Outboard Motor Posture Control via Inclinometer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small boats with twin outboard motors face challenges in achieving stable posture due to hull inclination, as existing stabilization methods rely on indirect parameters like navigation speed and steering torque, and require complex mechanisms like trim tabs, making reliable stabilization difficult.
Innovation Solution
A posture control apparatus that directly detects hull inclination using an inclinometer and adjusts the throttle actuators of outboard motors to stabilize the boat, ensuring the hull remains horizontal by increasing engine speed on the inclining side and decreasing it on the rising side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If trim tabs and output mechanisms are used to control hull posture, then hull inclination can be mitigated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the posture control function from complex mechanical mechanisms (trim tabs) and transfers it to the propulsion system (outboard motors). By controlling the thrust of existing outboard motors based on inclinometer feedback, the system achieves posture stabilization without adding trim tabs or complex output mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical trim tab system with an electronic control system that adjusts engine throttle based on inclination detection. The inclinometer provides feedback to the control unit, which then modulates the throttle actuators of the outboard motors to counteract hull inclination, substituting mechanical posture control with electro-mechanical thrust control.
2Device complexity
If indirect parameters like navigation speed or steering torque are used for control, then the control system is simpler, but adequate boat stabilization is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements direct feedback control by using an inclinometer to continuously monitor actual hull inclination and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected inclination with the desired horizontal position and adjusts the outboard motor thrust accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that directly responds to actual posture conditions rather than indirect parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes indirect parameter-based control (speed, torque) with direct inclination-based control using an inclinometer. This electronic sensing and control approach replaces conventional mechanical feedback methods, enabling more accurate and reliable stabilization by directly measuring and responding to hull inclination angles.
3Stability of the object's composition
If throttle actuators are controlled to increase engine speed on the inclining side, then hull inclination is corrected, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by making fine, incremental adjustments to the throttle actuators rather than large, excessive changes. The control unit modulates the throttle opening in small steps necessary to counteract the measured inclination, applying just enough thrust differential to restore horizontal posture without over-correcting and wasting fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control mechanism continuously monitors inclination and adjusts throttle positioning dynamically. When the hull approaches horizontal alignment, the control unit reduces or stops throttle adjustments, preventing unnecessary engine speed changes and fuel consumption. The system self-regulates based on real-time posture feedback.
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
This solution effectively stabilizes the boat's posture, improves riding comfort and steering performance, and maintains navigation speed without the need for complex mechanisms like trim tabs, ensuring the outboard motors remain parallel to the water surface for enhanced fuel efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an inclinometer installed in at least one of the outboard motors that produces an output indicating inclination of the hull relative to a vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for controlling posture of a small boat having a hull and an even number of outboard motors mounted side by side on a stern of the hull, each equipped with a propeller driven by an engine and a throttle actuator adjusting a throttle valve opening of the engine, an inclinometer is installed in one of the outboard motors that produces an output indicating inclination of the hull relative to a vertical axis around a roll axis. It is determined whether the hull inclines to port or starboard from the output of the inclinometer and when it does, operation of the throttle actuators of the outboard motors are controlled on a side determined to incline downward to increase engine speed, while controlling operation of the throttle actuator of the outboard motor on a side determined to incline upward to decrease the engine speed.