Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts
2021年6月20日Register here: http://gg.gg/v2j8z
*The Maximum Number Of Ignition Retries
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts System Is Locked On My Rheem Water Heater
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts Rheem
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts
*Intelli Vent Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts
Hi, I am getting a lockout due to “maximum number of ignition attempts”. When I power the unit off and on it seems to work fine but eventually later in the day the lockout occurs. One time I did watch it try to ignite and the igniter turned bright red but no ignition and then lockout code. My Richmond Water Heater (Model 6G40PVW-40F) works for 7 minutes then it shuts down and locks out showing the ’Maximum amount of ignition attempts has been reached and system is in lockout’ code. The ignitor stick glows red and the burner fires up and burns for 7 minutes then it shuts down and tries to start back up, the ignitor stick glows red.
The present invention relates generally to powerboat motors and more particularly to alarms and ignition disabling systems for powerboats that are responsive to the absolute tilt position of an outboard motor.The Maximum Number Of Ignition Retries
Systems that provide position sensing and response capability when a predetermined position of an object occurs have been disclosed for a variety of applications such as vehicle theft prevention, medical patient monitoring, earthquake detection, and to a limited extent, marine motors. Position sensing is generally accomplished in the related art with mercury switches, transducers and comparator circuits, variable resistance devices, infrared detectors, and other electrical devices. When a threshold position or condition has been registered by the position sensor, the sensor transmits a signal to a response device such as an alarm to warn an operator of an undesirable position of the object.
As you develop your skills, using this poker strategy guide, keep the first three tips in mind: Play cautiously, be aggressive when required, and study the table like it’s your favourite movie. This tactic will keep your play in check and resist the urge to go “on tilt”. Don’t try to make up losses with foolish bets. How to play poker strategy.
Devices and methods for position sensing, or tilt indication, of outboard motors are numerous and well known in the art. The devices generally provide an indication as to the absolute position or trim of the outboard motor through a visible analog gauge, hereinafter referred to as a trim position indicator, mounted on the instrument panel of the helm. A variety of electrical sensors are provided in the related art to detect the trim position and to subsequently communicate the absolute position of the outboard motor to the trim position indicator.
One such trim position sensor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,115 to Ballard, wherein an electrically conductive ball is employed that rides on individual electrical contacts to sense the position of the outboard motor. The position sensor of Ballard senses the position of the propeller with reference to the water line rather than relative to the transom. Additional trim position sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,674 to Davis, wherein the position of electrical contacts are varied with successive pivoting of the outboard motor, and also in U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,965 to Schmiedel that employs a variable resistor with linear variable resistor cards to sense and indicate trim position. The related art trim position sensors, however, are limited to sensing the absolute position of the outboard motor and indicating such position on the trim position indicator.
The trim position sensors of the related art do not appear to communicate with the ignition system of a powerboat so as to produce an alarm or disabling signal if the outboard motor is in an undesirable tilt position. More specifically, the related art does not warn or prevent an operator from starting the outboard motor if the outboard unit is improperly trimmed out of the water. For example, if the outboard motor is trimmed too high out of the water such that the water pump intake on the outdrive unit is out of the water, the water pump is deprived of necessary lubrication and can subsequently overheat and eventually fail. Moreover, water pump failure can lead to overheating and failure of the entire outboard motor. Additionally, the exhaust that exits from the exhaust port of the outdrive unit becomes extremely loud, thereby disturbing the operator, the passengers, and fellow boaters.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a system that can warn and/or prevent a powerboat operator from starting the outboard motor if the outboard motor is improperly tilted out of the water. The device should also be inexpensive and capable of being easily retrofitted into existing powerboat systems.
In one form, the present invention provides an outboard motor position responsive device to inhibit or prevent a powerboat operator from engaging the ignition system while the outboard motor remains improperly tilted out of the water, i.e. beyond a maximum safe tilt position. The position responsive device generally comprises an outboard motor position sensor that is in communication with an existing ignition system of a powerboat. The outboard motor position sensor sends a signal to an alarm and/or an ignition disabling switch when the outboard motor is tilted up beyond the maximum safe tilt position. Accordingly, the alarm warns the operator of the undesirable tilt position and the ignition disabling switch disengages the ignition system so that the outboard motor cannot be started. Further, either an alarm or ignition disabling may be employed, or both an alarm and ignition disabling may be employed by the outboard motor position responsive system of the present invention.
