Wireless Yacht Controller Profiles for Remote Docking Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote-control systems for larger marine vessels require extensive on-site technician involvement for setup and maintenance, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for profiling specific maneuvers, which is not feasible for remote operation.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control unit with a processor, memory, and dual radio frequency bands for secure communication, capable of storing and executing predefined docking maneuver profiles, allowing incremental or proportional actuation of vessel systems, and enabling remote access and diagnostics via WiFi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional remote-control systems are used for larger vessels, then the operator can control the vessel remotely, but extensive on-site technician involvement is required for setup and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated maneuver execution. Pre-programmed maneuver profiles contain all necessary control sequences, allowing the remote operator to execute complex docking maneuvers without technician assistance. The system automatically manages the coordination of multiple vessel systems based on the selected profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Maneuver profiles are pre-configured and stored in the system memory before remote operation begins. These profiles contain predetermined control sequences for coordinating engines, thrusters, and other vessel systems, eliminating the need for on-site technicians to program or adjust settings during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If technicians are required to test and profile maneuvers on-site, then the remote-control system can be customized for the specific vessel, but this represents a substantial cost and time expense
Solution Approach 1:
The system comes pre-loaded with multiple maneuver profiles that can be directly applied to the vessel. These profiles are developed in advance and stored in the system, allowing immediate deployment without requiring on-site technician testing and customization for each vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuver profiles are designed to be universally applicable across different vessel types and sizes. The system provides a library of pre-configured profiles that can handle various docking scenarios, eliminating the need for vessel-specific customization by technicians.
3Reliability
If technicians must travel to the vessel to diagnose and correct system problems, then the system can be maintained, but this represents a large expense
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates remote diagnostic and configuration capabilities that allow operators to troubleshoot and adjust the system without technician intervention. The pre-programmed profiles and automated control sequences enable the system to self-diagnose and self-correct many issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-configured maneuver profiles as intermediaries between the operator and the complex vessel control systems. These profiles encapsulate the technical knowledge that would otherwise require technician expertise, allowing remote operators to effectively manage the system without direct technician support.
4Ease of operation
If the remote controller directly controls all vessel systems, then the operator has full control, but this is not feasible for larger vessels with complex maneuver requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular maneuver profiles, each handling specific aspects of vessel control. Instead of requiring the operator to manage all vessel systems individually, the profiles divide complex maneuvers into coordinated sequences of controlled actions across multiple systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuver profiles act as intermediaries between the simple operator input and the complex vessel control systems. The profiles translate a single operator command into coordinated control sequences for engines, thrusters, and other systems, shielding the operator from the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Remote-control units used for docking a marine vessel include both a radio transceiver for communicating with a helm receiver to which control signals for the various vessel systems can be sent, and a WiFi transceiver that can be used to remotely access and adjust the operational profiles stored in the remote control unit. Each of the profiles causes the remote control unit to control one or more vessel systems by ramping up their output over an initial time duration to a maximum profile setting which is a proportion of the maximum output capability of the vessel system.