Marine Throttle Actuator Speed Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic shift and throttle systems in marine vessels fail to effectively delay shift and throttle commands based on engine speed, leading to potential overstressing of the gearbox and risk of engine stalling during rapid throttle changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that establish predetermined threshold engine speeds to delay shift and throttle commands, where the throttle actuator is moved to an idle position if engine speed exceeds a first threshold, and the shift actuator is moved to neutral only after the engine speed falls below this threshold, with the throttle command being executed after the shift actuator reaches neutral and engine speed rises above a second threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If shift and throttle commands are executed immediately based on joystick position, then the system responds quickly to operator input, but the gearbox may be overstressed and the engine may stall during rapid throttle changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidgearbox stress protection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks of engine speed against threshold values before executing shift and throttle commands. The controller delays command execution until engine speed conditions are satisfied, preventing gearbox stress and engine stalling while maintaining responsive operation under safe conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the throttle actuator is moved to idle position to decrease engine speed, then the engine speed is reduced to prevent stalling, but the throttle response is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine stalling preventionVSAvoidthrottle response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors engine speed and uses this feedback to dynamically control throttle actuator positioning. When engine speed approaches dangerous levels, the system automatically adjusts throttle position to maintain safe operating parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents stalling while minimizing unnecessary delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the shift actuator is moved to neutral position after engine speed falls below threshold, then the shift operation is protected from engine stalling, but the shift execution is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine stalling preventionVSAvoidshift execution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary assessment of engine speed conditions before authorizing shift operations. By checking whether engine speed is above or below predetermined thresholds, the system determines the appropriate shift execution timing, ensuring protected shifts while minimizing delays under favorable conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8845490B2Method and system for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed in a marine vessel

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 MARINE CANADA ACQUISTION INC

AI summary

A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a joystick which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed.