초록 ▼

A technique for adjusting the trim of a dual electric motor marine propulsion system is provided wherein offset or calibration signal levels are determined through a calibration sequence. The propulsion units are driven in a nominal direction, such as through a "straight-ahead" command. An operator

A technique for adjusting the trim of a dual electric motor marine propulsion system is provided wherein offset or calibration signal levels are determined through a calibration sequence. The propulsion units are driven in a nominal direction, such as through a "straight-ahead" command. An operator adjusts levels of drive signals to the propulsion units to compensate for deviation from the desired navigational direction, such as due to mechanical and electrical tolerances and variations, as well as due to inherent torques or moments associated with the propulsion units. When the system is determined to navigate the craft in the desired direction, the offset or calibration values are stored. The values are then used during later control of the propulsion units as an inherent trim.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for controlling a watercraft steering system, the system including a pair of propulsion units disposed at symmetrical locations with respect to a centerline of the watercraft, each propulsion unit including an electric motor and a prop drivingly coupled to the motor, and a control unit c

1. A method for controlling a watercraft steering system, the system including a pair of propulsion units disposed at symmetrical locations with respect to a centerline of the watercraft, each propulsion unit including an electric motor and a prop drivingly coupled to the motor, and a control unit coupled to the electric motors for applying drive signals to the electric motors to rotate the props, the method comprising the steps of:(a) generating first and second nominal drive signals for the propulsion unit motors to steer the watercraft in a desired direction; (b) producing actual first and second drive signals by correcting at least one of the first and second nominal drive signals to compensate for a trim error; and (c) applying the actual drive signals to the motors to steer the watercraft in the desired direction.