Outboard Motor Storage Control Device for EEPROM Write Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In batteryless outboard motors, operation history information cannot be written to nonvolatile memory after the engine is stopped, leading to reliability issues due to increased writing frequency and the inability to store data until the engine stops.
Innovation Solution
The CPU writes operation history information to the EEPROM before stopping the engine, utilizing the electric power generated during engine operation to ensure stable storage, and uses the stop switch as a trigger to complete the writing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operation history information is constantly or regularly written to the EEPROM during engine operation, then data storage capability is improved, but the number of writing times increases exceeding the limitation and write reliability is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by writing operation history information to the EEPROM only at specific intervals - namely, when the engine stops or when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the last write operation. This periodic writing approach reduces the frequency of write operations compared to constant writing, thereby preserving EEPROM reliability while still ensuring data is stored periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating operation history information in the CPU's memory during engine operation, and then performing the write operation to EEPROM in advance before the engine actually stops. This allows the system to prepare data for storage while the engine is still running, ensuring data is captured without requiring write operations during the critical engine stop period.
2Reliability
If the engine is stopped to write operation history information to the EEPROM, then data storage is ensured, but the inability to write after engine stop leads to loss of final operation data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the write operation to EEPROM before the engine stops. The CPU detects the stop instruction and immediately writes the accumulated operation history information to the EEPROM while the engine is still running and power is available. This ensures that even if the engine stops abruptly, the final operation data is already stored safely in non-volatile memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring engine operation status and power availability. The CPU detects when the engine is about to stop based on stop instructions or power supply changes, and triggers the write operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that data is written at the optimal moment - just before power becomes unavailable - preventing any loss of operation history information.
3Reliability
If a battery is permanently provided to supply power for writing to EEPROM, then data storage capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the engine's own generated power to write operation history information to the EEPROM. The CPU monitors the power supply status and performs write operations during periods when the engine is running and generating sufficient electrical power. This eliminates the need for a separate battery or external power source, as the system uses its own operational power to maintain data storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by making the power generation system serve multiple functions: it not only powers the engine operations but also provides power for data storage operations in the EEPROM. The same electrical power generated by the engine during normal operation is dual-used to both drive the engine and write operation history data, eliminating the need for dedicated power sources and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage control device of an outboard motor writing operation history information of the outboard motor to a nonvolatile memory by using an electric power generated by driving of an internal combustion engine, the storage control device includes: a stop instruction detecting means detecting a stop instruction of the driving of the internal combustion engine by a boat operator; a writing means writing the operation history information to the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the stop instruction detected by the stop instruction detecting means; a write judgment means judging whether or not the operation history information is written to the nonvolatile memory by the writing means; and a stop processing means stopping the driving of the internal combustion engine after it is judged that the operation history information is written to the nonvolatile memory by the write judgment means.