Power distribution module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a power distribution module assembly configured for mounting to a vessel and including a mounting bracket connected to a housing to help stabilize the vessel moving in water. The power distribution module assembly also includes a printed circuit board, a connector board, and connectors that can be connected to various electronic components that also contribute to the stabilization of the vessel. The printed circuit board is also configured to interface with various electronic components on the vessel, such as software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyrostabilizers, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide expected functionality and stability during vessel operation.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 393,743, filed on July 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that can be used in a system configured to stabilize a vessel while the vessel is traveling on the water. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a module of the system, including a mounting assembly thereof and a method of mounting the same. More specifically, the present disclosure also relates to a power distribution module having a housing, a mounting bracket, a connector plate, a sealing gasket, connection hardware, and mounting hardware. Background Art

[0004] A ship moving through the water can rotate freely in three directions corresponding to its three principal axes. The front or bow of a ship can rotate about its vertical axis by turning left or right, which is called yaw. The bow can rotate about the ship's transverse axis by moving up and down, which is called pitch. A ship can rotate about the ship's longitudinal axis by leaning left or right, which is called list. Currents, waves and wind can cause unintentional rotations about these axes. If left unchecked, a ship's yaw, list or pitch can result in inefficient navigation, damage to the ship or its cargo, and pose a danger to those on board.

[0005] To reduce unintentional yaw, pitch, or roll while moving, ships have traditionally used various methods and devices to make sailing on the water smoother and safer. For example, ballast devices have been used for centuries to improve stability and reduce unintentional rotation. Ballast is designed to be heavy, usually large in volume, and is usually located at a lower point on the ship, usually below the waterline. In addition, deep rudders or keels have long been used to stabilize ships and prevent them from accidentally rolling or pitching. The rudder or keel extends from under the hull into the water to create resistance to unintentional rotation caused by currents, waves, or wind. Many modern ships use water-engaging devices such as trim tabs, wake gates, interceptors, fins, and other similar devices in systems that are powered by the ship's electrical system and controlled by the ship's computer system.

[0006] These traditional methods and systems for reducing unexpected rotations have disadvantages. Traditional ballast is heavy and takes up limited space on the vessel. Not all vessels can be equipped with deep keels or rudders due to speed restrictions or water depth limitations. Motor fins are limited in size and are often fixed directly to the motor, limiting their range of motion. Finally, all traditional methods for reducing unexpected rotations while traveling are static while traveling, or at least very slow to react to changing conditions. Currents, waves, and winds are not static. Conditions on the water, especially on the ocean, can change rapidly and unpredictably. In addition, each force of currents, waves, and winds acts on the vessel simultaneously to varying degrees and in inconsistent magnitudes or directions, making traditional methods of ship stabilization incapable of accurately and flexibly responding to changing water conditions. In addition, the ship's electrical and computer systems can be affected, interrupted, or disturbed by the vibrations of the vessel due to the engine, waves, and other inputs.

[0007] Therefore, there has long been a perceived need for a vessel stabilization device that is not bulky, is compatible with all vessels, is easy to install and remove, and is able to isolate sensitive electronic equipment from damaging vibrations. Summary of the invention

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted near the transom of a vessel via a mounting bracket and corresponding mounting hardware.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure may communicate with other vessel stabilization components.

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in freshwater environments.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a saltwater environment.

[0012] A power distribution module assembly configured for mounting to a vessel includes a mounting bracket including a mounting substrate disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting substrate and are disposed offset from the mounting substrate in one direction. Each of the first end and the second end includes a stand-off, and wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be attached to a surface of the vessel. The housing includes a centrally disposed compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral compartment walls open at the top, a pair of cavities each defined by a plurality of cavity walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined by the peripheral compartment walls extending between the pair of cavities, a rear edge of the housing, and a surface of the vessel. The housing is connected to the mounting bracket so that the first end and the second end are each disposed in one of the pair of cavities, and the mounting substrate is disposed in the volume.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mounting a power distribution module to a transom of a ship comprises the following steps: (1) connecting a mounting bracket to a surface of the ship, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a mounting substrate disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting substrate and are disposed in a direction offset from the mounting substrate, wherein the first end and the second end each comprise a support; and (2) connecting a shell to the mounting bracket, wherein the shell comprises a compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral compartment walls having an open top, a pair of cavities each defined by a plurality of cavity walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined by the peripheral compartment walls extending between the pair of cavities, a rear edge of the shell and the surface of the ship, wherein the first end and the second end are each disposed in one of the pair of cavities, and the mounting substrate is disposed in the volume.

[0014] Therefore, it is not intended that the present disclosure include any previously known products, processes for making products, methods of using products, or methods of treatment, and the applicants therefore reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimer of any previously known products, processes, or methods. It should also be noted that the present disclosure is not intended to include within the scope of the present disclosure any products, processes, or methods of making or using products that do not comply with the written description and authorization requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (35 U.S.C. §112, first paragraph) or the European Patent Office (Article 83 of the EPC), and the applicants therefore reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimer of any previously described products, processes for making products, or methods of using products.

[0015] It is worth noting that in the present disclosure, especially in the claims and / or paragraphs, terms such as "comprising", "including", "including", etc. may have the meanings assigned to them by U.S. patent law; for example, they may mean "including", "comprising", etc.; and terms such as "essentially composed of..." have the meanings assigned to them by U.S. patent law, for example, they allow elements not explicitly listed but exclude elements found in the prior art or elements that affect the basic or novel characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0016] These and other embodiments are disclosed or apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following brief description of the drawings is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described, which can be best understood in conjunction with the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a power distribution module according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the power distribution module.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a power distribution module.

[0021] Figure 4a According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of a power distribution module.

[0022] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a A first bottom perspective view of a housing.

[0023] Figure 4c yes Figure 4a A rear perspective view of the housing.

[0024] Figure 4d yes Figure 4a A second bottom perspective view of the housing.

[0025] Figure 5a According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket for a power distribution module.

[0026] Figure 5b According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A front perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting bracket for a power distribution module.

[0027] Figure 6a According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a connector plate of a power distribution module.

[0028] Figure 6b yes Figure 6a A rear perspective view of a connector plate.

[0029] Figure 7a According to the present disclosure Figure 6a A front perspective view of internal components of an embodiment of a connector plate.

[0030] Figure 7b yes Figure 7a A rear perspective view of the internal components of the device.

[0031] Figure 8a According to the present disclosure Figure 6a A front perspective view of an embodiment of a printed circuit board of a connector plate.

[0032] Figure 8b yes Figure 8a A rear perspective view of a printed circuit board.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a gasket according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the power distribution module.

[0035] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Exploded bottom view of the power distribution module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 5 generally illustrates the exterior of a power distribution module 100 according to one aspect of the present application. The exterior of the power distribution module 100 generally includes a housing 102 , a connector plate 104 , a mounting bracket 106 , and hardware connectors 108 . Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a power distribution module according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the power distribution module.

[0037] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 1 is a bottom perspective view of a power distribution module, showing the connector plate 104 and the connector 108.

[0038] The power distribution module 100 is preferably mounted on the transom of the vessel. This is beneficial because the power distribution module 100 is compatible with most transoms and does not need to be specially mounted on the vessel for use. In addition, since the transom is typically subject to considerable vibration from the engine, the operating sensors and software can be located away from the transom. The power distribution module 100 is not easily opened. This ensures that the internal components are not damaged by water or other contaminants. Preferably, as a step in the manufacturing process, the interior of the power distribution module 100 can be encapsulated with a solid or gel-like compound.

[0039] The power distribution module 100 is equipped with a plurality of connectors 108 that can receive cables from other components in the system. A user can install or remove the power distribution module 100 while it is connected to various other components without disconnecting any cables connected to the connectors 108. This is possible due to the shape of the mounting bracket 106 and the bracket 114 extending from the mounting bracket 106.

[0040] The mounting bracket 106 facilitates installation on the transom of a vessel. Fig.10 and Fig.11The mounting bracket 106 is shown separated from the power distribution module 100. The mounting bracket 106 can be secured to the transom of the vessel through four mounting holes 118. Screws or any other securing means can be used to secure the mounting bracket 106 to the transom. The mounting bracket 106 can also include a standoff 114 connected to each opening 116 by a threaded fastener or the like to provide the same function. The shape of the mounting bracket 106 further facilitates mounting the mounting bracket to the transom. The mounting bracket includes a mounting substrate (or mounting surface) 122 disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting substrate and are arranged in a direction (such as Figure 3 and Figure 5a The mounting substrate 122 is deviated from the mounting substrate 122 as indicated by arrow 103 in FIG.

[0041] As shown, the mounting base / face 122 of the mounting bracket 106 is flush with the transom and includes two wing flanges 120 extending away from the mounting face 122 of the mounting bracket 106. The wings 120 allow a user to secure the power distribution housing 102 to the mounting bracket 106 via screws or other securing mechanisms on the standoffs 114 after the standoffs 114 are aligned with the opening in the front of the power distribution housing 102. The power distribution housing 102 may include a pair of opposing cavities, each of which is configured to receive and cover a first end and a second end of the mounting bracket 106, including the standoffs 114.

