Boat Electric Drive Overload Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric drive systems for boats are limited by their rated power, restricting maximum acceleration and thrust, which cannot be optimally utilized in all situations, leading to suboptimal performance and safety concerns, especially in emergency maneuvers or challenging conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a manually operable overload switching mechanism that allows the electric drive to operate beyond its maximum speed, torque, and power levels, providing increased thrust and acceleration by switching into an overload mode, while ensuring safety through limitations and sensors to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric drive is limited to operate at rated power, then the service life and safety of the electric drive and power electronics are ensured, but the maximum acceleration values and maximum short-term thrust are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life and safety of electric driveVSAvoidmaximum acceleration and thrust
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing an overload switching device that allows the electric drive to switch between normal operating mode (at rated power) and overload mode (above rated power). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing maximum thrust when needed while maintaining reliability during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the electric drive by allowing temporary operation above the rated power through the overload switching device. This parameter change enables the system to achieve higher acceleration and thrust values when required, while the control system monitors and manages the operational parameters to ensure safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the throttle lever position specifies maximum speed, then the electric drive operates at maximum speed corresponding to rated power, but additional thrust for emergency maneuvers cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum speed of electric driveVSAvoidthrust availability for different situations
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control capability through the overload switching device, which allows the system to transition from a fixed maximum speed operation to a dynamic mode where both speed and thrust can be optimized independently. This enables the electric drive to provide additional thrust for emergency maneuvers while maintaining the ability to operate at maximum speed during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electric drive system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal maximum speed operation and emergency overload operation. The overload switching device allows the same electric drive to serve multiple purposes: efficient cruising at rated power and high-performance emergency maneuvers above rated power, increasing the overall versatility of the propulsion system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3321168B1Device for determining the drive stage of an electrical drive of a boat
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 TORQEEDO
  • EP3321168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for specifying the power of an electric drive of a boat, comprising a manually operable drive lever which can be positioned between a zero position in which the electric drive is stationary and a maximum position in which the electric drive is operated at its rated power, wherein a manually operable overload switching device is provided, upon actuation of which the electric drive is operated in an overload mode.