Integrated Safety I/O Module for Marine Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for marine vessels and stationary generator sets often have separate hardware-based solutions for safety and input/output functions, which are not dynamically integrated, leading to potential failures and increased maintenance costs due to multiple points of failure and limited reactivity in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a physically distinct safety and input/output (I/O) module that combines safety and I/O functionalities, integrated with an engine control unit and human-machine interface, allowing for dynamic engine protection and communication with external components, enabling unified engine management and minimizing points of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware-based solutions are used for safety and input/output functions, then each function can be independently implemented, but the system has multiple points of failure and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate safety module and I/O module into a single integrated safety and I/O module, reducing the number of hardware components and interconnections. This integration eliminates multiple points of failure while maintaining independent functionality of safety and I/O operations, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unitary engine controllers are created on an engine-set-by-engine-set basis, then customization for particular engines is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated safety and I/O module is designed as a universal platform that can be configured through software to work with different engine sets. The module maintains adaptability to specific engine requirements while using standardized hardware components, enabling easier manufacturing and reduced maintenance costs compared to fully custom unitary controllers.
3Ease of repair
If multiple standalone hardware boards are used for different functions, then each function can be independently maintained, but the number of components and potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating safety and I/O functions into a single module with shared hardware resources, the patent reduces the total number of components that can fail. The modular design maintains ease of repair through software configurability and standardized interfaces, while improving reliability by eliminating inter-board communication failures and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety and input/output (I/O) module of an engine controller for an engine set of a marine vessel can be physically distinct from an engine control unit (ECU). The safety and I/O module can include hardware in addition to software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The safety and I/O module can be a single logic controller having safety functionality and I/O functionality. The safety functionality can be for dynamic engine protection during operation of the engine set of the marine vessel. The I/O functionality can be for sending signals to components external to the engine controller and for receiving signals from components external to the engine controller.