Compact Actuator for Manual Shift Lever Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat speed control devices are difficult to mount on small boats, especially those without hydraulic shift mechanisms, and require significant space and modifications to existing hydraulic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A compact boat speed control device that includes an actuator and controller connected to a shift lever, allowing automatic shifting between sailing and neutral positions, which can be easily integrated with existing manual shift devices, including those without hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional boat speed control device is used, then automatic speed control function is achieved, but device size becomes large and mounting on small boats becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function needed for automatic speed control - operating the shift lever between neutral and sailing positions. By removing unnecessary components and focusing solely on shift lever actuation, the device achieves automatic control capability while minimizing size to fit on small boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to work with existing manual shift devices through universal mounting interfaces. The controller can adapt to different boat configurations and shift lever types, allowing the same compact device to provide automatic speed control across various small boat applications without requiring boat-specific customization.
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulic shift mechanism is used, then smooth gear shifting is achieved, but complexity of hydraulic circuit increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex hydraulic circuitry with a simpler electromechanical actuator system. The actuator uses electrical signals to directly move the shift lever, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and associated wiring. This substitution maintains smooth gear shifting capability while dramatically reducing system complexity and making retrofitting to existing boats much easier.
3Extent of automation
If extensive hydraulic circuit modifications are made, then boat speed control function is achieved, but mounting difficulty and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the speed control function into a separate, self-contained module that interfaces with the existing shift lever mechanism. Rather than modifying the entire hydraulic system, the actuator and controller are installed as discrete components that connect to the shift lever through simple mechanical linkages, enabling easy mounting and future maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary device between the electrical control system and the mechanical shift lever. It translates electrical commands into mechanical motion without requiring modification of the existing shift mechanism or hydraulic circuits. This intermediary approach allows integration with various boat configurations while minimizing installation complexity and time requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The boat speed control device is a boat speed control device for a boat including a manual shift device and an outboard motor connected to the manual shift device. The manual shift device includes a shift lever shiftable between a sailing position and a neutral position. The boat speed control device includes an actuator and a controller. The actuator is connected to the shift lever. The controller is configured to control the actuator to shift the shift lever to the sailing position and the neutral position.