Outboard Motor Startup Control via Wireless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outboard motor systems lack a method to transition from an ignition-on state to an ignition-off state without starting the motor, particularly due to the absence of a brake pedal and the increased cost associated with adding additional switches for engine start and system control.
Innovation Solution
A start control device that performs wireless communication with a portable machine for authentication and controls the power source relay to supply or stop electric power to the outboard motor, allowing the ignition-on state to shift to an ignition-off state without starting the motor, using existing switches and communication parts for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless authentication with portable machine is implemented for security, then security is improved, but the ability to turn off system without starting engine is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its operational states based on authentication results and switch operations. After authentication, the system can transition between ignition-on and ignition-off states, providing flexible control adaptability while maintaining security through the authentication mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (ignition state) based on the authentication result and subsequent switch operations. The authentication establishes a secure state, and subsequent switch operations control transitions between power supply states, allowing versatile control within the secure framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional switches are added for engine start and system control, then control functionality is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single switch performs multiple functions: authentication trigger, engine start command, and system off command. The control device interprets different operations of the same switch to execute different functions, eliminating the need for separate switches for each control action and reducing product cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of authentication, engine start, and system control into a single integrated control mechanism. The same switch and authentication process serve multiple purposes, combining what would traditionally require separate controls into one unified system.
3Device complexity
If single switch is used for authentication and control, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides feedback by monitoring the operational state (ignition-on or ignition-off) and using this information to determine the appropriate response to switch operations. This feedback mechanism enables precise control interpretation from a single switch, distinguishing between different control intentions based on current system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts its response based on the current operational state. The same switch operation may have different effects depending on whether the system is in ignition-on or ignition-off state, providing precise control through state-dependent interpretation rather than through multiple physical switches.
Data Source
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AI summary
A start control device (20) for an outboard motor (40) has: a determination unit (64) determining whether or not an emergency switch (31) is on when a first switch is operated by a boat operator; a start instruction unit (65) instructing a start of the outboard motor (40) when the determination unit (64) determines that the emergency switch (31) is not on; and a stop instruction unit (66) instructing a stop of a supply of electric power to the outboard motor (40) when the determination unit (64) determines that the emergency switch (31) is on. It is possible to make a state where the electric power is supplied to the outboard motor (40) shift to a state where the supply of electric power to the outboard motor (40) is stopped without starting the outboard motor (40).