Wireless Throttle Controller for Outboard Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttle control systems for outboard motors lack precision and repeatability in controlling trolling speeds, requiring complex mechanical linkages and additional power sources, and often necessitate routing wires outside the motor cowling or through the boat's transom, posing user experience and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A wireless throttle controller system utilizing inertial measurement unit sensors, a controller mounted under the motor cowling, and a computing device for precise control of throttle response, eliminating the need for additional power sources and complex wiring by integrating sensors and actuators to sense and adjust throttle positions wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical linkage is used for throttle control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with electronic sensors and wireless communication systems. IMU sensors detect throttle position and vehicle movement, transmitting data wirelessly to a controller that adjusts throttle response, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control linkages while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit performs multiple functions: receiving sensor data, determining vehicle speed, detecting shift position, and controlling throttle response. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single electronic control unit, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power sources are installed, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to operate from the motor's existing power supply, eliminating the need for separate power sources. The system draws power through the existing electrical connections in the motor, integrating seamlessly with the current power architecture while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the motor's own power supply infrastructure to energize the sensors and controller, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external power additions. The existing power network serves the additional electronic components.
3Ease of manufacture
If wires are routed outside the motor cowling, then ease of installation is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring from the external environment and relocates all electrical connections inside the motor cowling. Sensors are mounted on internal surfaces, and all signal routing occurs within the protected enclosure, eliminating external wire exposure while maintaining installation feasibility through careful internal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical system is nested within the motor cowling structure. Sensors, wiring, and control electronics are all contained within the existing motor housing, utilizing the internal space and protection already provided by the cowling design.
4Measurement precision
If wire cutting or sensor installation in binnacle is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shift position sensing function from the binnacle area and relocates it to the motor housing. The IMU sensor detects shift position through movement detection of the motor assembly itself, eliminating the need to install sensors in the binnacle or cut wires in the steering column.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical shift position detection methods are replaced with inertial sensing. The IMU sensor uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect the motor's orientation and movement, inferring shift position from motion data rather than direct mechanical contact or wire cutting.
5Measurement precision
If existing stock mechanical control is supplemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is merged with the existing mechanical throttle linkage. The controller receives input from the mechanical position sensor and adds electronic modulation capability, combining both systems into a unified control mechanism that leverages the precision of mechanical feedback with the responsiveness of electronic actuation.
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 system provides fine-grained control and repeatability of trolling speeds, enhancing user experience and safety by simplifying installation and eliminating the need for external power sources and complex wiring configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensors corresponds to one or more inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, and wherein at least one of the IMU sensors is a reference sensor and other one of the IMU sensors is a shift position sensor. The reference sensor and the shift position sensor correspond to an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
Implementation Method 2
The reference sensor and the shift position sensor correspond to an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
Implementation Method 3
The reference sensor and the shift position sensor correspond to an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless throttle controller system is disclosed. The wireless throttle controller system comprises a plurality of sensors installed within a vehicle, configured to generate signals based at least on a movement of the vehicle and a movement of a shift arm attached to the vehicle. Further, at least one controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, is configured to determine a motor shift position of the vehicle based on the generated signals. Further, at least one computing device communicatively coupled to the controller, facilitates a user to send one or more commands to the at least one controller. The at least one controller, based on the one or more commands and the determined motor shift position of the vehicle, controls a throttle response of the vehicle to precisely control speed of the vehicle. The at least one controller is installed underneath cowling of a motor of the vehicle.