The outboard motor position sensor is preferably a voltage comparator circuit that is in communication with an existing trim position indicator of a powerboat. Existing trim gauges generally include a potentiometer mounted on the tilt axis of an outboard motor, thereby presenting a graphical reference of tilt position rather than specific voltage readings from the circuit. Similarly, the voltage comparator circuit of the present invention further comprises a potentiometer that is used to adjust a reference voltage that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor. When the reference voltage is approached, the voltage comparator circuit activates the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch to warn the operator of the undesirable tilt position of the outboard motor.
In another form, the position responsive device further comprises an interval-on relay in communication with the outboard motor position sensor to activate the alarm or the ignition disabling switch for only a predetermined amount of time. Accordingly, the operator experiences the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch as a warning only for a predetermined amount of time prior to starting the outboard engine. The operator may then engage the outboard motor and proceed at their own risk. The interval-on relay also prevents against wave-induced alarms or activation of the ignition disabling switch due to slight changes in voltage from the oscillatory or “bouncing” action of the powerboat traversing through the water.
In other forms, the outboard motor position sensor may comprise other devices that sense the tilt position of the outboard motor. Such devices may include, for example, a mechanical limit switch, a proximity switch, a mercury switch, an optical switch, or a water sensing device, among others, as described in greater detail below.
In one form, the alarm is an audible electric buzzer that is easily heard by the powerboat operator. In other forms, the alarm may comprise, for example, a light such as an LED (light emitting diode) mounted to the helm, or a computerized voice warning, among others. In addition to disabling the ignition system, responsive devices that initiate automatic lowering of the outboard motor to a proper tilt position prior to engaging the ignition system are also provided.
Communication amongst the outboard motor position sensor, the interval-on relay, the alarm, the ignition disabling switch, and other system components may be accomplished by conventional hard wiring, infrared (IR) signal transmission and reception, or radio frequency (RF) signal transmission and reception, among others. Further, signals may be superimposed over existing powerboat hard wiring to minimize the need for additional hard wire connections.
The present invention also provides a junction box that houses the components of the position responsive system, which is easily retrofittable with existing ignition systems of powerboats. The junction box is relatively small and further comprises adjustment screws that correspond with potentiometers that adjust the amount of time that the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch remain activated and that adjust the reference voltage that corresponds with the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a powerboat in the water with an outboard motor properly trimmed for ignition in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a powerboat in the water with an outboard motor tilted up beyond the maximum safe tilt position in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the position responsive system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual electrical schematic of the position responsive system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is flow diagram illustrating a method of adjusting a reference voltage in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the outboard motor of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a junction box for integration of the position responsive system to an existing ignition system of a powerboat in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a front view of the helm of a powerboat illustrating the related instrumentation in accordance with the present invention.
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical powerboat 10 generally comprises an outboard motor 12 that is capable of being tilted throughout a range, which includes the general up and down positions as shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outboard motor 12 is tilted down sufficiently such that a water pump intake 14 is submerged in the water and the outboard motor 12 is trimmed properly in the water for general operation. When the outboard motor 12 is tilted down to a proper tilt position, a water stream from a water pump outlet port 16 continuously flows from an outdrive unit 18, and the exhaust exits quietly from an exhaust port 20.
Referring to FIG. 2, outboard motor 12 may also be tilted out of the water under various conditions such that water pump intake 14 is completely out of the water. When the outboard motor 12 is tilted out of the water as shown in FIG. 2 while still running, the water stream from the water pump outlet port 16 stops and the exhaust becomes loud as it exits from the exhaust port 20 and the propeller 21. Furthermore, if an operator attempts to engage the ignition system when the outboard motor 12 is tilted up as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the water pump intake 14 is out of the water, the water pump is deprived of necessary lubrication and may subsequently overheat and eventually fail. Moreover, water pump failure may lead to overheating and failure of the outboard motor 12. Additionally, the exhaust from the propeller 21 becomes disturbingly loud, especially to fellow boaters. The tilt position of outboard motor 12 as shown in FIG. 2 is therefore an undesirable tilt position when the ignition system is engaged.
Accordingly, a position responsive system that warns against and/or prevents undesirable outboard motor tilt positions is illustrated in block diagram format and generally indicated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 3. The position responsive system 30 generally comprises an outboard motor position sensor 32 that senses the absolute position of the outboard motor, which is further in communication with the ignition system 34 of a powerboat. Generally, the outboard motor position sensor 32 senses the absolute position of the outboard motor, i.e. whether the outboard motor 12 is properly trimmed as shown in FIG. 1, or whether the outboard motor 12 is tilted up beyond a maximum safe tilt position as shown in FIG. 2.
