Marine Throttle Control via Electronic Button Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shift and throttle systems in marine vessels require operators to physically move control levers to finely adjust engine throttle, which can be cumbersome and imprecise due to variances and play in throttle actuator components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shift and throttle system that allows operators to manually control throttle functions using a pivotable control lever and an input means, such as a button, to adjust throttle commands based on a throttle curve, enabling precise increases or decreases in engine throttle without moving the control lever, with adjustments only applied when all engines are in forward gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators physically move control levers to adjust engine throttle, then throttle control is achievable, but precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to variances and play in throttle actuator components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control lever movement with an electronic input means (button) that sends electrical signals to adjust the throttle command. This substitution eliminates the mechanical play and variances in the throttle actuator components, providing more precise throttle control while reducing operator effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic system between the operator and the throttle actuator. The controller receives input from the button, calculates adjusted throttle commands based on a throttle curve, and sends signals to the throttle actuator. This intermediary layer filters out mechanical play and provides finer control resolution.
2Ease of operation
If control lever is moved to adjust throttle, then throttle changes can be made, but the ability to make fine adjustments deteriorates due to the discrete nature of lever positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the throttle command dynamic and adjustable in small increments through the electronic input means. Instead of discrete lever positions, the button input allows continuous or near-continuous adjustment of the throttle command, enabling fine-tuning of engine throttle while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of throttle control from discrete mechanical lever positions to electronically adjustable command values. The controller can adjust the throttle command in small increments (e.g., 1% or 0.5% per input) based on the throttle curve, providing precise control while keeping the control lever stationary.
3Measurement precision
If throttle command is adjusted by moving control lever, then throttle changes are achieved, but operator convenience deteriorates due to the need for precise physical manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system multi-functional by allowing the same controller to handle both the original control lever input and the additional button input. The controller integrates multiple input sources and adjusts the throttle command accordingly, providing precise control without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting engine throttle in an electronic shift and throttle system comprises determining a position of a control lever which allows an operator to manually control throttle functions. A throttle command is calculated based on the position of the control lever. The throttle command is adjusted in response to an input received from an input means. The position of the control lever remains constant as the throttle command is being adjusted.