Marine Lockout Device Prevents Reverse Gear Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockout systems for marine vessels, particularly those with mechanical links, are inadequate in preventing accidental shifts into reverse gear at high speeds, leading to potential hydro-lock and engine stalling, and require operator intervention which can be cumbersome, especially in dual or quad engine setups.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical lockout device with an electric actuator and locking pin that selectively prevents the control lever from rotating into reverse gear, controlled by a programmable controller that senses the rate of change of the control lever position and engages the lockout when exceeding a threshold, preventing shifts into reverse gear during high-speed forward travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lockout system is used to prevent reverse gear shifting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental reverse gear shiftingVSAvoidoperator intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical lockout system with an electromechanical system that uses electronic sensors to detect lever position and rate of change, and an electric actuator to engage the locking pin. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining reliable prevention of accidental reverse gear shifting at high speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lockout system automatically monitors control lever position and rate of change through sensors, and autonomously engages or disengages the locking pin based on detected conditions without requiring operator action. The system serves itself by detecting its own state and taking appropriate protective action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If an electromechanical lockout device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lockout engagementVSAvoidelectromechanical system components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric actuator serves multiple functions: it engages the locking pin to prevent reverse shifting, disengages the locking pin when conditions are safe, and can be controlled through the existing remote control interface. The controller also manages multiple sensing inputs and integrates with the existing gear selection system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a locking pin is used to prevent reverse gear shifting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to physical constraint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical prevention of reverse shiftVSAvoidcontrol lever movement restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin is designed to be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on real-time detection of control lever position and rate of change. The pin physically constrains the lever only when reverse gear selection is dangerous (high-speed forward travel), and remains disengaged during normal operation, allowing full lever movement freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively prevents accidental shifts into reverse gear during high-speed operations, reducing the risk of hydro-lock and engine stalling, while allowing easy shifting between neutral and reverse gears in safe conditions, enhancing operator convenience by eliminating the need for manual force or button presses.

Implementation Method 1

an electric actuator and a locking pin movable by the electric actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS10507898B1Lockout for remote controls on marine vessels

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

An electromechanical lockout device for a remote control on a marine vessel includes an electric actuator and a locking pin having an engagement end and a second end. The locking pin is arranged with respect to a control lever such that the locking pin is positionable in a locked position, where the engagement end of the locking pin prevents rotation of the control lever into a reverse position, and in a retracted position, where the engagement end of the locking pin allows rotation of the control lever into the reverse position. A method of controlling lockout for a remote control includes sensing a position of a control lever, calculating a rate of change of the position, and engaging a lockout to prevent a gear system from shifting into reverse gear if the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate of change.