If a user attempts to engage the ignition system 34 when the outboard motor 12 is tilted up beyond a maximum safe tilt position, the outboard motor position sensor 32 activates an alarm 38 that warns the operator that the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed. Additionally, an ignition disabling switch 40 is similarly activated to prevent the operator from engaging the ignition system 34 when the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed. Furthermore, either or both the alarm 38 and the ignition disabling switch 40 may be employed in the position responsive system 30 in accordance with the present invention, depending on the specific operator requirements.
Optionally, a tilt circuit 41 may be activated such that the outboard motor 12 is automatically lowered to a properly trimmed position prior to engaging the ignition system 34. Therefore, the position responsive system 30 warns against and/or prevents engaging the ignition system 34 using one or a combination of the alarm 38, the ignition disabling switch, and the tilt circuit 41 when the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed.
As further shown, the position responsive system 30 also comprises an interval-on relay 42 that that limits the amount of time that the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 are activated. Accordingly, the position responsive system 30 may be designed to warn the operator or prevent ignition of the outboard motor 12 for a predetermined amount of time, and then allow the operator to start the outboard motor 12 at their own risk. As a result, the interval-on relay 42 bypasses the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 after the predetermined amount of time for such an operating condition. Additionally, the interval-on relay 42 may be employed to prevent against wave-induced alarms and/or activation of the ignition disabling switch 40 with certain types of sensors used for the outboard motor position sensor 32 as described in greater detail below.
Preferably, the outboard motor position sensor 32 is a voltage comparator that is in communication with an existing trim position indicator 36 of a powerboat. Trim position indicator 36 is generally a voltage meter that detects the voltage at a potentiometer mounted on a tilt axis of the outboard motor 12. Further, the trim position indicator 36 displays a relative graphical reference of the tilt position of the outboard motor 12. Therefore, depending on the tilt position of the outboard motor 12, a different absolute voltage value is output to trim position indicator 36. More specifically, by providing communication between a voltage comparator and the trim position indicator 36, an absolute voltage value may be determined that corresponds with the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12. In principle, therefore, the voltage comparator compares the voltage detected by the trim position indicator 36 to a predetermined threshold value (reference voltage) that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12. Accordingly, the outboard motor position sensor 32 activates the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 if the detected voltage approaches the predetermined threshold value.
In one form of the present invention, voltage values were recorded throughout the tilt range of a 90 horsepower outboard motor. The voltage values ranged linearly from approximately 11.91 volts in the fully tilted down position, to approximately 7.9 volts at the maximum safe tilt position, (wherein the water pump inlet 14 remained in the water), to approximately 6.9 volts in the fully tilted up position. Therefore, if the voltage value were to fall below the 7.9 volts, outboard motor position sensor 32 would activate the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 to warn the operator of an undesirable tilt position of the outboard motor 12 prior to engaging the ignition system 34. Accordingly, 7.9 volts was set as the reference voltage.
Referring to FIG. 4, a conceptual electrical schematic for the position responsive system 30 is shown. The position responsive system 30 comprises a voltage comparator circuit 50 that is in communication with outboard motor position sensor 32, interval-on relay 42, the alarm 38, the ignition disabling switch 40, and an ignition switch 52. The ignition switch 52 is a part of the existing ignition system 34 of powerboats, and accordingly, the position responsive system 30 may be easily retrofitted therein for operation. Furthermore, the position responsive system 30 comprises a power source 54 and an electrical ground 56 to complete the electrical circuit as shown.
As shown, the voltage comparator circuit 50 further comprises a first potentiometer 58 and an existing trim gauge potentiometer 59. First potentiometer 58 is used to set the reference voltage in the voltage comparator circuit 50 that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12 as previously described. As further shown, the position responsive system 30 also comprises a second potentiometer 60 that is in communication with the interval-on relay 42. Generally, the second potentiometer 60 is used to set the predetermined amount of time that the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 are activated.
