Adaptive Marine Propulsion Control for Crash Reversal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional marine propulsion systems lack the sophistication to quickly and safely maneuver vessels during emergency situations, often leading to delayed reactions and potential damage due to reliance on predefined maps and inadequate real-time adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A marine propulsion system with an Advanced Crash Reversal (ACR) system that includes a Propulsion Control Processor (PCP) to execute phases like Advanced Shift Protection Activation, Crash Reversal, Slow Vessel Movement Shift Protection, and Neutral Hold, dynamically adjusting engine speed and gear shifts to ensure safe and rapid vessel maneuvering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional marine propulsion systems use predefined maps for crash reversal, then the system structure is simple, but the response time is delayed and the maneuvering precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts clutch engagement pressures in real-time during crash reversal maneuvers, transitioning from static predefined maps to adaptive control that responds to actual vessel conditions, thereby improving response speed and maneuvering precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors vessel state and propulsion system parameters during emergency maneuvers, using feedback signals to adjust clutch pressures and gear shifts optimally, eliminating the delays inherent in predefined map-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the system executes rapid gear shifts during crash reversal, then the deceleration effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damage to propulsion components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeceleration effectivenessVSAvoidpropulsion system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system executes a shift out of gear operation before engaging reverse gear during crash reversal, preparing the transmission system in advance to reduce mechanical shock and prevent damage while maintaining rapid deceleration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system implements protective measures before critical damage can occur by monitoring propulsion system parameters and adjusting clutch engagement sequences to cushion against excessive mechanical stresses during rapid reversal maneuvers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses predefined clutch pressure maps, then the control logic is simple, but the adaptability to varied operational conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operational conditionsVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static clutch pressure maps to dynamic pressure adjustment based on real-time vessel conditions, load characteristics, and propulsion system state, enabling adaptive response to varied operational scenarios while maintaining manageable control logic through structured control phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4613631A1Advanced crash reversal propulsion system for marine vessel
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 CATERPILLAR INC
  • EP4613631A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613631A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613631A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a marine propulsion system (MPS) (100) in an imminent crash reversal maneuver is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: configuring a shift protection type (SPT) to be a Basic crash reversal (BCR) or an Advanced crash reversal (ACR) (300); configuring parameters for the ACR (300), including: configuring an Acceleration Time (AT) and a Deceleration Time (DT); configuring a Shift Protection Hold Time (SPHT); configuring an ACR Shift Out of Gear Time (SOGT) and an ACR Shift To Neutral Time (STNT); executing, via a control processor, an advanced shift protection activation phase (302), a shift request phase (304), a Slow Vessel Movement Shift Protection phase (308), a crash reversal phase (306), a neutral hold phase (314), an engine recovery phase (312), and a normal shift protection phase (310); and restoring a throttle (206) and a gear control to an operator upon completion of a crash reversal maneuver.