Watercraft Malfunction Detection Using First-Operation Status Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining watercraft malfunctions lack accuracy due to the use of universally set normal values that do not account for individual differences among watercraft, leading to potential inaccuracies in malfunction detection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that records initial status data of a watercraft when the engine reaches a specific rotational speed range after the first actual operation, reflecting individual differences, and uses this data to enhance accuracy in malfunction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If universally set normal values are used for malfunction detection, then the system can operate with simple predetermined thresholds, but the accuracy of malfunction determination deteriorates due to individual differences among watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically obtaining and storing status data at the time of engine start-up (first operation after shipment) before any malfunction occurs. This initial status data is saved in non-volatile memory as a reference for later malfunction detection, eliminating the need for complex continuous learning systems while achieving high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically detecting when the engine starts for the first time after shipment and autonomously obtaining and storing the initial status data without external intervention. The controller automatically identifies the start-up condition, captures the status data, and saves it for future comparisons, reducing the need for manual configuration.
2Reliability
If predetermined normal values are stored in the ECU, then the system can determine malfunction based on simple comparisons, but the reliability of determination deteriorates because individual watercraft characteristics are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the preliminary action of capturing and storing individual status data at the specific moment of first engine start-up after shipment. This timing ensures that the status data reflects the actual initial state of each watercraft, including its unique characteristics, before any wear or malfunction occurs. The stored data serves as a personalized baseline for reliable future comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from using fixed universal normal values to using dynamically obtained initial status data that captures the actual operating parameters at start-up. By obtaining status data (engine temperature, pressure, etc.) at the specific moment of first operation and storing these actual parameter values, the system adapts to individual watercraft characteristics while maintaining a simple comparison-based malfunction detection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a watercraft includes an engine sensor, a status sensor, and a watercraft operating controller. The engine sensor is operable to detect a rotational speed of the engine. The status sensor is operable to detect status data indicating a status of the watercraft. The watercraft operating controller is configured or programmed to determine that an actual operation of the marine propulsion device has been started after shipment of the marine propulsion device, obtain the status data when the rotational speed of the engine reaches a first rotational speed range for the first time after a start of the actual operation of the marine propulsion device, and record the status data when the rotational speed of the engine reaches the first rotational speed range for the first time after the start of the actual operation of the marine propulsion device as initial status data.