Boat Propulsion Control System Lever Deviation Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boat propulsion control systems fail to synchronize engine speeds of multiple propulsion units effectively when operating conditions, such as turning, are considered, leading to cumbersome operation for the operator.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses lever position and throttle opening detecting devices to synchronize engine speeds of propulsion units by comparing deviations and adjusting engine speeds based on predefined conditions, including engine speed ranges, shift positions, and operational states, to ensure synchronized operation across multiple propulsion units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control system synchronizes engine speeds based on equal lever angles, then engine speed synchronization is achieved, but the system cannot handle variable operating conditions such as turns where levers are operated differently
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the synchronization control activation based on real-time detection of lever position deviations. When the deviation exceeds a threshold (indicating variable operating conditions like turns), the system deactivates synchronization control. When the deviation is within the threshold (indicating steady-state operation), the system activates synchronization control. This dynamic activation/deactivation enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions while maintaining synchronization reliability when appropriate.
2Ease of operation
If three separate shift/throttle lever pairs are provided for three propulsion units, then each propulsion unit can be independently controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple propulsion units into a single unified control interface. Instead of requiring three separate shift/throttle lever pairs, the system provides one shift lever and one throttle lever that simultaneously control all three propulsion units. The control system automatically distributes the control signals to each propulsion unit, eliminating the need for the operator to manually operate six separate levers and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs automatic engine speed synchronization without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The control device continuously monitors the engine speeds of all propulsion units and automatically adjusts them to match, eliminating the need for the operator to manually coordinate six levers. This self-service capability significantly simplifies operation while maintaining precise control over all propulsion units.
3Reliability
If the control system activates synchronization control under all conditions, then engine speeds are always synchronized, but the system may incorrectly synchronize during maneuvers where levers are intentionally operated differently
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback through lever position detecting devices that continuously monitor the positions of both levers. The control device calculates the deviation between lever positions and uses this feedback to determine whether to activate or deactivate synchronization control. When the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system deactivates synchronization control to avoid incorrect synchronization during maneuvers. This feedback mechanism ensures synchronization accuracy is maintained only when appropriate, while preserving operational flexibility during maneuvers.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion unit control system is provided for a boat having plural propulsion units provided side by side and electrically connected in association with two adjacent operation levers. The control system synchronizes engine speeds of the respective propulsion units with each other based at least in part on the position of the two operation levers. The control system determines whether certain factors are satisfied before synchronizing engine speeds. The factors include, for example, whether a deviation in angular position between the two operation levers is within a prescribed range. Another factor is whether a deviation between the throttle opening of a reference propulsion unit and a propulsion unit to be synchronized equal to or less than a prescribed value. If the respective deviations are equal to or smaller than a relevant prescribed value, the engine speeds of the respective propulsion units are controlled for synchronization with each other.