Watercraft Electronic Remote Control Neutral Shift Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic remote control systems for watercraft propulsion units can result in unexpected behavior when power is reintroduced after an interruption, leading to potential unsafe engine startups due to non-neutral control lever positions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic remote control system with an engine electronic control unit, remote controller, shift actuator, shift position detector, and lever position detector that ensures the shift actuator maintains or changes the shift position based on the engine's operating state and control lever position, preventing unexpected engine startups by driving the shift to neutral when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If an electronic remote control system is used to replace mechanical cable connections, then the watercraft becomes lighter and cabin space increases, but unexpected engine startups may occur when power is reintroduced after interruption due to non-neutral control lever positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by detecting the control lever position and automatically returning the shift mechanism to neutral position before allowing engine startup. This preliminary detection and correction prevents unexpected engine startups when power is reintroduced, ensuring safety without requiring mechanical cables
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the control lever position through the lever position detector and using this information to control the shift mechanism. The feedback loop ensures that the shift is in neutral position before engine startup, preventing unsafe operations while maintaining the benefits of electronic control
2Reliability
If the shift actuator automatically returns to neutral position when power is interrupted, then safe operation is ensured, but the navigation may be interrupted and requires operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides self-service by automatically detecting when the control lever is in neutral position and maintaining the shift in neutral position without requiring operator intervention. This self-monitoring and self-correction capability ensures safety while minimizing interruption to navigation, as the system handles the neutral position maintenance autonomously
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system of a propulsion unit of a watercraft comprising an engine electronic control unit configured to control an operating state of an engine, a remote controller having a control lever and being capable of transmitting a control signal to the engine electronic control unit to achieve a target operating state, and an electronic remote control unit comprising an operating state determining means configured to determine whether the engine is in an operating state, a shift position detector configured to detect whether the shift is in neutral, and a lever position detector configured to detect whether the control lever is in a neutral position, wherein the electronic remote control unit is configured to control a shift actuator either to maintain or to change a shift position of the engine when a power supply to the engine is stopped or resumed depending on whether the engine is in an operating state, and on a shift position, and on an operating position of the control lever.