Water-Surface Propulsion Steering With Manual Motor-Failure Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion devices for water-surface movable bodies require cumbersome manual operation to turn the propulsor when the steering motor fails, impacting energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion device with a steering deceleration mechanism that includes an upstream and downstream rotation member, and a manual rotation member that can switch between coupled and decoupled positions, allowing automatic or manual control of the propulsor based on steering motor functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the emergency actuator is provided at the input end of the steering deceleration mechanism, then the manual turning function is available, but the operator must rotate the actuator many times which is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manual rotation member as an intermediary element between the upstream and downstream rotation members. This manual rotation member includes a manual operation portion that allows the operator to directly rotate the downstream rotation member without having to rotate the upstream rotation member multiple times through the deceleration mechanism. The manual rotation member acts as a mediator that bypasses the deceleration gear ratio, enabling direct manual control of the propulsor angle with minimal rotations.
2Extent of automation
If the manual rotation member is coupled to both upstream and downstream rotation members, then automatic steering transmission is maintained, but manual rotation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the manual rotation member can switch between two states: (1) coupled to both upstream and downstream rotation members for automatic steering transmission, and (2) decoupled from the upstream rotation member and coupled only to the downstream rotation member for manual rotation capability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its transmission path based on whether automatic or manual control is required, resolving the contradiction between maintaining automatic steering and enabling manual rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion device for a water-surface movable body includes an upper case, a propulsion motor accommodated in the upper case, a lower case supported by the upper case, a propulsor supported by the lower case, a steering motor accommodated in the upper case, and a steering deceleration mechanism configured to decelerate rotation of the steering motor. The steering deceleration mechanism includes an upstream rotation member, a downstream rotation member provided on a downstream side of the upstream rotation member, and a manual rotation member interposed between the upstream rotation member and the downstream rotation member. The manual rotation member is configured to move between a first position to be coupled to the upstream rotation member and the downstream rotation member and a second position to be decoupled from the upstream rotation member and coupled to the downstream rotation member.