Automated Watercraft Propulsion Control During Shift Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated watercraft systems lack effective management strategies when marine propulsion devices break down, particularly in managing shift mechanism failures and actuator malfunctions that affect the control of propulsion and throttle valves.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller and obstacle detector to stop the driver when shift states are unswitchable and limiting velocity by regulating throttle valve openings when actuator breakdowns occur, utilizing a watercraft operating system with sensors and actuators to manage propulsion and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated operation is implemented without breakdown management, then automation extent is improved, but reliability deteriorates when propulsion device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the operational state of the marine propulsion device and provides feedback to the controller. When a breakdown is detected (such as inability to switch shift states or throttle valve position discrepancies), the system automatically responds by stopping the driver or limiting velocity, ensuring reliable operation even during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated operation system performs self-diagnosis and self-protection functions. The controller automatically detects breakdown conditions through sensor data and autonomously takes corrective actions (stopping driver or limiting velocity) without human intervention, allowing the system to service itself during critical failures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shift mechanism breakdown is detected, then safety is improved by stopping driver, but productivity deteriorates due to operation interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively stopping only the driver component when a shift mechanism breakdown is detected, rather than shutting down the entire watercraft system. This allows non-critical functions to continue operating while preventing harmful effects from the failed component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential breakdowns by having pre-programmed response protocols. When a shift mechanism failure is detected, the controller immediately executes the predetermined action of stopping the driver, cushioning against potential safety hazards before they can manifest.
3Reliability
If actuator breakdown is detected through throttle sensor, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to velocity limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the watercraft when actuator breakdown is detected. By limiting the velocity to a safe threshold level rather than completely stopping, the system maintains reduced productivity while ensuring reliable and safe operation under the degraded condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by maintaining limited velocity operation rather than complete shutdown. This allows the watercraft to continue operating at reduced capacity, balancing reliability improvement with minimal productivity loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated watercraft operating system includes a watercraft operating controller and an obstacle sensor. The watercraft operating controller is disposed in a watercraft and is configured or programmed to control a marine propulsion device. The obstacle sensor is configured to detect an obstacle in the surroundings of the watercraft. When the watercraft operating controller determines that a shift state of the marine propulsion device is not switchable, the watercraft operating controller is configured or programmed to stop driving a driver in the marine propulsion device in accordance with a result of detection by the obstacle sensor.