Watercraft Reverse Gate Actuation via Foot Pedal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jet propelled watercraft require drivers to release the steering mechanism to activate the reverse gate, leading to potential loss of control during deceleration, and lack a mechanism for controlled deceleration without pre-planning.
Innovation Solution
A system where a lever actuates the reverse gate to move from a stowed position to a deceleration position, controlling engine speed to decelerate the watercraft without further driver intervention, using an electronic control unit to manage the throttle and reverse gate actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reverse gate is actuated by a hand activated lever, then the reverse gate can be operated to redirect the jet, but the driver must release the steering mechanism to grasp the reverse lever
Solution Approach 1:
A foot pedal is introduced as an intermediary device between the driver and the reverse gate mechanism. The foot pedal can be actuated by the driver's foot while keeping hands on the steering mechanism, thereby mediating the control of the reverse gate without compromising steering control. This resolves the contradiction by providing a new interface that eliminates the need to release the steering mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the engine and jet propulsion system are connected directly via a shaft, then the mechanical connection is simple, but the jet propulsion system always provides forward thrust even when the engine is idling
Solution Approach 1:
The constant thrust function is extracted from the direct shaft connection by introducing a clutch mechanism. The clutch can disengage the jet propulsion system from the engine, allowing the engine to idle without the propeller rotating and generating thrust. This separates the engine operation from the propulsion output, enabling true idle control while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical connection when engaged.
3Device complexity
If no clutch is provided between the engine and jet propulsion system, then the mechanical connection remains simple, but controlled deceleration cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is positioned to engage and disengage the jet propulsion system from the engine in advance of situations requiring deceleration. By pre-positioning the clutch in the transmission path, the system can quickly transition between engaged and disengaged states to provide controlled deceleration when needed, without adding excessive complexity to the mechanical connection.
4Device complexity
If the driver must plan ahead to decelerate by letting the vehicle decelerate on its own, then no additional deceleration mechanism is needed, but the driver cannot actively control deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal serves as an intermediary control device that enables active deceleration control. When the driver actuates the foot pedal, it triggers the reverse gate operation and/or clutch disengagement, providing controlled deceleration without requiring complex additional mechanisms. This gives the driver direct control over deceleration while keeping the system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed.