Outboard Motor Controller Ignition Timing for Shift Shock Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shift shock occurs when operating an outboard motorboat using a joystick, leading to increased engine rotational speed and larger shift shock during transitions between forward and rearward movement, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft operating system that includes a remote control, a joystick, and a controller, which executes first and second shift shock correction controls to reduce shift shock by adjusting the ignition timing based on different engine rotational speed ranges, specifically when operated via remote control or joystick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine rotational speed is increased when operating with the joystick, then the power and responsiveness of the watercraft improve, but the shift shock becomes larger during transitions between forward and rearward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the ignition timing based on the operational mode (remote control vs. joystick) and engine rotational speed. When joystick operation is detected, the system implements a different ignition timing correction strategy that retards timing more aggressively at higher speeds, thereby reducing shift shock while preserving the power benefits of high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two different shift shock correction control strategies based on the detected operational mode. The controller continuously monitors whether the remote control or joystick is being used and applies the appropriate correction algorithm in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and minimize shift shock across various speed ranges.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine rotational speed is reduced to lessen shift shock during remote control operation, then the shift shock is reduced, but the power and speed response of the watercraft decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by establishing distinct ignition timing correction parameters for remote control operation versus joystick operation. For remote control, the system applies moderate timing retardation that reduces shift shock while maintaining acceptable speed response. For joystick operation, a different parameter set allows more aggressive timing adjustment that effectively suppresses shift shock even at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control strategy is segmented into two distinct modes based on the operational input device. The controller divides the shift shock correction function into separate handling routines: one for remote control operation with moderate correction, and another for joystick operation with enhanced correction. This segmentation allows optimized performance characteristics for each operational mode without compromising the other.
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
Significantly reduces or prevents shift shock when operating the joystick by retarding the ignition timing according to specific correction data, ensuring smoother transitions between forward and rearward movements.
Implementation Method 1
a controller of an outboard motor executes control such as a delay in ignition timing so as to reduce the engine rotational speed of the outboard motor, whereby shift shock is lessened
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control outputs a remote control signal to operate an outboard motor. A joystick outputs a joystick signal to operate the outboard motor. A controller is configured or programmed to receive the remote control signal from the remote control and the joystick signal from the joystick, and to control shifting between forward movement and rearward movement by the outboard motor in response to operation of the remote control and the joystick. The controller executes first shift shock correction control when shifting between forward movement and rearward movement by the outboard motor in response to operation of the remote control. The controller executes second shift shock correction control different from the first shift shock correction control when shifting between forward movement and rearward movement by the outboard motor in response to operation of the joystick.