Marine Vessel Steering Stabilization for Smooth Docking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated docking assistance systems in marine vessels often experience delays in compensating for changing wind conditions, leading to a 'tug-of-war' and aggressive acceleration, resulting in undesired oscillations during docking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a steering control device, model simulation device, and control unit that synchronizes the actual vessel position with a simulated model, using control signals to stabilize propulsion based on real-time and simulated data, allowing for smoother and more stable docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the automated docking assistance system activates based on joystick movement to compensate for wind conditions, then the system responds to changing conditions, but it causes delays and tug-of-war oscillations between operator and system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously simulating vessel behavior and pre-calculating compensation requirements before actual deviations occur. The model prediction device continuously runs simulations to predict how the vessel will respond to wind conditions, allowing the system to prepare compensation actions in advance rather than reacting after delays occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from static activation/deactivation based on joystick movement to dynamic continuous simulation and prediction. The model simulation continuously updates vessel behavior predictions based on current conditions, allowing the system to adapt smoothly to changing wind conditions without abrupt activation delays or oscillations.
2Speed
If the automated docking assistance system attempts to reach velocity quickly based on proportional joystick movement, then the system responds to operator input, but it causes aggressive acceleration and oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal velocity profile through continuous model simulation before executing maneuvers. The model prediction device simulates various acceleration scenarios to determine the smoothest path to target velocity, preventing aggressive acceleration by preparing optimized velocity profiles in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by using continuous simulation to dynamically adjust acceleration rates based on predicted vessel response. Rather than applying fixed proportional acceleration from joystick input, the system dynamically modifies the acceleration profile through continuous modeling to achieve smooth, stable velocity changes without oscillations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method therein for steering control stabilization of a marine vessel is provided. The system comprises a steering control device, a control unit and a model simulation device. The steering control device provides control signals in response to manual control inputs from an operator of the marine vessel to the model simulation device. The model simulation device applies the control signals to a simulated model of a marine vessel and provide a resulting position and bearing, and their respective rate of change, of the simulated model of the marine vessel to the control unit. The control unit controls a propulsion system of the marine vessel based on a difference between a real-time current position and bearing, and their respective rate of change, of the marine vessel and the resulting position and bearing, and their respective rate of change, of the simulated model of the marine vessel.