Boat Redundant Power and Communication Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boats with electrically controlled propulsion units fail to operate normally when there is a breakage or failure in any part of the power supply line or communication line, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The boat is designed with at least two systems of power supply lines and communication lines to ensure continuous operation of the remote control unit and boat propulsion unit, including a power source with batteries and a power generating unit, and remote control and engine ECUs connected via DBW CAN cables, with position sensors and disconnectable connectors for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply line and communication line are used to connect the power source, remote control unit, and boat propulsion unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the system fails when the line is broken or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent power supply lines (first and second power supply lines) that separately connect the power source to the remote control unit and boat propulsion unit. The communication system is segmented into two independent communication lines (first and second communication lines) that separately transmit signals between these units. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one line does not affect the other, resolving the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant power supply lines and communication lines as a form of beforehand cushioning. By providing backup pathways before any failure occurs, the system can withstand line breakages or disconnections without failing operation. This preventive approach cushions against potential failures, maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant power supply lines and communication lines are provided, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making both power supply lines and communication lines serve the same functional purpose with identical connection patterns. The first and second power supply lines both supply power from the power source to the remote control unit and boat propulsion unit. The first and second communication lines both transmit control signals and status information between these units. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while using standardized, universal connection methods that simplify the overall design and implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a boat comprising a power source; a remote control unit (19) provided in a hull; and a boat propulsion unit (13) controlled through the remote control unit so as to produce thrust, the power source being connected to the remote control unit and the boat propulsion unit via a power supply line, and the remote control unit and the boat propulsion unit being connected to each other via a communication line (e), wherein at least two systems of power supply lines and at least two systems of communication lines are provided.