Watercraft Controller for Composite Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft control systems require skilled operators to simultaneously manage forward or rearward movement and bow turning, leading to delays in precise position or direction adjustments, especially in tight spaces like near a wharf.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising left and right outboard motors, a steering actuator, and a controller that receives bow turning and propulsion signals, allowing for distinct control modes: one maintaining constant rudder angles for thrust direction and another adjusting rudder angles for bow turning, enabling easier operation during composite operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rudder angles are changed to move the watercraft forward while bow turning, then the watercraft can be moved forward during bow turning, but this results in delay in motion of actuators for changing the rudder angles
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between two control modes based on the sequence of signals received. When propulsion signal follows bow turning signal, the system uses first control mode that maintains constant rudder angles. When bow turning signal follows propulsion signal, the system uses second control mode that adjusts rudder angles. This dynamic adaptation eliminates actuator delays while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameters (rudder angle adjustment vs. constant rudder angle) based on the operational context. By detecting the sequence of control signals and switching between different control strategies, the system optimizes both response time and ease of operation for different maneuvering scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator performs simultaneous bow turning and forward movement, then the watercraft can be maneuvered in composite operation, but the operator requires advanced skills to manage both operations simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the appropriate control mode based on the sequence of signals received from the operator. The system self-adjusts between first control (constant rudder angles) and second control (adjusting rudder angles) without requiring the operator to manually switch modes or possess advanced coordination skills, thus enabling composite operations with simplified controls.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the controller maintains constant rudder angles for thrust direction control, then the outboard motors can generate thrust in consistent direction, but the system cannot adjust rudder angles for bow turning during propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts between two operational states: first control mode maintains constant rudder angles for stable thrust direction during propulsion, while second control mode enables rudder angle adjustment for bow turning. The system switches between these states based on the temporal sequence of control signals, providing both stability and adaptability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller receives a bow turning signal to turn a bow of a watercraft and a propulsion signal to move the watercraft forward or rearward. The controller controls left and right outboard motors under a first control when receiving the propulsion signal after receiving the bow turning signal in a composite in which the controller receives both the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal. The controller controls the left and right outboard motors and a steering actuator under a second control different from the first control when receiving the bow turning signal after receiving the propulsion signal in the composite operation.