Watercraft Steering Backup Using Attitude Control Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft steering systems face challenges in maintaining steerability when the steering system malfunctions, particularly due to issues with the steering position sensor, actuator, or communication lines, leading to inconsistencies in steering operations.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft running system with a controller that switches between two control modes: a first mode using the steering device and a second mode utilizing attitude control plates, requiring the steering position to be set to neutral before shifting, and includes error monitoring and user notification to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering device is used for course changing, then the steering operation is straightforward and responsive, but the system reliability deteriorates when steering components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from steering device angle to attitude control plate position, allowing the same steering function to be achieved through a different physical parameter when the original steering system fails
Solution Approach 2:
The attitude control plates serve as an intermediary mechanism that can perform steering function when the primary steering device is unavailable, acting as a backup control path
2Reliability
If the control mode is switched to use attitude control plates, then the steerability is maintained when steering system fails, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attitude control plates are designed to serve dual functions: normal trim control and emergency steering, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and reducing the need for separate dedicated emergency steering equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency steering function is merged with the normal attitude control system, combining two functions into one integrated system that can operate in both normal and emergency modes
3Productivity
If the steering position is not at neutral position, then the watercraft is traveling along the desired course, but switching to backup mode becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the steering position to be returned to neutral before switching modes, performing a preliminary action to ensure safe conditions are established before the mode transition occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft running system includes a propulsion device, a steering device, a course changing operator, a port-side attitude control plate and a starboard-side attitude control plate, a port-side actuator and a starboard-side actuator, and a controller. The controller is operable in a first control mode in which the steering device is controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator and a second control mode in which the port-side actuator and the starboard-side actuator are controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator. The controller is configured or programmed to prohibit shifting from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position of the steering device is not a neutral position, and to permit the shift from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position is the neutral position.