Outboard Motor Control Apparatus for Acceleration Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outboard motor acceleration performance is compromised due to propeller idling from air bubbles and reduced thrust when changing gear from second to first speed during acceleration, leading to decreased boat acceleration.
Innovation Solution
An outboard motor control apparatus that includes an acceleration instruction determiner, slip ratio detector, and transmission controller to adjust the gear position from second to first speed based on detected slip ratio and throttle opening, suppressing slip ratio increases and amplifying torque for improved acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the gear position is changed from second speed to first speed during acceleration, then torque transmission is amplified, but the propeller rotates idly due to air bubbles and thrust decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary actions by detecting slip ratio and determining acceleration instructions before changing gear position. The system monitors propeller slip conditions and throttle opening changes in advance, ensuring the optimal timing for gear shift from second speed to first speed, thereby preventing idle rotation and maintaining thrust during acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the slip ratio and throttle opening, then adjusting the gear position change timing based on this real-time information. When the slip ratio indicates proper propeller grip and throttle opening shows acceleration intent, the system triggers the gear shift from second to first speed, optimizing both torque transmission and thrust production.
2Force
If the gear position is changed from second speed to first speed immediately after acceleration starts, then torque is amplified, but acceleration performance decreases due to propeller idling
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary detection of acceleration instructions and slip ratio conditions before executing the gear shift. By monitoring throttle opening changes and propeller slip in advance, the system ensures the gear position change from second to first speed occurs only when acceleration conditions are properly established, preventing premature shifts that would cause idle rotation and reduce acceleration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the gear position change timing based on real-time detection of acceleration instructions and slip ratio conditions. Rather than using a fixed timing mechanism, the control apparatus adapts the moment of gear shift from second to first speed according to the actual operational state, optimizing both torque amplification and acceleration performance.
3Device complexity
If the transmission controls gear position change without monitoring slip ratio, then the control system is simpler, but acceleration performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system that simultaneously monitors slip ratio, detects acceleration instructions, controls throttle opening, and manages gear position changes. This multi-functional approach, while increasing complexity, ensures optimal acceleration performance by coordinating all control actions based on comprehensive real-time detection of propeller and engine conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine and transmission, it is configured to determine whether acceleration is instructed to the engine by an operator when the gear position is the second speed, detect a slip ratio of a propeller based on theoretical velocity and actual velocity of a boat, control a throttle opening to suppress increase in the slip ratio when the acceleration is determined to be instructed, and change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the slip ratio is equal to or less than a first predetermined value and the change amount of the slip ratio is equal to or less than a prescribed value. With this, it becomes possible to appropriately control operation of the engine and the transmission during acceleration, thereby improving the acceleration performance of immediately after acceleration start.