Fuel conserving cruise system for a marine drive unit
US4939660A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for optimizing the operating efficiency of a boat by balancing fuel consumption against cruising speed utilizes a comparison between engine speed and boat speed to effect automatic positioning of the drive unit. The measurements of boat and engine speed before and after an incremental change in vertical position or trim position are used to calculate the percent changes in boat speed and engine speed which, in turn, are used in conjunction with selected minimum and maximum incremental percentages to effect subsequent alternate control strategies. Depending upon the relative difference in the percent changes in boat and engine speeds, including adjustments based on the minimum and maximum incremental percents, the system will automatically continue incremental movement of the drive unit in the same direction, hold the drive unit in its present position, or move the drive unit an incremental amount in the opposite direction. Operating efficiency is optimized by eliminating incremental drive unit movement which results in an engine speed increase and consequent increase in fuel consumption which is disproportionate in the increase in boat speed attained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.