Marine Vessel Engine Control via Parity Switches and CAN Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for marine vessels with multiple engines are complex, expensive, and cumbersome, often requiring heavy wiring and third-party system integrations, which are difficult to implement and maintain, especially on larger vessels.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that utilize parity switches to remotely start and stop engines, eliminating the need for complex wiring and third-party systems by using a network communication channel, such as a CAN bus, to communicate between the operator console and the propulsion control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex wired connections are used to connect individual engines with their respective start and stop switches, then reliable engine control is achieved, but implementation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electronic communication system. The parity switch communicates engine start/stop commands wirelessly or through existing vessel communication networks to the engine control units, eliminating the need for dedicated wired connections between switches and engines while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The parity switch serves multiple functions: it can control individual engines independently, control multiple engines simultaneously, and integrate with existing vessel communication systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiring for each engine control function.
2Ease of operation
If third party systems are integrated to provide remote start/stop control, then ease of operation is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel's existing communication infrastructure and control systems are utilized to provide remote engine start/stop functionality. The parity switch integrates with the vessel's native network, eliminating the need for external third-party control systems while maintaining ease of remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control function is merged with the vessel's existing communication and control architecture. The parity switch communicates through the same network used for other vessel systems, consolidating control functions and reducing overall system complexity rather than adding separate third-party systems.
3Reliability
If extensive wiring is implemented for engine control on larger vessels, then control reliability is maintained, but implementation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Physical wiring is replaced with electronic communication protocols transmitted through the vessel's existing digital network infrastructure. This substitution maintains control signal reliability while dramatically reducing installation complexity, especially on larger vessels where wiring would be particularly cumbersome.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from a physical spatial dimension (wires running through the vessel) to a digital communication dimension (data transmission through existing networks). This dimensional shift allows control signals to be transmitted without physical connection constraints, simplifying implementation on vessels of any size.
Data Source
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AI summary
Control system (102) for controlling operations of a marine vessel (100) having a first engine (104) and a second engine (106) is provided. Parity switches are operable to start/stop first and second engine. Each parity switch is actuated for first time to activate remote start/stop control of respective engine. Each switch is actuated for second time to switch respective engine to ON or OFF state. Operator console (120) is communicatively coupled to parity switches to receive first and/or second user inputs. Propulsion control unit (136) is communicably coupled to operator console (120) via network communication channel, first engine control unit (116) of first engine (104) and second engine control unit (118) of second engine (106). Propulsion control unit (136) receives operational parameters for engines from engine control units and receives first and second user inputs from operator console (120). Propulsion control unit (136) transmits engine operating signals for operating respective engines in response to first and/or second user input and based on operational parameters.