Propulsion Unit Synchronization Control for Vessel Engines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for propulsion units on vessels with multiple engines are complex to operate due to the need to manually synchronize and cancel engine rotational speed synchronization, lacking consideration for operating environment and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A control system with two control levers and sensors to detect lever positions and engine speeds, allowing synchronization and cancellation based on predefined conditions such as lever position deviations and engine speed differences, with adjustable durations and thresholds depending on operational parameters like engine load and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual synchronization control is implemented for multiple propulsion units, then engine rotational speed synchronization is achieved, but operation complexity increases due to multiple control levers and switches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine rotational speed synchronizationVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically synchronizes engine rotational speeds between multiple propulsion units without requiring manual intervention. The controller monitors engine speeds and automatically adjusts throttle openings to maintain synchronization, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple control levers and switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic control system. Instead of requiring operators to manually synchronize engines using multiple physical control levers, the system uses sensors, controllers, and electronic actuation to automatically synchronize engine rotational speeds, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automatic synchronization control is implemented, then operation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts synchronization parameters based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors engine loads, rotational speeds, and other parameters, and automatically adapts the synchronization control strategy accordingly. This allows the system to maintain simplicity while becoming adaptable to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters such as synchronization thresholds, response rates, and throttle adjustment rates based on detected operating conditions. When engine loads or speeds vary, the controller modifies synchronization parameters to maintain optimal performance, thereby achieving both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If synchronization control is cancelled based on simple conditions, then response speed is improved, but control stability deteriorates due to frequent cancellation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system establishes predetermined cancellation conditions and thresholds in advance. Instead of reacting to every minor deviation, the system is pre-configured with specific criteria (such as minimum duration thresholds or specific parameter ranges) that must be met before cancellation occurs. This prevents premature cancellation while maintaining quick response to genuine operational changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates buffer thresholds and minimum duration requirements before allowing cancellation of synchronization control. For example, the system may require a deviation to persist for a minimum time period or exceed a threshold by a certain margin before cancellation is triggered. This cushioning prevents premature or unstable cancellation while maintaining responsive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7530865B2Control device for plural propulsion units

Publication Date: 2009.05.12 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A control device for plural propulsion units executes a control for synchronization of the engine rotational speed of a target propulsion unit with the engine rotational speed of a reference propulsion unit when one or more specified conditions are satisfied. Once synchronization control has been established, it is only cancelled if one of the specified conditions becomes no longer satisfied for a first prescribed duration or if another of the specified conditions becomes no longer satisfied for a second prescribed duration.