Watercraft Propulsion Calibration for Cross-Thrust Hull Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing watercraft propulsion systems, as described in US 2017/0305520 A1, do not effectively utilize rudders with the joystick lever operation, leading to unsuitable calibration for watercraft with propulsion devices on the stern, which hinders efficient hull translation and bow turning.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft propulsion system incorporating a bow thruster at the bow, variable steering angle outboard motors on the stern, and a controller that adjusts the bow thruster and propulsion devices to cross their propulsive force action lines, allowing for precise hull translation and bow turning by optimizing the output of the bow thruster and steering angles based on user commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the existing watercraft propulsion system is used with joystick lever operation, then the system can operate with standard calibration, but the hull translation and bow turning efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the calibration parameters specific to each watercraft. The system performs calibration operations to determine optimal parameters including the ratio of propulsive forces, steering angles, and bow thruster output levels. These calibrated parameters are stored and used to optimize the coordination between stern propulsion devices and bow thruster, thereby improving hull translation efficiency and maneuvering performance without compromising reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the propulsive force action lines of the propulsion devices are not crossed in the hull, then the system structure is simpler, but the lateral propulsive force component and maneuverability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering angles of the propulsion devices variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the steering angles to achieve the desired crossing configuration of propulsive force action lines. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize maneuverability by creating lateral propulsive force components while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through calibration operations where the system determines optimal control parameters and stores them for future use. The feedback mechanism involves measuring the actual maneuvering performance and adjusting the calibration parameters accordingly. This feedback approach enables the system to achieve complex coordinated control of multiple propulsion devices and bow thruster based on stored calibration data, improving maneuverability without requiring continuous complex real-time calculations.
3Reliability
If calibration is not performed for the translation watercraft maneuvering mode, then the system is easier to operate, but the coordination between bow thruster and propulsion devices is improper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration operations in advance before normal operation. The system executes calibration procedures that determine optimal parameters for coordinating the bow thruster and stern propulsion devices. These calibrated parameters are stored in memory and reused during subsequent operations. This preliminary calibration approach ensures high coordination accuracy during actual maneuvering while minimizing time loss, as the calibration is performed once rather than continuously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables reliable and efficient hull translation and bow turning, maximizing the lateral component of propulsive forces, and allows for proper calibration to achieve excellent maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a bow thruster at a bow of a hull to generate a lateral propulsive force
Implementation Method 2
at least two propulsion devices on a stern of the hull each having a variable steering angle
Implementation Method 3
controlling the steering angles of the at least two propulsion devices so that the propulsive force action lines of the at least two propulsion devices cross each other in the hull
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft propulsion system includes a bow thruster, at least two propulsion devices, a translation/bow turning operator to apply a translation command to translate a hull and a bow turning command to turn a bow of the hull, and a controller configured or programmed to drive the bow thruster, and drive one of the at least two propulsion devices forward and another of the at least two propulsion devices in reverse while controlling the steering angles of the at least two propulsion devices so that propulsive force action lines of the at least two propulsion devices cross each other in the hull in a translation watercraft maneuvering mode to translate the hull in response to an operation of the translation/bow turning operator. The controller includes a calibration mode in which calibration is performed for the translation watercraft maneuvering mode.