Outboard Motor Control Prioritizing Multiple PTT Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
In boats equipped with outboard motors, there is a risk of unintended operation or malfunction due to conflicting trim and tilt angle control commands from multiple PTT switches, particularly when multiple steering stations are involved, leading to potential adverse effects on the outboard motor's operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple operation instruction output means (PTT switches) and an operation instruction selecting means that prioritizes the commands from these switches to prevent unintended operations, ensuring that only authorized and intended control signals are transmitted to the outboard motor, utilizing a CAN network for communication and microcomputers to process and prioritize the instructions based on predefined tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple PTT switches are provided at different steering/control stations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to conflicting commands
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple PTT switches and the outboard motor. It receives commands from any switch, determines the appropriate priority level, and transmits only the highest-priority command to the motor, preventing conflicting operations while maintaining ease of use at multiple stations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of command priority by assigning different priority levels to switches based on their location and function. The control unit dynamically selects which switch command to execute by comparing priority values, ensuring reliable operation despite multiple control points
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PTT switches are installed for redundant control, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple PTT switches into a single control unit that processes all inputs. Instead of having separate control circuits for each switch, they are combined into one intelligent unit that handles priority determination and command transmission, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If all PTT switch commands are processed equally, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to unintended motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary anti-action by preemptively blocking lower-priority commands when higher-priority commands are detected. This prevents unintended motor operations before they can occur, while still allowing operators to use any switch without restriction
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor control system can have a first PTT switch and a second PTT switch in a first steering station and in a second steering station respectively, and a third PTT switch in a location outside of a boat hull. Operation instruction given by each PTT switch can be input to a first microcomputer of a first ECU. The first microcomputer can determine if the inputted operation instruction is to be sent to the outboard motor, based on which PTT switch the operation instruction came from, whether the main switch is ON or OFF, and which steering station has precedence in boat control.