Boat Propulsion Steering Neutralization Before Controlled Tilt Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing boat control systems, users must manually return the steering angle to the neutral position before performing a tilt operation, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A boat control system that automatically steers the propulsion unit to the neutral position before performing a tilt operation, integrating a controller to manage the steering and tilting devices, and includes a notification system to alert surroundings of impending tilt operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the steering position must be manually returned to neutral before tilt operation, then interference with other boats is avoided, but user workload increases and operation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoiduser workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically returns the steering position to neutral before performing tilt operation, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The control unit autonomously manages the steering device to achieve neutral positioning, thereby reducing user workload while maintaining interference avoidance reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary steering adjustment to neutral position before executing the tilt operation. By automatically completing the neutral positioning in advance, the system ensures that interference avoidance conditions are met before the actual tilt action, reducing overall operation time and user burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the steering position must be manually returned to neutral before tilt operation, then proper tilt operation is ensured, but operation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt operation safetyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit autonomously manages the steering device to return to neutral position and simultaneously or subsequently drives the tilting device, eliminating manual intervention steps and reducing overall operation time while ensuring proper tilt operation safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation by automatically transitioning from steering neutralization to tilt execution without interrupting the operational flow. The controller seamlessly coordinates both actions, eliminating idle time between steps and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4606692A1Boat control system and boat
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4606692A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606692A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606692A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The boat control system is a system for controlling a boat equipped with a boat body, the system including: a boat propulsion device having a steering device for changing the steering angle and a tilting device for performing tilt operations; and a controller for controlling the steering device and the tilting device, wherein upon receiving a tilt operation instruction when the steering angle of the boat propulsion device is in a state different from a neutral state, the controller (i) drives the steering device to steer the boat propulsion device until the steering angle of the boat propulsion device reaches the neutral state, and (ii) drives the tilting device to perform the tilt operation, at the same time as (i) or after the start of (i).