Watercraft Steering Control Angle Variation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering control methods for watercraft with electric steering mechanisms cause discomfort to riders due to sudden changes in steering wheel and steering device positions when power is turned on or when switching between operating stations, especially when steering angle ratios vary with watercraft speed.
Innovation Solution
A steering control method that calculates a target steering angle or speed based on the rotational angle variation of the steering wheel, preventing sudden movements by referencing previous steering states, thus maintaining consistent steering positions and reducing discomfort during power-on scenarios and station changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the target steering angle is set based on the steering wheel rotational angle, then the steering control is simple and direct, but the steering wheel and steering device may suddenly turn to prescribed positions when power is turned on, causing rider discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the rotational angles of both the steering wheel and steering device before power-on, computes their difference, and pre-calculates the necessary steering angle correction. This preliminary computation ensures that when power is turned on, the steering wheel and steering device are already positioned correctly, preventing sudden movements and rider discomfort.
2Measurement precision
If the steering angle ratio varies with watercraft speed, then the steering accuracy is improved, but the steering angle may suddenly change when watercraft speed changes, causing rider discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual steering angle and watercraft speed, and uses feedback control to adjust the steering angle ratio dynamically. When watercraft speed changes, the system detects the resulting steering angle deviation and applies corrective steering input to maintain the intended steering angle, preventing sudden changes that would cause rider discomfort while preserving speed-dependent steering accuracy.
3Speed
If the steering wheel rotational angle is used directly to control the steering device, then the response time is fast, but the actual steering angle may be offset from the steering wheel rotational angle when power is turned on, causing sudden turns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and computation of the angle difference between the steering wheel and steering device before power-on. By calculating the necessary correction in advance and applying it immediately upon power-on, the system achieves both fast response time and stable steering angle consistency, preventing sudden turns while maintaining quick steering response.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes an operating method in which a present steering wheel rotational angle is detected, and a steering wheel rotational angle variation is calculated by subtracting a steering wheel rotational angle in a preceding control period from the steering wheel rotational angle. Next, a steering angle ratio is set. A target steering angle variation is calculated by multiplying the steering wheel rotational angle variation by the steering angle ratio. Finally, a target steering angle in a present period is calculated by adding the target steering angle variation to a target steering angle in a preceding control period. A steering device is steered based on the target steering angle. The operating method operates to prevent a rider of a watercraft from feeling uncomfortable in the watercraft which has an electric steering mechanism when either a steering wheel or a steering device is turned in a state when a power supply is turned off or a case when steering wheel rotational angles of a plurality of operating stations differ from each other.