The outboard motor position sensor 32, or the voltage comparator circuit 50 in the illustrated form, is normally open when the outboard motor 12 Poker outs odds chart. is in the properly tilted position. When the ignition switch 52 is closed as the operator starts the outboard motor 12, electrical current bypasses the alarm 28 and passes through the ignition disabling switch 40, which is normally closed, to permit starting of the outboard motor 12. If, however, the outboard motor 12 is til
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*The Maximum Number Of Ignition Retries
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts System Is Locked On My Rheem Water Heater
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts Rheem
*Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts
*Intelli Vent Maximum Amount Of Ignition Attempts
Hi, I am getting a lockout due to “maximum number of ignition attempts”. When I power the unit off and on it seems to work fine but eventually later in the day the lockout occurs. One time I did watch it try to ignite and the igniter turned bright red but no ignition and then lockout code. My Richmond Water Heater (Model 6G40PVW-40F) works for 7 minutes then it shuts down and locks out showing the ’Maximum amount of ignition attempts has been reached and system is in lockout’ code. The ignitor stick glows red and the burner fires up and burns for 7 minutes then it shuts down and tries to start back up, the ignitor stick glows red.
The present invention relates generally to powerboat motors and more particularly to alarms and ignition disabling systems for powerboats that are responsive to the absolute tilt position of an outboard motor.The Maximum Number Of Ignition Retries
Systems that provide position sensing and response capability when a predetermined position of an object occurs have been disclosed for a variety of applications such as vehicle theft prevention, medical patient monitoring, earthquake detection, and to a limited extent, marine motors. Position sensing is generally accomplished in the related art with mercury switches, transducers and comparator circuits, variable resistance devices, infrared detectors, and other electrical devices. When a threshold position or condition has been registered by the position sensor, the sensor transmits a signal to a response device such as an alarm to warn an operator of an undesirable position of the object.
As you develop your skills, using this poker strategy guide, keep the first three tips in mind: Play cautiously, be aggressive when required, and study the table like it’s your favourite movie. This tactic will keep your play in check and resist the urge to go “on tilt”. Don’t try to make up losses with foolish bets. How to play poker strategy.
Devices and methods for position sensing, or tilt indication, of outboard motors are numerous and well known in the art. The devices generally provide an indication as to the absolute position or trim of the outboard motor through a visible analog gauge, hereinafter referred to as a trim position indicator, mounted on the instrument panel of the helm. A variety of electrical sensors are provided in the related art to detect the trim position and to subsequently communicate the absolute position of the outboard motor to the trim position indicator.
One such trim position sensor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,115 to Ballard, wherein an electrically conductive ball is employed that rides on individual electrical contacts to sense the position of the outboard motor. The position sensor of Ballard senses the position of the propeller with reference to the water line rather than relative to the transom. Additional trim position sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,674 to Davis, wherein the position of electrical contacts are varied with successive pivoting of the outboard motor, and also in U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,965 to Schmiedel that employs a variable resistor with linear variable resistor cards to sense and indicate trim position. The related art trim position sensors, however, are limited to sensing the absolute position of the outboard motor and indicating such position on the trim position indicator.
The trim position sensors of the related art do not appear to communicate with the ignition system of a powerboat so as to produce an alarm or disabling signal if the outboard motor is in an undesirable tilt position. More specifically, the related art does not warn or prevent an operator from starting the outboard motor if the outboard unit is improperly trimmed out of the water. For example, if the outboard motor is trimmed too high out of the water such that the water pump intake on the outdrive unit is out of the water, the water pump is deprived of necessary lubrication and can subsequently overheat and eventually fail. Moreover, water pump failure can lead to overheating and failure of the entire outboard motor. Additionally, the exhaust that exits from the exhaust port of the outdrive unit becomes extremely loud, thereby disturbing the operator, the passengers, and fellow boaters.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a system that can warn and/or prevent a powerboat operator from starting the outboard motor if the outboard motor is improperly tilted out of the water. The device should also be inexpensive and capable of being easily retrofitted into existing powerboat systems.
In one form, the present invention provides an outboard motor position responsive device to inhibit or prevent a powerboat operator from engaging the ignition system while the outboard motor remains improperly tilted out of the water, i.e. beyond a maximum safe tilt position. The position responsive device generally comprises an outboard motor position sensor that is in communication with an existing ignition system of a powerboat. The outboard motor position sensor sends a signal to an alarm and/or an ignition disabling switch when the outboard motor is tilted up beyond the maximum safe tilt position. Accordingly, the alarm warns the operator of the undesirable tilt position and the ignition disabling switch disengages the ignition system so that the outboard motor cannot be started. Further, either an alarm or ignition disabling may be employed, or both an alarm and ignition disabling may be employed by the outboard motor position responsive system of the present invention.
