Marine Vessel Control System Mode Switching via Multifunctional Start Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small marine vessels lack a practical method to switch engine control modes without adding additional switches, which is costly and space-constrained, especially on steering handles.
Innovation Solution
A control system that utilizes a processor and non-transitory storage medium to disable original operations during specific conditions, allowing existing operator inputs to switch engine control modes without impairing original functions or requiring additional operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an additional switch is provided on the steering handle to switch control modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the start switch serve multiple functions: it acts as both a start switch for the engine and a control mode switching device. When the engine is stopped, operating the start switch switches between normal mode and output suppressing mode. This eliminates the need for a separate control mode switch on the steering handle, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control mode switching function with the existing start switch. The start switch is merged with control mode switching capability, so that a single operator handles both engine starting and control mode selection. This integration reduces the number of operators needed while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If an additional switch is provided on the steering handle to switch control modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The start switch is designed to perform multiple functions: engine starting and control mode switching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and install an additional control mode switch, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control mode switching function is merged into the existing start switch circuitry. By combining these functions in a single operator, the patent avoids the additional manufacturing costs associated with producing and installing a separate switch on the steering handle
3Ease of operation
If the steering handle size is increased to accommodate an additional switch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the volume of the marine vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The start switch on the existing steering handle is made multifunctional to include control mode switching. This eliminates the need to increase steering handle size or add additional switches, thereby maintaining the compact volume of the marine vessel while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control mode switching function is merged into the existing start switch, allowing both functions to be accessed from the current steering handle configuration. This avoids the need to enlarge the steering handle or increase overall vessel volume
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a marine vessel that includes a drive source and an operator that receives an operation is able to switch a control mode of the drive source without providing an additional operator. An operation received by the operator when the drive source is resting is disabled, and a function of switching a control mode of the drive source is assigned to the operation of the operator that is received when the drive source is resting.