Electric Throttle Control for Marine Vessel Maneuverability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The nonlinear relationship between engine speed and throttle opening degree in traditional outboard motor systems makes it difficult for operators, especially those without advanced skills, to control the propulsive force of marine vessels, particularly in low-speed maneuvers, and requires higher responsiveness at higher speeds for smooth traveling.

Innovation Solution

A marine vessel running controlling apparatus that uses an electric throttle with a control unit to determine and adapt the operation amount-throttle opening degree characteristic based on actual data, eliminating abnormal samples to improve maneuverability and responsiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional mechanical throttle connection with fixed linear relationship is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the engine speed changes steeply in the low-speed range making fine control difficult for unskilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of throttle controlVSAvoidthrottle control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical throttle connection system with an electric throttle control system. The electric throttle actuator receives control signals from the operational unit and adjusts the throttle opening degree accordingly, eliminating the need for direct mechanical linkage and enabling more sophisticated control characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter relationship between operational unit output and throttle opening degree from a fixed linear mechanical relationship to a variable characteristic that can be adjusted. The control unit modifies this parameter relationship to achieve gentler engine speed changes in the low-speed range while maintaining responsiveness in the high-speed range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the engine speed-steeply increases with throttle opening degree in the low-throttle range, then the engine responds quickly to throttle input, but the propulsive force becomes difficult to control precisely for maneuvering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine speed responsivenessVSAvoidpropulsive force control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the throttle opening degree based on the operational unit's output signal. The control unit dynamically adjusts the throttle opening degree according to the current engine operating conditions and desired propulsive force, enabling precise control while maintaining responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor engine speed and throttle opening degree, and adjusts the throttle control accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the engine speed increases smoothly and predictably in response to operational unit input, improving propulsive force control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the throttle opening degree-engine speed characteristic is nonlinear as in typical engines, then the engine achieves efficient operation across different ranges, but the control becomes unpredictable for operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the operational unit and the throttle. It processes the operational unit's output signal and translates it into appropriate throttle opening degree commands, mediating the nonlinear engine characteristics to provide predictable and intuitive control while maintaining engine efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If the engine requires higher responsiveness in the middle-to-high speed range for smooth traveling and surge handling, then the vessel can quickly respond to operational changes, but the existing throttle characteristic does not provide sufficient responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine speed responsivenessVSAvoidthrottle characteristic adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the throttle opening degree based on the operational unit's output signal and current engine conditions. In the middle-to-high speed range, the system provides higher responsiveness by adjusting the throttle opening degree more aggressively in response to operational changes, enabling quick adaptation to surge conditions and smooth traveling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7736204B2Marine vessel running controlling apparatus, and marine vessel including the same

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

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 as a drive source for generating a propulsive force to propel a hull of the marine vessel. The marine vessel running controlling apparatus includes an operational unit to be operated by an operator of the marine vessel for controlling the propulsive force, and a control unit arranged to acquire a normal data sample by eliminating an abnormal data sample from actual data acquired during travel of the marine vessel and update control information related to an opening degree of the electric throttle with respect to an operation amount of the operational unit based on the normal data sample.