Ship Hybrid System Mode Synchronization for Error-Resistant Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ship hybrid systems with a single button operation for mode switching face challenges in controlling multiple hybrid systems and grasping their operation statuses, leading to potential erroneous operations, especially on ships that sway easily.

Innovation Solution

A ship with multiple hybrid systems is equipped with a control device that sets all hybrid systems to the same operation mode, improving control and reducing the risk of erroneous operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single button operation is used for mode switching, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased possibility of erroneous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary actions by automatically setting all hybrid systems to the same operation mode before manual switching can occur. This preliminary synchronization prevents erroneous operations by ensuring systems are in a known consistent state before the occupant interacts with the switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The display device provides visual feedback showing the operation status of each hybrid system. This feedback mechanism allows the occupant to verify the current state before and after mode switching, reducing erroneous operations by making the system state transparent and confirming that switching occurred as intended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hybrid systems are controlled independently, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device merges the control functions for multiple hybrid systems into a unified control mechanism. By automatically setting all hybrid systems to the same operation mode simultaneously, the system reduces the complexity of managing multiple independent control systems while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational requirements through the display and switching interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250042388A1ship
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • US20250042388A1 patent drawing
  • US20250042388A1 patent drawing
  • US20250042388A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary ship includes a plurality of hybrid systems that drives a propelling machine, and a control device that controls the plurality of hybrid systems. The control device sets the plurality of hybrid systems to the same operation mode.