The outboard motor position sensor is preferably a voltage comparator circuit that is in communication with an existing trim position indicator of a powerboat. Existing trim gauges generally include a potentiometer mounted on the tilt axis of an outboard motor, thereby presenting a graphical reference of tilt position rather than specific voltage readings from the circuit. Similarly, the voltage comparator circuit of the present invention further comprises a potentiometer that is used to adjust a reference voltage that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor. When the reference voltage is approached, the voltage comparator circuit activates the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch to warn the operator of the undesirable tilt position of the outboard motor.
In another form, the position responsive device further comprises an interval-on relay in communication with the outboard motor position sensor to activate the alarm or the ignition disabling switch for only a predetermined amount of time. Accordingly, the operator experiences the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch as a warning only for a predetermined amount of time prior to starting the outboard engine. The operator may then engage the outboard motor and proceed at their own risk. The interval-on relay also prevents against wave-induced alarms or activation of the ignition disabling switch due to slight changes in voltage from the oscillatory or “bouncing” action of the powerboat traversing through the water.
In other forms, the outboard motor position sensor may comprise other devices that sense the tilt position of the outboard motor. Such devices may include, for example, a mechanical limit switch, a proximity switch, a mercury switch, an optical switch, or a water sensing device, among others, as described in greater detail below.
In one form, the alarm is an audible electric buzzer that is easily heard by the powerboat operator. In other forms, the alarm may comprise, for example, a light such as an LED (light emitting diode) mounted to the helm, or a computerized voice warning, among others. In addition to disabling the ignition system, responsive devices that initiate automatic lowering of the outboard motor to a proper tilt position prior to engaging the ignition system are also provided.
Communication amongst the outboard motor position sensor, the interval-on relay, the alarm, the ignition disabling switch, and other system components may be accomplished by conventional hard wiring, infrared (IR) signal transmission and reception, or radio frequency (RF) signal transmission and reception, among others. Further, signals may be superimposed over existing powerboat hard wiring to minimize the need for additional hard wire connections.
The present invention also provides a junction box that houses the components of the position responsive system, which is easily retrofittable with existing ignition systems of powerboats. The junction box is relatively small and further comprises adjustment screws that correspond with potentiometers that adjust the amount of time that the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch remain activated and that adjust the reference voltage that corresponds with the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a powerboat in the water with an outboard motor properly trimmed for ignition in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a powerboat in the water with an outboard motor tilted up beyond the maximum safe tilt position in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the position responsive system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual electrical schematic of the position responsive system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is flow diagram illustrating a method of adjusting a reference voltage in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the outboard motor of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a junction box for integration of the position responsive system to an existing ignition system of a powerboat in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a front view of the helm of a powerboat illustrating the related instrumentation in accordance with the present invention.
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical powerboat 10 generally comprises an outboard motor 12 that is capable of being tilted throughout a range, which includes the general up and down positions as shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outboard motor 12 is tilted down sufficiently such that a water pump intake 14 is submerged in the water and the outboard motor 12 is trimmed properly in the water for general operation. When the outboard motor 12 is tilted down to a proper tilt position, a water stream from a water pump outlet port 16 continuously flows from an outdrive unit 18, and the exhaust exits quietly from an exhaust port 20.
Referring to FIG. 2, outboard motor 12 may also be tilted out of the water under various conditions such that water pump intake 14 is completely out of the water. When the outboard motor 12 is tilted out of the water as shown in FIG. 2 while still running, the water stream from the water pump outlet port 16 stops and the exhaust becomes loud as it exits from the exhaust port 20 and the propeller 21. Furthermore, if an operator attempts to engage the ignition system when the outboard motor 12 is tilted up as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the water pump intake 14 is out of the water, the water pump is deprived of necessary lubrication and may subsequently overheat and eventually fail. Moreover, water pump failure may lead to overheating and failure of the outboard motor 12. Additionally, the exhaust from the propeller 21 becomes disturbingly loud, especially to fellow boaters. The tilt position of outboard motor 12 as shown in FIG. 2 is therefore an undesirable tilt position when the ignition system is engaged.
Accordingly, a position responsive system that warns against and/or prevents undesirable outboard motor tilt positions is illustrated in block diagram format and generally indicated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 3. The position responsive system 30 generally comprises an outboard motor position sensor 32 that senses the absolute position of the outboard motor, which is further in communication with the ignition system 34 of a powerboat. Generally, the outboard motor position sensor 32 senses the absolute position of the outboard motor, i.e. whether the outboard motor 12 is properly trimmed as shown in FIG. 1, or whether the outboard motor 12 is tilted up beyond a maximum safe tilt position as shown in FIG. 2.
