Boat Speed Control via ECU Throttle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel speed control systems for small planing boats are inadequate as they fail to accurately control speed due to variations in boat shape, weight, and environmental conditions, and require modifications to comply with different regional speed limits, leading to inefficient engine power utilization.
Innovation Solution
A vessel speed control system that includes a speed detection mechanism, a storage unit for maximum speed limit data, and a control system that correlates detected speed with stored data to prevent exceeding the speed limit, using a combination of speed sensors and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to adjust engine power and throttle settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If vessel speed is controlled based only on engine speed stored in memory, then the control system is simple, but the actual vessel speed varies with boat shape, weight, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a speed sensor continuously monitors the actual vessel speed and feeds this information back to the ECU. The ECU compares the detected speed with the target speed (derived from engine speed) and adjusts the throttle opening accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple engine speed-based control logic while achieving accurate vessel speed control through real-time adjustments based on actual speed measurements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boat body shape is changed to have larger resistance to water to prevent exceeding speed limits, then compliance with speed limits is achieved, but larger resistances are generated during acceleration reducing engine power effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the throttle opening adjustable and controllable in real-time. Instead of a fixed boat body configuration, the system dynamically adjusts the throttle opening based on detected vessel speed and target speed calculations. This allows the engine power to be effectively utilized during acceleration while automatically limiting speed during cruising to comply with regulations, resolving the contradiction between speed limit compliance and engine power effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If maximum speed limit data is stored and correlated with detected speed to control vessel speed, then accurate speed control below limits is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ECU perform multiple functions: it stores maximum speed limit data, calculates target engine speeds, controls throttle opening, and processes speed sensor feedback. By making the ECU a multi-functional universal control unit, the system achieves accurate speed control through correlation of detected speed with stored limits while minimizing additional hardware complexity. The single ECU handles all control logic, speed calculations, and throttle management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system ensures accurate and efficient control of vessel speed below predetermined limits without modifying the boat's physical configuration, optimizing engine power usage and maintaining compliance with regional speed regulations.
Implementation Method 1
vessel speed detection means for detecting a speed of the boat body
Implementation Method 2
pressurized and accelerated by a water-jet pump
Implementation Method 3
driven by thrust force generated by jetting liquid from a nozzle
Implementation Method 4
driven by an internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A speed control system for a small planing boat can comprise a speed sensor to detect a vessel speed of a boat body, a speed information storing unit on which data of a previously set maximum speed limit of the boat body is stored, and a speed control device for controlling the cruising speed of the boat body not to exceed the maximum speed limit based on a result of a correlation between the cruising speed and the maximum speed limit. The speed control device can comprise a revolution speed sensor, a revolution speed acquiring unit and a revolution speed control unit. The speed control device can also work in conjunction with an intake air mass amount control device which can include an electronically-controlled throttle valve, an air mass amount acquiring unit and a throttle opening degree control unit.