Electric Throttle Curve Adjustment for Marine Vessel Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel propulsion systems with mechanical throttles face challenges in fine control, particularly for unskilled operators, due to nonlinear engine speed-throttle opening degree characteristics, which require higher maneuvering skills for precise control, especially when docking or trolling.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel running controlling apparatus with an electric throttle that allows operators to adjust the target characteristic curve for engine speed in response to throttle operation, using a target characteristic change inputting unit to modify the inflection point and curve shapes, enabling intuitive control and adapting to individual operator preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical throttle with fixed linear relationship is used, then the structure is simple, but the engine speed control precision deteriorates due to nonlinear characteristic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the throttle opening degree characteristic changeable according to operation conditions. The ECU dynamically adjusts the relationship between throttle lever operation amount and throttle opening degree based on detected conditions (engine speed, water temperature, etc.), transforming a static mechanical linkage into a dynamic control system that adapts to different operating states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of throttle opening degree characteristic by using an electric throttle actuator controlled by ECU instead of direct mechanical linkage. The ECU modifies the operation amount-throttle opening degree characteristic based on detected conditions, allowing the same throttle lever to produce different throttle opening degrees under different conditions, thereby optimizing engine speed control precision.
2Device complexity
If a fixed operation amount-throttle opening degree characteristic is used, then the control system is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for unskilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the ECU to continuously detect operation conditions (engine speed, water temperature, throttle lever position) and automatically adjust the throttle opening degree characteristic accordingly. This closed-loop control provides intuitive response to operator input while compensating for nonlinear engine characteristics, making the system easy to operate without requiring skilled maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adapting the throttle characteristic based on detected conditions without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The ECU autonomously determines the appropriate operation amount-throttle opening degree characteristic and adjusts the electric throttle accordingly, eliminating the need for operators to understand or manually compensate for nonlinear engine behavior.
3Productivity
If the throttle opening degree is significantly increased for rapid speed change, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to loss of fine control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the throttle characteristic to dynamically adapt based on operation conditions. The ECU detects the current state and adjusts the operation amount-throttle opening degree characteristic in real-time, allowing the system to provide both fine control when needed and rapid response when required, optimizing both productivity and ease of operation across different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel running controlling apparatus is applicable to a marine vessel which includes a propulsive force generating unit having an engine with an electric throttle. The apparatus includes a target characteristic storage unit which stores a target characteristic curve defining a target characteristic for an operation amount-engine speed characteristic, a target characteristic change inputting unit to be operated by an operator to change the shape of the target characteristic curve, and a target characteristic curve updating unit. The target characteristic change inputting unit includes an inflection point position change inputting unit and a curve shape change inputting unit to be operated by the operator.