Jet Watercraft Reverse Gate Actuator Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reversing jet propelled watercraft at high forward speeds can lead to loss of control and potential damage to the propulsion system, as drivers often attempt to rapidly decelerate and reverse by maximizing thrust, which is not controlled effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control unit that receives signals from a reverse gate operator and speed sensors to control the movement speed and power of the reverse gate actuator, limiting motor operation based on watercraft speed, ensuring safe and controlled reverse thrust by adjusting the reverse gate's movement speed and time according to the watercraft's speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the reverse gate is actuated to redirect the jet toward the front of the watercraft at high forward speed to rapidly decelerate, then the deceleration speed is improved, but control stability deteriorates and damage to the propulsion system may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate actuator's movement speed is dynamically adjusted based on the watercraft's forward speed. The control unit receives speed signals and controls the actuator to move the reverse gate at different speeds depending on the current operating conditions, allowing rapid deceleration when safe and controlled deceleration when speeds are high
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives speed signals from sensors monitoring the watercraft's forward speed and uses this feedback to control the reverse gate actuator's operation. This closed-loop control ensures the reverse gate is only actuated under safe conditions and prevents damage to the propulsion system
2Loss of time
If the reverse gate actuator moves the reverse gate quickly from stowed position to reverse position, then the reversal time is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator's movement speed is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time speed signals. The control unit modulates the actuator speed to match safe operating parameters, achieving both timely reversal and precise control by adapting the movement rate to current conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reversing a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft has a reverse gate and a reverse gate actuator operatively connected to the reverse gate for moving the reverse gate between at least a stowed position and a reverse position. The method includes moving the reverse gate from the stowed position to the reverse position with the reverse gate actuator in response to receiving a reverse signal. The reverse gate actuator is controlled such that a movement speed of the reverse gate depends on at least one of a speed of the watercraft and a motor speed of a motor of the watercraft.