Method for assisting a steering system with the use of differential thrusts
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a marine propulsion system of a marine vessel, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a first thrust on said marine vessel;
providing a second marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a second thrust on said marine vessel;
sensing an occurrence of a steering wheel movement associated with said marine vessel;
causing said first and second marine propulsion devices to be aligned, said first and second thrusts being generally parallel to each other;
varying the relative thrusts of said first and second marine propulsion devices as a result of said steering wheel movement; and
measuring a speed of said marine vessel, wherein said varying step comprises the step of creating a differential thrust between said first and second marine propulsion devices which is determined as a function of said measured speed of said marine vessel, and said steering wheel rotation whereinthe average magnitude of said first and second thrusts after said affecting step is performed is substantially equal to the average magnitude of said first and second thrusts before said affecting step is performed.
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Abstract
A steering assist system provides differential thrusts by two or more marine propulsion devices in order to create a more effective turning moment on a marine vessel. The differential thrusts can be selected as a function of the magnitude of turn commanded by an operator of the marine vessel and, in addition, as a function of the speed of the marine vessel at the time when the turning command is received.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a marine propulsion system of a marine vessel, comprising the steps of:
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providing a first marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a first thrust on said marine vessel; providing a second marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a second thrust on said marine vessel; sensing an occurrence of a steering wheel movement associated with said marine vessel; causing said first and second marine propulsion devices to be aligned, said first and second thrusts being generally parallel to each other; varying the relative thrusts of said first and second marine propulsion devices as a result of said steering wheel movement; and measuring a speed of said marine vessel, wherein said varying step comprises the step of creating a differential thrust between said first and second marine propulsion devices which is determined as a function of said measured speed of said marine vessel, and said steering wheel rotation wherein the average magnitude of said first and second thrusts after said affecting step is performed is substantially equal to the average magnitude of said first and second thrusts before said affecting step is performed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification