Boat Propulsion Throttle Grip Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat propulsion apparatuses require complex structures and operations to switch between forward and reverse modes and set output amounts, often necessitating additional mechanisms for reverse lock functionality, leading to complicated operations and potential misenablement of reverse lock.
Innovation Solution
A boat propulsion apparatus with a locking mechanism that allows easy switching between operation modes and setting of output amounts using a rotatable indicating mechanism, where the first controller switches the electric motor mode and the second controller locks the main body to the hull upon turning the indicating mechanism, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms and simplifying the structure and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a selector switch and electromagnetic solenoid are used to interlock reverse lock with reverse mode setting, then reverse lock can be controlled, but operation and structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reverse lock control function with the existing indicating mechanism (throttle grip) used for mode selection. The indicating mechanism is designed to detect both forward/reverse mode selection and output amount setting, eliminating the need for separate selector switches and electromagnetic solenoids. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable reverse lock control.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating mechanism is given multiple functions: it detects operation mode (forward/reverse/neutral), sets output amount, and controls reverse lock activation. By making this single component universal, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby simplifying both structure and operation while ensuring reliable control.
2Reliability
If another means is provided to perform reverse lock when not interlocked with lever operation, then reverse lock functionality is achieved, but operation and structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse lock control is merged into the indicating mechanism's existing operation. The same component used for mode selection now also controls reverse lock, eliminating the need for separate means and simplifying the user interface to a single intuitive control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating mechanism automatically controls reverse lock based on its detection of reverse mode setting. When the mechanism detects reverse mode, it automatically activates the reverse lock without requiring additional user actions or separate control means, making the system both simple and reliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If another means is provided to set output amount in each operation mode, then output control is achieved, but operation and structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating mechanism is designed to universally handle both mode selection and output amount setting. By rotating the indicating mechanism, users can first select the operation mode (forward/reverse/neutral) and then set the desired output amount, all through a single component rather than requiring separate controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mode selection and output amount setting into a single indicating mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate controls, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full adaptability for different operation modes and output levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat propulsion apparatus is constructed such that an operation mode can be switched to a reverse mode and an amount of an output can be set by an easy operation without a complicated structure and further in which a main body of the propulsion apparatus can be locked to a hull. The boat propulsion apparatus is provided with a main body and a locking mechanism. The main body of the propulsion apparatus is provided with an electric motor, a throttle grip, a potentiometer arranged to detect an indication by the throttle grip, a first controller arranged to control an operation mode and an output of the electric motor depending on an output of the potentiometer, and second controller arranged to control the locking mechanism depending on an indication provided by the throttle grip. According to an operation for turning the throttle grip to a reverse mode area, the controller switches the electric motor to the reverse mode, and the second controller operates the locking mechanism to lock the main body of the propulsion apparatus to a hull.