If a user attempts to engage the ignition system 34 when the outboard motor 12 is tilted up beyond a maximum safe tilt position, the outboard motor position sensor 32 activates an alarm 38 that warns the operator that the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed. Additionally, an ignition disabling switch 40 is similarly activated to prevent the operator from engaging the ignition system 34 when the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed. Furthermore, either or both the alarm 38 and the ignition disabling switch 40 may be employed in the position responsive system 30 in accordance with the present invention, depending on the specific operator requirements.
Optionally, a tilt circuit 41 may be activated such that the outboard motor 12 is automatically lowered to a properly trimmed position prior to engaging the ignition system 34. Therefore, the position responsive system 30 warns against and/or prevents engaging the ignition system 34 using one or a combination of the alarm 38, the ignition disabling switch, and the tilt circuit 41 when the outboard motor 12 is improperly trimmed.
As further shown, the position responsive system 30 also comprises an interval-on relay 42 that that limits the amount of time that the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 are activated. Accordingly, the position responsive system 30 may be designed to warn the operator or prevent ignition of the outboard motor 12 for a predetermined amount of time, and then allow the operator to start the outboard motor 12 at their own risk. As a result, the interval-on relay 42 bypasses the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 after the predetermined amount of time for such an operating condition. Additionally, the interval-on relay 42 may be employed to prevent against wave-induced alarms and/or activation of the ignition disabling switch 40 with certain types of sensors used for the outboard motor position sensor 32 as described in greater detail below.
Preferably, the outboard motor position sensor 32 is a voltage comparator that is in communication with an existing trim position indicator 36 of a powerboat. Trim position indicator 36 is generally a voltage meter that detects the voltage at a potentiometer mounted on a tilt axis of the outboard motor 12. Further, the trim position indicator 36 displays a relative graphical reference of the tilt position of the outboard motor 12. Therefore, depending on the tilt position of the outboard motor 12, a different absolute voltage value is output to trim position indicator 36. More specifically, by providing communication between a voltage comparator and the trim position indicator 36, an absolute voltage value may be determined that corresponds with the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12. In principle, therefore, the voltage comparator compares the voltage detected by the trim position indicator 36 to a predetermined threshold value (reference voltage) that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12. Accordingly, the outboard motor position sensor 32 activates the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 if the detected voltage approaches the predetermined threshold value.
In one form of the present invention, voltage values were recorded throughout the tilt range of a 90 horsepower outboard motor. The voltage values ranged linearly from approximately 11.91 volts in the fully tilted down position, to approximately 7.9 volts at the maximum safe tilt position, (wherein the water pump inlet 14 remained in the water), to approximately 6.9 volts in the fully tilted up position. Therefore, if the voltage value were to fall below the 7.9 volts, outboard motor position sensor 32 would activate the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 to warn the operator of an undesirable tilt position of the outboard motor 12 prior to engaging the ignition system 34. Accordingly, 7.9 volts was set as the reference voltage.
Referring to FIG. 4, a conceptual electrical schematic for the position responsive system 30 is shown. The position responsive system 30 comprises a voltage comparator circuit 50 that is in communication with outboard motor position sensor 32, interval-on relay 42, the alarm 38, the ignition disabling switch 40, and an ignition switch 52. The ignition switch 52 is a part of the existing ignition system 34 of powerboats, and accordingly, the position responsive system 30 may be easily retrofitted therein for operation. Furthermore, the position responsive system 30 comprises a power source 54 and an electrical ground 56 to complete the electrical circuit as shown.
As shown, the voltage comparator circuit 50 further comprises a first potentiometer 58 and an existing trim gauge potentiometer 59. First potentiometer 58 is used to set the reference voltage in the voltage comparator circuit 50 that corresponds to the maximum safe tilt position of the outboard motor 12 as previously described. As further shown, the position responsive system 30 also comprises a second potentiometer 60 that is in communication with the interval-on relay 42. Generally, the second potentiometer 60 is used to set the predetermined amount of time that the alarm 38 and/or the ignition disabling switch 40 are activated.
The outboard motor position sensor 32, or the voltage comparator circuit 50 in the illustrated form, is normally open when the outboard motor 12 Poker outs odds chart. is in the properly tilted position. When the ignition switch 52 is closed as the operator starts the outboard motor 12, electrical current bypasses the alarm 28 and passes through the ignition disabling switch 40, which is normally closed, to permit starting of the outboard motor 12. If, however, the outboard motor 12 is til
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