Boat Propulsion Synchronization via Dynamic Reference Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat propulsion control systems face challenges in smoothly and immediately synchronizing engine speeds across multiple propulsion units due to variations in engine speed, throttle opening, and load conditions, leading to cumbersome operation for operators.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion unit control system that includes an engine speed detecting device, averaging processing, and a control device to compute deviations and correct throttle openings, ensuring synchronized engine speeds across multiple units, with additional load detection and cycle determination for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional synchronization control is used to equalize engine speeds of left and right propulsion units, then engine speeds are synchronized with respect to one reference unit, but variations in engine speed and throttle opening persist due to differences in engine characteristics and load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new reference propulsion unit selected from among all propulsion units based on operating conditions. This intermediary reference unit mediates the synchronization process by serving as a common reference that adapts to current operational state, thereby improving both synchronization accuracy and control smoothness across all propulsion units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the reference propulsion unit parameter based on operating conditions such as load detection results. By selecting different reference units under different conditions, the system adapts to varying engine characteristics and load distributions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining accurate synchronization and ensuring smooth control response.
2Reliability
If throttle opening correction is applied to synchronize engine speeds, then engine speeds converge toward each other, but undercorrection or overcorrection may occur due to variations in load conditions and engine characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the load on each propulsion unit and using this information to adjust throttle opening corrections. The load detection feedback allows the system to compensate for differences in engine characteristics and operating conditions, preventing undercorrection or overcorrection while maintaining stable and timely synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation control units with separate shift/throttle levers are provided for each propulsion unit, then each unit can be controlled independently, but the operation becomes cumbersome and troublesome for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple propulsion units by implementing automatic synchronization control that equalizes engine speeds across all units. This allows the operator to control all propulsion units through a single operation control unit, combining individual control capabilities with simplified operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
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 in light of inputs to the two operation levers. The control system computes a deviation between the averaged engine speed of a reference propulsion unit and the averaged engine speed of a propulsion unit to be synchronized, and corrects a throttle opening of the propulsion unit to be synchronized based on the computed deviation in order to synchronize the engine speeds of the respective propulsion units with each other.