Boat Propulsion Unit Device Instance Number Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat systems require cumbersome settings for device instance numbers when outboard motors are activated in a different order than their placement, leading to incorrect assignments and complex setup processes.
Innovation Solution
A system where control units and gauge sections are connected via a communication network, allowing for the assignment and transmission of unique device instance numbers based on the positional order of boat propulsion units, regardless of activation order, using DI-number setting and determining sections to identify and set these numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If device instance numbers are set based on activation order of outboard motors, then the setting operation becomes simple and automatic, but the device instance numbers do not accord with the placement order of the motors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having gauge sections pre-set with sequential device instance numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) in their placement order before the outboard motors are activated. When motors are activated, the system automatically matches them to these pre-assigned numbers based on activation sequence, thereby maintaining both placement order correspondence and automatic setting simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge sections serve as intermediaries that bridge the placement order and activation order. Each gauge section is pre-configured with a device instance number corresponding to its placement position, and it automatically receives and displays information from the corresponding outboard motor based on this pre-established mapping, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
2Loss of information
If device instance numbers are set to match placement order, then correct correspondence is achieved, but a special jig or complex procedure is required for setting
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing gauge sections to automatically assign and manage device instance numbers based on their own placement positions in the system. When an outboard motor is activated, the corresponding gauge section automatically identifies itself and receives the appropriate device instance number without requiring external intervention, special jigs, or complex setting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge sections are pre-configured with their placement position information during system installation. This preliminary configuration enables them to automatically determine their device instance numbers later without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the overall setting procedure while maintaining correct placement order correspondence.
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration of device instance numbers is performed, then accurate assignment is achieved, but the setup process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual configuration by enabling automatic device instance number assignment. When outboard motors are activated, the system automatically matches them to gauge sections and assigns appropriate device instance numbers based on placement order, achieving both accurate assignment and significant reduction in setup time without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the activation sequence and placement position information to automatically determine and assign device instance numbers. The gauge sections monitor which motors are activated and use this feedback along with their pre-stored placement position data to automatically complete the assignment process accurately and efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat capable of assigning device instance numbers in accordance with the placement order of boat propulsion units, irrespective of the activation order of the boat propulsion units, comprises a plurality of control units for controlling a plurality of boat propulsion units. A plurality of gauge sections for displaying operation information of the respective boat propulsion units are connected to each other and to the plurality of control units via a communication network. The respective control units assign device instance numbers to the operation information of the boat propulsion units and transmit the device instance numbers, and the respective gauge sections identify and receive the device instance numbers for display. The control units are connected to each other via a communication line, and respectively include DI-number setting sections capable of setting device instance numbers, and determining sections capable of determining the positions of the boat propulsion units. The DI-number setting sections are adapted to set device instance numbers based on the number of the control units, and the positions of the boat propulsion units.