Traction control systems and methods for marine vessels
First Claim
1. A traction control system for a marine vessel disposed in water, the traction control system comprising:
- a first internal combustion engine having an output that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water;
a second internal combustion engine having an output that causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water;
a sensor that senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water; and
a control circuit that is programmed to cause a reduction in the output of the first internal combustion engine when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water;
wherein when the control circuit causes a reduction in the output of the first internal combustion engine, the control circuit is further programmed to cause a reduction in the output of the second internal combustion engine, to thereby prevent unintended movement of the marine vessel.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A traction control system is for a marine vessel. The traction control system comprises a first internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water. A second internal combustion engine causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in water. A sensor senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water. A control circuit is programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the first propulsor when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water. When the control circuit slows rotation, the control circuit is further programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the second internal combustion engine, thereby preventing unintended movement of the marine vessel.
48 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A traction control system for a marine vessel disposed in water, the traction control system comprising:
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a first internal combustion engine having an output that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; a second internal combustion engine having an output that causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; a sensor that senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water; and a control circuit that is programmed to cause a reduction in the output of the first internal combustion engine when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water; wherein when the control circuit causes a reduction in the output of the first internal combustion engine, the control circuit is further programmed to cause a reduction in the output of the second internal combustion engine, to thereby prevent unintended movement of the marine vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of controlling a marine propulsion control system for a marine vessel in water, the method comprising:
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operating a first internal combustion engine to provide an output that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; operating a second internal combustion engine to provide an output that causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; sensing a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water; reducing the output of the first internal combustion engine when the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine is sensed, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water; and reducing in the output of the second internal combustion engine when the output of the first internal combustion engine is reduced, to thereby prevent unintended movement of the marine vessel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A traction control system for a marine vessel disposed in water, the traction control system comprising:
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a first internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; a second internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water; a sensor that senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water; and a control circuit that is programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the first propulsor when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water; wherein when the control circuit slows rotation, the control circuit is further programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the second propulsor, thereby preventing unintended movement of the marine vessel.
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Specification