Boat Propulsion Shift Control Inhibiting Rapid Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronically controlled shift mechanisms in boat propulsion systems experience a time lag between operator input and actual shift position change, leading to discomfort in handling due to potential failure in following rapid shift position changes without pauses.
Innovation Solution
A boat propulsion system with a prime mover, marine propulsion unit, shift position changing mechanism, and control unit that inhibits further shift position changes between forward and reverse until a predetermined period elapses after a shift position change, ensuring timely and controlled transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the shift position changing mechanism uses an electrically operable actuator to change shift positions, then the shift mechanism can be controlled electronically, but a time lag exists between operator input and actual shift position change
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit predicts the operator's intended shift position based on the current shift position and the operational state of the boat propulsion system. This preliminary determination of the target shift position allows the system to prepare for the shift change in advance, reducing the perceived time lag between operator input and actual shift execution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If shift position changes are inhibited for a predetermined period, then system stability is maintained, but responsiveness to rapid shift operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the inhibition period based on the operational state of the boat propulsion system. When the system detects conditions that require rapid response, it shortens the inhibition period accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability during normal operations while remaining responsive when rapid shift changes are necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor includes a prime mover, a marine propulsion unit having a propeller arranged to be driven by a rotational force of the prime mover to generate a thrust force, a shift position changing mechanism, a shift position changing mechanism actuator, and a control unit arranged to control the shift position changing mechanism actuator. When the shift position is changed to one of the first shift position and the second shift position from the neutral position, the control unit inhibits a change in the shift position to the other one of the first shift position and the second shift position until a predetermined time period elapses. The above arrangement improves the controllability of a boat propulsion system having an electronically controlled shift mechanism.