Boat Propeller Pitch Control via Throttle Opening Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatuses for boats with variable pitch propellers struggle to simultaneously enhance fuel efficiency, acceleration performance, and maximum-speed performance due to inadequate regulation of propeller pitch in response to changing navigation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for a boat equipped with an outboard motor and a variable pitch propeller, featuring a throttle opening detector, a throttle opening change amount calculator, and a propeller pitch change determiner, which dynamically adjusts the propeller pitch based on the throttle valve opening change amount to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the propeller pitch is regulated according to navigation mode, then navigation performance and economic efficiency are enhanced, but the propeller pitch cannot be regulated finely according to moment-to-moment navigation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic propeller pitch adjustment by continuously monitoring throttle valve opening changes and rapidly responding to moment-to-moment navigation condition variations. The control system transitions from static mode-based regulation to dynamic real-time adjustment, allowing the propeller pitch to adapt finely to changing boat conditions such as acceleration needs and fuel efficiency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by detecting the actual throttle valve opening and comparing it with target values to determine required propeller pitch adjustments. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise regulation of propeller pitch according to actual navigation conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision by continuously correcting pitch based on real-time performance data.
2Ease of manufacture
If the propeller pitch is kept fixed, then the structure is simple, but fuel efficiency and acceleration performance cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes navigation performance by dynamically changing the propeller pitch parameter in response to throttle valve opening changes. The control system adjusts pitch within specific ranges based on detected throttle conditions, enabling simultaneous optimization of fuel efficiency and acceleration performance without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic pitch adjustment capability that responds to real-time throttle conditions. By making the propeller pitch variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize performance across different navigation scenarios while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through electronic control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the propeller pitch is adjusted frequently to optimize performance, then fuel efficiency and acceleration are improved, but the response time and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing pitch adjustment strategies based on detected throttle valve opening changes. When acceleration is detected through throttle opening changes, the system proactively adjusts pitch within predetermined ranges before full acceleration demand occurs, reducing response time while maintaining performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting propeller pitch within specific ranges rather than making extreme changes. The control system makes moderate pitch adjustments proportional to throttle opening changes, which reduces response time and control complexity while still achieving significant performance improvements in fuel efficiency and acceleration.
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for controlling a boat equipped with an outboard motor mounted on its stern and having an internal combustion engine, a propeller to be driven by the engine and a propeller pitch changer adapted to variably change a pitch of the propeller, an opening of a throttle valve installed at an air intake system of the engine and its change amount are detected, and based on the change amount of the detected opening of the throttle valve, it is determined whether or not the pitch of the propeller is to be changed through the propeller pitch changer.