Joystick assembly and system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine propulsion device
First Claim
1. A system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel, the system comprising:
- a control module in signal communication with the marine propulsion device;
a joystick assembly in signal communication with the control module and providing input signals to the control module, the joystick assembly comprising;
a docking station configured to be coupled to a helm of the vessel;
a first electrical connector mounted in the docking station and connected to the control module by at least one cable;
a detachable base configured to couple with the docking station;
a handle supported by the detachable base and moveable with respect to the detachable base to generate the input signals;
a second electrical connector, complementary to the first electrical connector, mounted in the detachable base; and
a wireless transmitter mounted in the detachable base; and
a wireless receiver in signal communication with the wireless transmitter and with the control module;
wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being mated with the first electrical connector when the detachable base is coupled to the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the at least one cable; and
wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being disconnected from the first electrical connector when the detachable base is removed from the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine vessel'"'"'s propulsion device includes a joystick assembly providing input signals to a control module. The joystick assembly includes a docking station at the helm; a first electrical connector in the docking station cable-connected to the control module; a detachable base for coupling with the docking station; a handle moveable within the detachable base to generate the input signals; a second, complementary electrical connector in the detachable base; and a wireless transmitter mounted in the detachable base. A wireless receiver communicates with the transmitter and the control module. When the detachable base is coupled to the docking station and the electrical connectors are mated, the cable transmits input signals to the control module. When the detachable base is removed from the docking station and the electrical connectors are disconnected, the wireless transmitter and receiver transmit input signals to the control module.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel, the system comprising:
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a control module in signal communication with the marine propulsion device; a joystick assembly in signal communication with the control module and providing input signals to the control module, the joystick assembly comprising; a docking station configured to be coupled to a helm of the vessel; a first electrical connector mounted in the docking station and connected to the control module by at least one cable; a detachable base configured to couple with the docking station; a handle supported by the detachable base and moveable with respect to the detachable base to generate the input signals; a second electrical connector, complementary to the first electrical connector, mounted in the detachable base; and a wireless transmitter mounted in the detachable base; and a wireless receiver in signal communication with the wireless transmitter and with the control module; wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being mated with the first electrical connector when the detachable base is coupled to the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the at least one cable; and wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being disconnected from the first electrical connector when the detachable base is removed from the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A joystick assembly for generating and sending input signals to a control module that controls steering and thrust of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel, the joystick assembly comprising:
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a docking station configured to be coupled to a helm of the vessel; a first electrical connector mounted in the docking station and connected to the control module by at least one cable; a detachable base configured to couple with the docking station; a handle supported by the detachable base and moveable with respect to the detachable base to generate the input signals; a second electrical connector, complementary to the first electrical connector, mounted in the detachable base; a wireless transmitter mounted in the detachable base; and a wireless receiver mounted in the docking station and in signal communication with the wireless transmitter and with the control module; wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being mated with the first electrical connector when the detachable base is coupled to the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the at least one cable; and wherein, in response to the second electrical connector being disconnected from the first electrical connector when the detachable base is removed from the docking station, the input signals are transmitted to the control module via the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification