Remote Vessel Control for Virtual Thruster Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vessels lacking thrusters or having only a bow thruster face challenges in precise low-speed maneuvering, requiring manual and difficult coordination of main engines to simulate thruster effects for docking and control.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control unit with actuators and virtual thruster profiles that transmit main engine control signals to mimic thruster functionality, using predefined engine direction, speed, and duration parameters to achieve a virtual thruster effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If main engines are controlled manually to simulate thruster effects, then vessel maneuvering capability is improved, but operator workload and control difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the main engines. The operator inputs desired thruster commands through a simplified interface, and the control system automatically translates these into coordinated main engine control signals, eliminating the need for manual engine coordination while achieving thruster-like maneuvering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination of engines with an automated electronic control system. Instead of requiring the operator to manually adjust multiple engine parameters, the system uses electronic signal processing to automatically coordinate engine operation, substituting human skill with automated control logic
2Ease of operation
If actual thrusters are installed on the vessel, then low-speed maneuvering is improved, but vessel complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main engines are designed to serve dual purposes: their primary function for propulsion and a secondary function for generating thruster-like effects through coordinated operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate thruster systems, reducing overall vessel complexity while maintaining maneuvering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of thruster functionality by programming the main engines to replicate thruster behavior patterns. Through controlled differential operation of the engines, the system produces the same effect as physical thrusters without installing actual thruster hardware
3Ease of operation
If virtual thruster control is implemented, then ease of maneuvering control is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system includes pre-programmed profiles that define optimal engine coordination patterns for various maneuvering scenarios. When a maneuver is initiated, the system retrieves and executes the appropriate pre-defined profile, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations and reducing the computational burden on the control system
Data Source
AI summary
A remote-control unit for control a marine vessel is provided with a thruster actuator and engine actuators. When the marine vessel lacks a thruster, the thruster actuator, when operated, causes the remote-control unit to transmit engine control signals to each of at least two engines to achieve a virtual thruster effect by the marine vessel.