Watercraft Steering Synchronization via Dynamic Target Associations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for controlling the movement of steering devices on watercraft are not intuitive or ideal, leading to uncoordinated movement between the steering input and the steering device.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of at least one steering device on a watercraft in response to the movement of a steering input, by identifying and selecting possible target associations between steering-input positions and steering device positions, and controlling these associations to synchronize the movement of the steering input and the steering device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a steering input is moved to control the steering device, then the watercraft can be steered, but the steering may not be intuitive or ideal due to uncoordinated movement between the steering input and steering device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitiveness of steering controlVSAvoidcoordination between steering input and steering device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the positions of both the steering input and steering device, detecting uncoordinated movement and automatically adjusting the target association to maintain proper coordination. This feedback loop ensures that the steering control remains intuitive while preserving reliable coordination between input and device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The target association between steering input positions and steering device positions is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system can switch between different target associations (e.g., first target association, second target association) depending on the detected coordination state, allowing the control system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain intuitiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple target associations are identified between steering-input positions and steering device positions, then more control options are available, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of possible target associationsVSAvoidcomplexity of target association management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-identifies multiple possible target associations between steering input positions and steering device positions before actual steering operations. By having these associations prepared in advance, the system can quickly select the appropriate one without complex real-time calculations, thus increasing adaptability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The target associations are segmented into distinct, manageable options (e.g., first target association, second target association, third target association). Each association represents a specific mapping between steering input and device positions, allowing the system to handle multiple associations in a structured way rather than as a single complex mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250050995A1Controlling movement of at least one steering device on a watercraft

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 DOMETIC MARINE CANADA INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates generally to controlling movement of at least one steering device on a watercraft.