Joystick Propulsion Controller with State Memory

Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of joystick-controlled propulsion systems for watercraft must continuously hold the joystick to maintain desired control states, leading to operational burdens as the system returns to neutral when the joystick is released.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a joystick, a switch, and a controller, allowing the controller to store and maintain the propulsion device's control state even when the joystick is returned to neutral, using a switch to activate and deactivate this holding mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the joystick is released, then the system returns to neutral position automatically, but the operator must continuously hold the joystick to maintain desired control state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator burdenVSAvoidcontinuous manual control requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing the control state data in memory when the switch is operated. This allows the propulsion device to maintain the desired control state without continuous manual input, as the controller retrieves the stored state data to sustain propulsion and steering control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller creates a copy of the control state data from the joystick position and stores it in memory. This copied data is then used to maintain the propulsion device in the desired control state even when the joystick is returned to neutral position, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Stability of the object's composition

If the joystick returns to neutral position, then the control state is automatically reset, but the desired control state cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol state stabilityVSAvoidcontinuous joystick holding

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing the control state data in memory when the switch is operated. This allows the propulsion device to maintain the desired control state without continuous manual input, as the controller retrieves the stored state data to sustain propulsion and steering control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller creates a copy of the control state data from the joystick position and stores it in memory. This copied data is then used to maintain the propulsion device in the desired control state even when the joystick is returned to neutral position, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11753132B1System and method for controlling propulsion device mounted on watercraft

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A controller controls a shift operation of a propulsion device between forward, neutral, and reverse, and steering of the propulsion device in accordance with a tilt operation of a joystick. The controller stores a control state of the propulsion device according to the tilt operation of the joystick when a switch is operated. The controller maintains the propulsion device in the control state even when the joystick is returned to the neutral position.