Marine Engine Handle Control for Auto Start-Stop at Neutral

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for automatically starting and stopping marine engines are restrictive and do not allow for quick or easy engine starting, and lack efficient automatic shutdown capabilities, particularly in marine settings, where safety and fuel efficiency are concerns.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically starts and stops engines based on the position of the handle with respect to the neutral position, using an electronic control module (ECM) and handle sensors to initiate start and stop procedures, with additional conditions such as transmission speed, vessel speed, engine temperature, battery voltage, and absence of engine malfunctions being considered before shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handle must remain in neutral for engine start to occur (current marine vessel operation), then safety is improved, but ease of operation and quick starting are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of automatic starting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional marine engine start condition by allowing the engine to start automatically when the handle is moved OUT of neutral, rather than requiring the handle to remain IN neutral. This inversion enables quick automatic starting while incorporating safety checks (engine off status, neutral position verification, transmission neutral confirmation) to maintain safety standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the handle position is used to trigger automatic engine start, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic starting capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the handle sensor into the existing marine vessel control system, allowing the same handle position detection to serve multiple functions: triggering automatic engine start, monitoring transmission neutral status, and providing input for the electronic control module's decision-making process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the existing handle position information and integrated sensors to automatically determine when engine starting conditions are met, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention or additional complex control mechanisms. The electronic control module processes available data to self-determine the appropriate action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If automatic engine shutdown is implemented based on handle position, then fuel consumption is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to potential unintended shutdowns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidunintended shutdown prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based shutdown system where the electronic control module continuously monitors multiple parameters (handle position, engine running status, transmission gear position, vessel speed, engine temperature, battery voltage) and only commands shutdown when all conditions indicate it is safe and appropriate. This multi-parameter feedback mechanism prevents unintended shutdowns while achieving fuel savings during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If multiple conditions are checked before automatic shutdown (transmission speed, vessel speed, engine temperature, battery voltage), then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe shutdown assuranceVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control module serves as a universal control unit that integrates monitoring of multiple system parameters (transmission speed, vessel speed, engine temperature, battery voltage, handle position) and coordinates the shutdown decision and execution. This centralized multi-functional approach consolidates the complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11359570B2Method for handle-operated automatic start and stop of marine engine

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 PLEASURECRAFT MARINE ENGINE

AI summary

A method for automatically starting and stopping engine(s) of a vessel based on the position of a handle. Automatic starting occurs by activating an ignition circuit, receiving a signal indicating handle position, and providing a signal to start the engine when the handle is out of neutral position. A signal to shift the transmission into gear is sent when the handle is in an idle position. Automatic stopping of the engine includes receiving a signal the handle is in neutral, receiving status information of the engine, and providing a signal to stop the engine when the handle is in neutral and either the engine is not running or at least one of a number of conditions are met. A shutoff timer may delay auto stop of the engine, which may reset whenever any of the conditions ceases to be true.