Electric Watercraft Reverse Control for Stable Direction Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal watercraft systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning between forward and reverse directions, with current reverse functionalities being satisfactory but in need of improvement.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a personal watercraft equipped with an electric motor, a first user input device for forward propulsion, and a second user input device for reverse propulsion, where the electric motor operates based on signals from both devices to propel the watercraft in either direction, with additional features such as ceasing forward operation and reducing speed before engaging reverse mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric motor operates in reverse direction to propel the watercraft backward, then the watercraft can travel in reverse direction, but the transition from forward to reverse may cause mechanical stress and control instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions before reversing: it first ceases forward operation, reduces motor speed below a threshold, and ensures the watercraft is substantially stopped before engaging reverse mode. This preliminary deceleration and stopping sequence prevents mechanical stress and control instability during direction transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters during transition. It monitors motor speed continuously and selectively operates the motor in reverse only when speed is below a threshold, creating a dynamic control strategy that adapts to real-time conditions to ensure stable transitions.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses separate user input devices for forward and reverse control, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified controller that processes signals from both the first user input device (forward control) and second user input device (reverse control). This multi-functional approach maintains precise control for both directions while avoiding the need for separate control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the motor speed is reduced before reverse operation, then the transition smoothness is improved, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the motor speed parameter dynamically during transition. By reducing speed to a threshold level before engaging reverse, it ensures smooth transitions. The control system optimizes this parameter change to balance smoothness with response time, using the lowest necessary threshold to minimize transition duration while maintaining stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables smoother and more controlled transitions between forward and reverse directions, enhancing the operational efficiency and user experience of personal watercraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor... operating the electric motor in a first direction based on the first signal to propel the watercraft in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
operating the electric motor in the first direction causes the impeller to rotate in the first direction, drawing water in from the water intake and ejecting water from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling the direction of propulsion of an electric vehicle are provided. According to an embodiment, a method can include receiving a first signal from a first user input device; operating an electric motor in a first direction based on the first signal to propel a watercraft in a forward direction; receiving a second signal from a second user input device; and operating the electric motor in a second direction based on the second signal to propel the watercraft in a reverse direction.