Outboard Motor Propeller Control for Shoal Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for watercraft do not effectively address the challenge of safely navigating over shoals, as they primarily focus on avoiding grounding rather than optimizing route navigation and ride comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control system for an outboard motor that includes a propeller and a controller capable of adjusting the propeller's vertical position, using first and second control modes based on water depth and navigation speed to prevent propeller contact with the sea bottom while maintaining efficient navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the watercraft navigates over a shoal to reduce navigation distance and improve ride comfort, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of propeller contact with sea bottom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the propeller vertical position based on real-time water depth measurements and navigation speed. The controller continuously monitors water depth ahead and modifies propeller position to maintain safe clearance while enabling navigation over shoals, transforming a static safety margin into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses water depth sensors to provide continuous feedback about the seabed position ahead. This feedback loop allows the controller to predict potential grounding risks and adjust propeller position proactively, creating a closed-loop control system that balances navigation efficiency with propeller protection.
2Reliability
If the propeller vertical position is fixed at a lower position for safe navigation, then reliability is improved, but productivity and ride comfort deteriorate due to frequent direction changes to avoid shoals
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed propeller position, the system implements dynamic position adjustment based on water depth conditions. The propeller can operate at lower positions when water is shallow and at higher positions when water is deep, optimizing both safety and navigation efficiency for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of propeller vertical position based on water depth measurements. By adjusting this parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed conservative position, the system achieves both grounding prevention and maintained navigation efficiency.
3Productivity
If the propeller vertical position is adjusted dynamically based on water depth, then both reliability and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single controller that manages both water depth monitoring and propeller position control. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity rather than distributing it across separate systems, making the overall device more manageable despite the advanced control logic required.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an outboard motor is provided which enables safe navigation over a shoal. A control system for an outboard motor including a propeller includes: a trim angle adjustment motor for changing the attitude of the outboard motor with respect to a watercraft; and a controller configured to selectively implement first control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a first position, and second control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a second position closer to a water surface than the first position. The controller acquires information on the depth of water a predetermined distance ahead in the travel direction of the watercraft, and determines which of the first control and the second control is implemented, on the basis of at least the information on the depth of water.