Hall Sensor Shift Control for Marine Engine Ignition Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems face issues with impact noise and shock during gear shifts, and the use of micro switches in shift control systems leads to cable stretching, failure, and unreliable activation, particularly when transitioning from neutral to gear positions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a Hall sensor and control circuit to interrupt power to the engine ignition coil during gear shifts by detecting changes in magnet polarity and direction, eliminating the need for microprocessors or computers and reducing wear on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro switches are used in shift control systems to detect gear position, then the system can control the shift process, but the shift cable stretches over time leading to cable failure and unreliable activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micro switch system with a magnetic sensing system. Magnets are attached to the shift cable and detected by magnetic sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or reed switches) mounted on the shift plate assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact between the micro switch and shift cable, preventing cable stretching and wear while maintaining reliable gear position detection and shift control activation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ignition spark is interrupted during shift event to reduce impact noise and shock, then shift smoothness improves, but the system requires complex control circuitry including microprocessors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching magnets to the shift cable at specific positions corresponding to gear shift points. These magnets are permanently positioned so that when the shift cable moves during a shift event, the magnets pass by the magnetic sensors in a predetermined sequence, automatically triggering the ignition interruption at the optimal moment without requiring real-time microprocessor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system is self-service in that it automatically detects gear position and triggers shift control activation without requiring complex external control systems. The magnets attached to the shift cable serve their own positioning function, and the magnetic sensors automatically generate signals to control the ignition interruption, eliminating the need for microprocessors and complex control algorithms.
3Device complexity
If conventional shift systems are used without interruption, then the system structure remains simple, but grinding and hard shifting occur during gear transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements attached to the shift cable. These magnets act as mediators between the mechanical shift cable movement and the electronic ignition control system. As the shift cable moves, the magnets pass by the magnetic sensors, which detect their position and trigger the ignition interruption, providing a smooth shift without requiring complex direct coupling between the shift cable and ignition control system.
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
The solution provides a reliable and smooth shift process by interrupting power to the ignition coil during gear transitions, reducing noise and wear, and extending the lifespan of shift cables and components.
Implementation Method 1
A method and device utilizing a Hall sensor and control circuit to interrupt power to the engine ignition coil during gear shifts by detecting changes in magnet polarity and direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for interrupting power to an engine ignition coil in a marine engine during an actuation of a shift cable for transitioning between gears is provided. The method includes connecting a sensor assembly to the shift cable. The sensor assembly includes magnets, a Hall sensor for magnetic sensing, and a control circuit. The magnets are configured to pass by the Hall sensor, which senses a change in polarity of the magnets. The control circuit is configured to interrupt power to the engine ignition coil. The method includes sensing a polarity of the magnets; determining if the polarity of the magnets has changed; and sending a signal to the control circuit based on the change in polarity of the magnets, which causes an output interrupting power to the engine ignition coil.