actuator failure or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the pivoting limit angle based on the actual pivoting angle of neighboring propulsion means. The control unit calculates and updates the pivoting limit angle in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions while preventing interference between driving bodies, thus resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and actuator reliability.
2Reliability
If the mounting position of each propulsion unit and the control range of the steering angle are adjusted for each type of propulsion unit, then interference between driving bodies can be prevented, but the structure becomes complex and requires extensive adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of pivoting limit angle dynamically based on the actual operational state (actual pivoting angle of neighboring propulsion means) rather than fixing it through complex mechanical adjustments. This allows the system to prevent interference through software-based parameter adjustment, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically calculates and adjusts the pivoting limit angle based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring the actual pivoting angles of propulsion means. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual mounting position adjustments and complex preconfiguration, allowing the system to optimize itself during operation.
3Power
If a hydraulic cylinder is used as the actuator for pivoting the outboard engine, then the engine can be pivoted effectively, but a space around the steering apparatus is required for arranging hydraulic tubes, making the structure complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic cylinder actuator with an electric motor-driven pivoting apparatus. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic tubes and associated complex piping, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective pivoting capability through direct electric actuation of the swivel shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel steering system is provided with a control unit that calculates a control pivoting angle for pivoting the propulsion means based on a steering angle. Based on actual-state recognition of at least one of the type of the vessel, the type of the propulsion means, an actual pivoting angle of a neighboring propulsion means that is close to the propulsion means when a plurality of propulsion means is provided, the distance between the swivel shaft of a reference propulsion means and the swivel shaft of a neighboring propulsion means thereof at a time when a plurality of propulsion means is provided, and the mounting position of the propulsion means on the vessel, the control unit sets a pivoting limit angle for limiting the pivoting of the propulsion means, and controls the pivoting apparatus in such a way that the propulsion means does not pivot by more than the set pivoting limit angle.