Standardized ECU Role Assignment for Watercraft Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watercraft with multiple cockpits and outboard motors require multiple remote control device side ECUs with differing functions, leading to complex management and maintenance due to the multiplicity of roles and functions.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device system comprising multiple remote control device side ECUs, each with an ECU discriminating terminal section and an ECU determining section that assigns specific roles based on signals, allowing ECUs to perform multiple roles and simplifying management by using ECUs with the same construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote control device side ECUs with differing functions are used for respective cockpits and propulsion devices, then each ECU can be specifically optimized for its role, but management and maintenance become complicated due to the multiplicity of differing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized ECU architecture that can perform multiple roles through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation. Each ECU includes a role determination unit that identifies its function (main cockpit control, auxiliary cockpit control, or propulsion device control) and an exclusive use section that executes role-specific operations. This allows a single ECU design to replace multiple specialized ECUs, reducing management complexity while maintaining adaptability to different control scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized ECUs are used for different roles, then each ECU can have dedicated functions, but the number of ECU types increases leading to complex maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single ECU hardware platform that can reliably perform multiple roles through software configuration. The role determination unit identifies whether the ECU should function as main cockpit controller, auxiliary cockpit controller, or propulsion device controller, and the exclusive use section executes the appropriate role-specific functions. This standardized approach maintains reliability through dedicated functional execution while simplifying maintenance by reducing the variety of ECU types that service personnel must handle.
3Device complexity
If ECUs with same construction are used for multiple roles, then management is simplified, but the system must determine which role each ECU performs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through a role determination unit that automatically identifies which role each ECU should perform based on system configuration and operational context. The ECU receives feedback signals from the control system that indicate its assigned role (main cockpit, auxiliary cockpit, or propulsion device control), and the exclusive use section executes the appropriate functions based on this identification. This automated role assignment and feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration while simplifying management by using standardized ECU construction across the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device for controlling a watercraft propulsion device of a watercraft having an engine that generates propulsive power can have a plurality of remote control device side ECUs. All of the plurality of remote control device side ECUs can have the same construction. Each remote control device side ECU can have an ECU discriminating terminal section, an ECU determining section configured to determine a role of the respective remote control device side ECU based upon a signal provided from the ECU discriminating terminal section, and an exclusive use section configured to operate based upon a signal provided from the ECU determining section to execute a function corresponding to the role that is specifically assigned.