Boat ECU Power Management for Input Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of boats are often interrupted from performing input operations due to the engine control unit (ECU) being powered off shortly after the engine is stopped, which is intended to conserve battery but can be inconvenient and lead to battery drainage if the operator is unable to complete their inputs within a predetermined time.
Innovation Solution
The ECU is designed to remain powered on if an input operation is received within a specific time frame after the engine is stopped, allowing operators to continue setting display modes, control modes, and lock modes without interruption, and is only powered off if no input is detected for a predetermined period, thereby preventing battery drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ECU is powered off after a predetermined length of time elapses after the engine is stopped, then battery consumption is inhibited, but the operator is interrupted from performing input operations
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU's power state is made dynamic rather than static. The system transitions between powered-on and powered-off states based on real-time detection of input operations. When the engine stops, the ECU remains powered on temporarily to accept input operations, and only powers off after a predetermined time elapses without receiving input, thus adapting its state to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring whether input operations are received within the predetermined time frame after engine stoppage. Based on this feedback (whether input is received or not), the ECU decides whether to power off or remain powered on, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to operator actions.
2Ease of operation
If the ECU remains powered on after engine stoppage to allow input operations, then operator convenience is improved, but battery drainage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. After the engine stops, the ECU remains powered on for a predetermined period to allow input operations. If no input is received within this period, the ECU powers off. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation while ensuring input operations can be completed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power state parameter of the ECU based on the condition of input operation reception. The ECU transitions from a powered-on state to a powered-off state (or vice versa) depending on whether input operations are detected within the predetermined time frame, thus optimizing energy usage based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat includes an engine, an input that receives an input operation performed by an operator, and a controller connected to the input. The controller is powered off when the input does not receive the input operation within a first length of time after the engine is stopped. The controller is not powered off when the input receives the input operation within the first length of time after the engine is stopped.