Boat Shift Device Lever Operation Suppression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift devices for boats with outboard motors face issues of abrupt lever operations, which can lead to gear mechanism breakdowns, and existing solutions like lock or braking mechanisms compromise operability and increase costs or size.
Innovation Solution
A shift device with a lever operation suppression mechanism that applies different loads during forward and reverse operations, using a load applying portion and drive gear to prevent abrupt lever movements without requiring additional locking or braking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided in the lever to prevent abrupt operation, then gear mechanism breakdown is prevented, but the lever size increases and operability deteriorates due to repeated locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lock mechanism with an electrical control system. The ECU receives signals from the shift operation detection device and controls the shift actuator accordingly, eliminating the need for physical locks in the lever while maintaining gear protection through electronic control logic that prevents abrupt shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the lever operation and the gear shifting. The ECU and shift actuator serve as intermediaries that mediate the transition from lever movement to gear change, allowing for controlled, gradual shifting without direct mechanical coupling that would require locks.
2Reliability
If a braking mechanism is provided in the lever to increase control force throughout the operation range, then abrupt operation is suppressed, but operability in the entire movable range deteriorates and steering feel becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical braking mechanism with an electrical control system. Instead of applying physical brake force throughout the lever's movement range, the ECU controls the shift actuator to achieve gradual gear transitions, maintaining smooth lever operation while preventing abrupt gear changes through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through the ECU, which can adjust the shifting behavior based on real-time conditions. The shift actuator provides controlled, gradual gear transitions rather than fixed mechanical resistance, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining smooth lever feel.
Data Source
AI summary
A shift device for a boat includes a lever which can be operated about a predetermined axis, and a lever operation suppression mechanism which suppresses an operation of the lever. The lever operation suppression mechanism includes a load applying portions (a first load applying portion and a second load applying portion) which apply different loads to the lever in a first operation period of operating the lever between a neutral position of the lever and a first position corresponding to a forward movement of the boat, and in a second operation period of operating the lever between the neutral position and a second position corresponding to a backward movement of the boat.