Column based electric assist marine power steering

US10000269B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Matt R. Burk · Bay City, US
• Nick R. Alpers · Saginaw, US
• Addney T. Biery, II · Clio, US
• Brian G. Maust · Unionville, US
• John E. Weber · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 26, 2017
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2018
• Expiry date: Apr 26, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H2025/045
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An embodiment of a system for controlling a marine vessel includes an electrical power steering unit coupled to a mechanical control system, the mechanical control system including a steering wheel connected by a shaft to a mechanical cable assembly, the mechanical cable assembly configured to be actuated by the steering wheel to control a steering mechanism of the marine vessel. The electrical power steering unit includes an electric motor configured to apply a torque to the mechanical cable assembly. The system also includes a processor configured to control the electrical power steering unit to provide at least one of steering assist and control of the marine vessel.