Marine Remote Control Unit with Fingertip Tilt-Trim Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote control units for marine propulsion systems are cumbersome, with mechanical idling buttons that rotate with the operating lever and complex switch configurations, making it difficult for operators to manage multiple propulsion units effectively, especially when trying to adjust tilt/trim angles and perform other functions.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit design featuring tilt/trim angle adjustment switches on the top surface, allowing for fingertip operation without palm contact, and an idling switch that maintains the idling state without constant pressing, enabling easier operation and reduced complexity in managing multiple propulsion units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the idling button is positioned in the side surface of the rotary shaft of the operating lever, then the idling button rotates together with the operating lever, but the operator must rotate their finger in accordance with the movement of the operating lever which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the idling button from the rotary shaft mechanism, positioning it independently on the body. This segmentation allows the idling button to function independently without rotating with the operating lever, eliminating the need for the operator to coordinate finger rotation with lever movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The idling button is extracted from the rotary shaft assembly and repositioned on the body. This extraction removes the mechanical coupling between the idling button and the rotating lever, simplifying the operational requirement to a simple press without rotational coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are positioned on the top surface of the body to perform multiple functions, then the switch area is optimized, but the operator's hand cannot rest on the top surface without accidentally contacting switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a distinct functional zone on the top surface by positioning switches in specific locations and creating a separate hand-resting area. This local differentiation allows the top surface to simultaneously serve as both a control interface and a comfortable hand rest, with switches strategically placed away from the primary hand contact zone.
3Device complexity
If specific switches perform multiple functions to reduce the number of switches, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator must learn multiple operation modes which increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions into separate, dedicated switches for each propulsion unit. Instead of using switches that perform multiple functions across different propulsion units, each switch is assigned to a specific propulsion unit, making the operation method simpler and more intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making switches multi-functional to reduce their number, the patent inverts the approach by assigning one switch per propulsion unit. This inversion simplifies the operational logic from complex multi-mode switching to straightforward one-to-one control, making it easier for operators to manage multiple propulsion units.
4Ease of operation
If the palm portion of the top surface is used as a handrest, then operator comfort is improved, but switches must be positioned away from the handrest area which reduces space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric layout of switches and handrest area on the top surface. By strategically positioning switches in specific asymmetric locations and designing the handrest area in a complementary asymmetric pattern, the patent optimizes both comfort and switch placement space efficiency without requiring symmetric distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control unit can be used for a boat having a plurality of propulsion units to perform output adjustment and tilt/trim angle adjustment of the propulsion units. Operating levers can be capable of forward and backward rotational movement to effect shift operation and throttle operation of the propulsion units and can be respectively provided upright on a left side surface and right side surface of a body. A plurality of tilt/trim angle adjustment switches can correspond to respective propulsion units and can be provided at positions where they can be operated with fingertips of a hand resting on a palm portion of a top surface of the body with the fingertips pointing generally forward. The palm portion of the top surface can be free of switches.