Display Apparatus for Vessel Electronic Steering Malfunction Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vessels equipped with electronic steering and remote-control systems face challenges in monitoring and troubleshooting malfunctions, as existing display apparatuses do not provide clear information on the operating state or settings of these systems, making it difficult for operators to determine issues without manual reference and potentially leading to steering difficulties if malfunctions occur.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a communication device and controller that communicates with electronic steering and remote-control systems, providing real-time data on system states and malfunctions, and allowing users to set settings through a touch panel interface, including emergency operation modes to maintain vessel control even during system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display apparatus is used to show engine operating data, then the user can know the engine operating state, but the user cannot know the operating state of the electronic steering system or electronic remote-control system
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it displays engine operating data, electronic steering system status, and electronic remote-control system status all through a single integrated display interface, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems for each subsystem
2Loss of information
If malfunction information is provided through lamp flickering or buzzer patterns, then the user is informed of errors, but the user cannot easily determine the type or cause of the trouble without referring to the manual
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus acts as an intermediary between the complex electronic steering and remote-control systems and the user. It receives malfunction signals from these systems and translates them into easily interpretable visual displays showing the specific type and cause of troubles, eliminating the need for users to refer to manuals or interpret complex buzzer patterns
3Reliability
If the electronic steering system or electronic remote-control system is installed in the hull, then the system is integrated into the vessel, but the operator needs to move to the control unit to perform settings such as changing over the DIP switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch setting mechanism with an electronic control interface accessible through the display apparatus. Operators can now perform settings and adjustments electronically without physically moving to the control unit or manually changing DIP switches, significantly reducing setting time while maintaining system integration
4Ease of operation
If the helm apparatus or control head fails, then the vessel cannot be steered, but there is no backup control mechanism provided
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is designed to detect and display malfunction information from the electronic steering system and electronic remote-control system before complete system failure occurs. This early warning capability allows operators to take preventive actions or switch to backup procedures, cushioning against the potential loss of steering control
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a display, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device performs communication with a remote control system. The system comprises a control head, a shift actuator, and a throttle actuator. The head designates a shift position and a throttle opening. The shift actuator drives a shift mechanism in accordance with the shift position. The throttle actuator drives the throttle mechanism in accordance with the throttle opening. The communication device receives at least one of the shift position, the throttle opening and ID data of malfunction in the system. The controller causes the display to display the shift position, the throttle opening, or the type or cause of the malfunction.