Personal Watercraft Steering Feedback via Electric Torque Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The steering system of typical personal watercrafts (PWCs) provides little feedback to drivers during turns, leading to perceptions of lack of control and potentially dangerous maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A driving control system is integrated into the PWC, featuring an electrically actuated device (EAD) and an electronic control unit (ECU) that apply torque to the steering system based on operational data from sensors, enhancing steering control and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no electrically actuated device is used in the steering system, then the device complexity is low, but the steering feedback and driver control perception are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect steering system operation and providing electrical signals back to the controller, which then adjusts the electrically actuated device to provide resistive feedback forces to the driver, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances steering feedback perception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms with an electrically actuated device that uses electrical signals and electronic control to generate resistive feedback forces, substituting complex mechanical linkages with electro-mechanical actuation and electronic control systems
2Manufacturing precision
If torque is applied only by the electrically actuated device, then the steering control precision is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to artificial resistive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistive feedback forces variable and adaptive, adjusting the magnitude and characteristics of the forces applied by the electrically actuated device based on steering angle, rotation speed, and operational conditions, allowing the system to provide appropriate feedback while maintaining ease of operation across different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by varying the torque output of the electrically actuated device based on multiple parameters including steering angle, angular velocity, watercraft speed, and operational mode, dynamically adjusting the resistive forces to optimize both control precision and ease of operation under different conditions
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
The solution provides enhanced steering control and feedback, improving driver confidence and reducing the likelihood of dangerous maneuvers by simulating resistive forces during turns.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically actuated device coupled to the steering system for applying torque to the steering system
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.