Outboard Motor Trim Angle Control via Speed-Dependent Target Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trim angle control systems for outboard motors adjust the trim angle based on engine speed, making it difficult to reflect the operator's intention for changing the trim angle according to navigation situations.
Innovation Solution
A trim angle control apparatus and method that includes a detector for engine speed, an actuator for adjusting the trim angle, an operation member for inputting change commands, and an electronic control unit with a processor and memory to set and adjust target trim angles for each rotational speed range, allowing the trim angle to be changed based on operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the trim angle is adjusted automatically based on engine speed, then the control precision is improved, but the adaptability to operator intention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback from the operation member (trim switch) to the control unit. When the operator operates the trim switch, this input is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the target trim angle accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to operator intentions while maintaining automatic control based on engine speed, thus resolving the contradiction between control precision and adaptability to operator intention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it automatically determines target trim angles based on engine speed, and it also responds to manual operation member inputs. By integrating both automatic control and manual override capabilities into a single control unit, the system achieves multi-functionality that reconciles the need for precise automatic control with the need for adaptability to operator intentions.
2Speed
If the trim angle changes every time engine speed changes, then the responsiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically adjusting the trim angle in response to engine speed changes and operator inputs. The control unit autonomously processes engine speed data and operation member signals to determine and apply appropriate trim angle adjustments, eliminating the need for manual intervention in every adjustment scenario while maintaining responsiveness to both automatic and manual inputs.
3Productivity
If automatic trim angle control is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic trim control function with the existing engine speed detection and operation member input systems into a single integrated control unit. By combining these functions rather than adding separate independent systems, the patent achieves automatic trim angle control that improves productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Trim angle control apparatus configured to control a trim angle of an outboard motor including a prime mover, including: a detector configured to detect a rotational speed of the prime mover; an actuator configured to adjust the trim angle of the outboard motor; an operation member configured to be operated by a ship operator to input a change command for changing the trim angle; and an electronic control unit including a processor and memory. The memory stores a target value of the trim angle for each rotational speed range of the prime mover in advance. The processor is configured to perform: setting a target value of the trim angle based on the rotational speed; and controlling the actuator so that the trim angle becomes the target value. The setting includes changing the target value in accordance with the change command when the change command is input through the operation member.