Marine Propulsion Controller Automatic CAN Address Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion control systems face challenges in correctly assigning unique CAN addresses to controllers during configuration, leading to complex and error-prone setup procedures, especially in multi-propulsion-device systems, where identical default addresses complicate device identification and troubleshooting.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically configures CAN addresses by comparing initial addresses with predefined positions, sending change messages via dedicated CAN buses to ensure correct identification and assignment, eliminating the need for manual lever adjustments and simplifying the configuration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of CAN addresses is used, then device identification can be established, but the setup procedure becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification by automatically comparing initial CAN addresses with predefined position addresses and sending change messages to correct any mismatches, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing setup complexity while ensuring accurate device identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores the correct CAN addresses corresponding to predefined propulsion device positions in memory before operation begins, allowing automatic address verification and correction during system startup without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic CAN address assignment is implemented, then configuration complexity is reduced, but address assignment errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration easeVSAvoidaddress assignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the initial CAN address received from each controller with the predefined correct address for that propulsion device position, and automatically sends change messages to correct any discrepancies, ensuring accurate address assignment while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration procedures with electronic automatic address verification and correction through CAN bus communication, eliminating manual lever adjustments and reducing configuration errors while improving operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual lever adjustments are required for configuration, then correct device positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioning accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical lever adjustments with electronic automatic address verification and correction through CAN bus communication, achieving the same device positioning accuracy instantaneously without time-consuming manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting and correcting CAN address mismatches during startup without requiring manual lever adjustments, achieving accurate device positioning while eliminating configuration time losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10594510B1Marine propulsion control system and method with automatic CAN addressing

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A controller associated with a propulsion device in a marine propulsion system stores computer-executable instructions to perform a method of automatically configuring at least one other controller associated with the propulsion device. The method includes storing a controller CAN address that identifies a propulsion device position of the propulsion device in the marine propulsion system, and then receiving an identification CAN message communicating an initial CAN address from the other controller via a dedicated CAN bus, wherein the initial CAN address contains initial propulsion device position information. The initial CAN address is compared to the controller CAN address to determine whether the initial propulsion device position information correctly identifies the propulsion device position and, if it does not, the controller sends a change CAN message via the dedicated CAN bus to change the initial CAN address of the other controller to a correct CAN address identifying the propulsion device position.