Multi-Motor Watercraft Remote Control with Independent ECUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for watercraft with multiple propulsion units face challenges in securing independence and reliability when the number of propulsion units exceeds the number of operation levers, particularly when three outboard motors are connected to a two-lever remote control unit.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a pair of operating levers, detection devices, and multiple remote control-side ECUs is implemented, where each detection device is connected to a respective ECU, allowing for independent control of each propulsion device through signal processing and inter-ECU communication, ensuring reliable operation even with more propulsion units than levers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple propulsion units are controlled using fewer operation levers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the independence and reliability of each propulsion device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent remote control-side ECUs, with each ECU independently controlling a specific outboard motor. This segmentation allows each propulsion device to maintain independence while being controlled through a shared interface, resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and maintained reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple remote control-side ECUs are connected to share detection devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to mutual interference between ECUs
Solution Approach 1:
Each remote control-side ECU is equipped with dedicated detection devices for position sensing, creating independent signal processing paths. This eliminates mutual interference between ECUs while maintaining ease of operation through unified control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a master remote control-side ECU that coordinates between multiple slave ECUs. This intermediary manages communication and ensures reliable operation by preventing signal conflicts while maintaining ease of operation through centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device can be provided in a watercraft equipped with at least three outboard motors for operating the outboard motors by remote control. The remote control device can have a pair of shift levers and can be provided with a detection device for detecting positions of the shift levers. A remote control-side ECU can control the outboard motors 11 by signals from the detection device. The remote control-side ECU can include a plurality of ECUs corresponding to the outboard motors. The detection device can include a plurality of detection devices for the outboard motors disposed on the sides of the stern of a hull and one for the outboard motor disposed between the side outboard motors. Each of the detection devices can be connected to a respective one of the remote control-side ECUs.