Marine Shift Interrupt via Hall Sensor Ignition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems face issues with impact noise and shock during gear shifts due to mechanical wear and unreliable micro switches, which lead to cable stretching and premature failure, as well as grinding and hard shifting when transitioning from neutral to gear.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a Hall effect sensor latch with magnets to control the engine ignition coil interruption, employing a One Shot circuit with an RC time constant and adjustable potentiometer to implement a shift delay, allowing for reliable and smooth gear transitions by detecting changes in magnetic polarity and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro switches are used to detect shift cable position, then shift control can be achieved, but the mechanical parts wear out and fail prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical micro switches with electronic Hall effect sensors that detect magnetic field changes. The Hall effect sensor latch circuit uses magnetic polarity detection instead of mechanical contact, eliminating wear and extending component lifespan while maintaining reliable shift control detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary between the shift cable movement and the detection system. The magnets move with the shift cable and interact with the Hall effect sensor through magnetic field changes, allowing non-contact detection and eliminating direct mechanical contact between the sensor and moving parts.
2Ease of operation
If ignition coil is interrupted during shift to allow neutral gear, then shifting can be achieved, but cable stretching and micro switch failure occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micro switch system with an electronic Hall effect sensor-based ignition control system. The Hall effect sensor latch detects magnetic field changes from moving magnets to control ignition timing, eliminating mechanical wear from both the switches and cable while maintaining reliable shift operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall effect sensor latch circuit automatically detects the shift position through magnetic field changes and self-regulates the ignition coil interruption timing. The system uses the magnetic polarity changes as inherent signals to control the shift interrupt without requiring additional mechanical feedback components.
3Ease of operation
If traditional shift cable assembly is used, then gear position control is achieved, but the system requires frequent maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shift cable assembly with an electronic detection system using Hall effect sensors and magnets. The magnets are attached to the existing shift cable or linkage, and the Hall effect sensor latch circuit electronically detects their position, maintaining gear control functionality while eliminating the need for frequent mechanical maintenance and replacement.
4Device complexity
If shift interrupt is not implemented when transitioning from neutral to gear, then system simplicity is maintained, but grinding and hard shifting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall effect sensor latch circuit detects the shift transition from neutral to gear in advance and triggers the ignition coil interruption before the dog clutch fully engages. This preliminary action prevents grinding and hard shifting by ensuring the engine is briefly interrupted during the transition, while the electronic system adds minimal complexity compared to mechanical solutions.
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
The solution provides a reliable and consistent shift mechanism that reduces grinding and extends component lifespan by using electronic components instead of mechanical parts, enabling smooth shifts from neutral to gear and reducing wear on the system.
Implementation Method 1
a method to input a shift delay using a Hall effect sensor latch
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of interrupting power to an ignition coil in a marine engine during an actuation of a shift cable for transitioning between gears is provided. The method includes connecting a sensor assembly to the shift cable. The sensor assembly includes magnets, a Hall sensor for magnetic sensing, and a control circuit. The magnets are configured to pass by the Hall sensor, which senses a change in polarity of the magnets. The control circuit is configured to interrupt power to the ignition coil. The method includes sensing a polarity of the magnets; determining if the polarity of the magnets has changed; and sending a signal to the control circuit based on the change in polarity of the magnets, which causes an output interrupting power to the ignition coil.