| 摘要 |
The invention discloses a retractable rudder device attached to the water jet nozzle of a watercraft. In a non-deployed condition, the rudders are latched in position and completely out of the water stream underneath the craft. When deployed, two rudders aligned with the axis of the steering nozzle, are rotated into position via springs and cables. The rudders pivot independently of each other, and will retract if contact with an underwater object is made or the craft is beached. A cable system connected to a control unit lowers the rudders into the deploy position. The cable system is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder using fluid pressure from the jet pump. The deployment rate can be varied by altering the fluid pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, and is a function of boat speed. Deployment of the retractable rudder system is determined by an electronic control system. Input variables such as steering rates, jet pump pressure, throttle position, engine operation, immersion of the craft in the water determine if the rudder system is deployed. An anticipatory steering module is included in the controller to provide dynamic steering conditions under which the rudder system is deployed prior to full lock.
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