[0042] The location of the mounting bracket 106 relative to the remaining external components of the power distribution module is beneficial in that the power distribution module 100 may be secured to or removed from the mounting bracket 106 without disconnecting any electronic or power cables connected to the connector 108 on the adjacent side of the power distribution module.

[0043] Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 4d Various views of the housing 102 are shown. The housing 102 includes a compartment for a living arrangement defined by a plurality of open-topped peripheral compartment walls, a pair of cavities each defined by a plurality of cavity walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined by the peripheral compartment walls extending between the pair of cavities, a rear edge of the housing, and a surface of the vessel. The housing is connected to a mounting bracket 106 such that a first end and a second end of the mounting bracket 106 are each disposed in one of the pair of cavities, and a mounting substrate is disposed in the volume of the housing. The housing 102 is a custom shape that is designed to protect hardware and printed circuit boards (not shown in FIG. 4 ) within the power distribution module 100. The housing 102 is not easily removable from the rest of the power distribution module 100 to ensure that the internal components remain secure. The shape of the housing 102 can accommodate a mounting bracket 104 (e.g., Fig.11 to facilitate direct connection of the power distribution module to the transom of the vessel.

[0044] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Two views of the mounting bracket 106 are generally shown. The mounting bracket 106 includes a mounting base 122, a pair of wing flanges 120, mounting holes 118, and standoff mounting holes 116. When fully installed, the mounting base 122 can be laid flat on the transom and secured by the mounting holes 118. By aligning the opening in the front of the power distribution module 100 with the standoff 114 (e.g., Figure 5a As shown) and using a set of screws to fix the module 100, the distribution module 100 is connected to the bracket 106.

[0045] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Two views of a connector plate 104 are generally shown. The connector plate facilitates electronic connections to other system components not described herein. For example, the connector plate may communicate with a system monitor, a central computer system, actuators for stabilization, motors, or other electronic components required to propel and stabilize the vessel. Figure 6a and Figure 6b The connector plate 104 shown in FIG. 1 includes a connector 108 for coupling or interfacing with stabilizing components on the vessel. Figure 6a The outwardly facing side of the connector plate 104 is shown. Figure 6b The inwardly facing side of the connection plate 104 is shown.

[0046] Figure 7- Fig. 9 Generally, the internal components of the present disclosure include: a gasket 112, a printed circuit board 110, and connection hardware 108. The connector 108 is generally coupled to the printed circuit board 110 to facilitate a communication connection therebetween.

[0047] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Two views of the internal components of the power distribution module 100 are shown, with the external components not visible.

[0048] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A printed circuit board 110 is shown. The printed circuit board 110 communicates between other stabilizing components on the vessel to provide sufficient power and control to counteract any undesirable rotational forces acting on the vessel. The printed circuit board 110 can be a printed circuit board or other similar printed circuit board system that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The printed circuit board 100 is capable of interfacing with connectors from various electronic components, such as software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyro stabilizers, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide the desired functionality. The printed circuit board 110 can be pre-programmed to be ready for use.

[0049] Fig. 9 A sealing gasket 112 is shown. The gasket 112 ensures that water cannot penetrate into the internal components of the power distribution module 100 when in use.

[0050] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0051] The use of the terms "one", "an" and "the" and similar references in the context of describing the present disclosure (particularly in the context of the appended claims) should be interpreted as covering the singular and plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "including", "having" and "comprising" should be interpreted as open terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"). Unless otherwise specified herein, the reference to the value range herein is only intended to be a shorthand method for citing each individual value falling within the range individually, and each individual value is included in this specification as if it is quoted individually herein. Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is only intended to better illustrate the present disclosure and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for implementing the present disclosure. Variations of these preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the above description. The inventor expects that skilled technicians will appropriately adopt such variations, and the inventor intends to practice the present disclosure in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents to the subject matter described in the attached claims as permitted by applicable law. In addition, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradictory to the context, any combination of the above elements in all possible variations thereof is included in the present disclosure.

[0053] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, having described in detail the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosure defined by the above paragraphs is not limited to the specific details set forth in the above description, as many obvious variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A power distribution module assembly configured to be installed on a ship, the power distribution module assembly comprising: a mounting bracket comprising a mounting base disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting base and disposed offset from the mounting base in a direction, wherein each of the first end and the second end comprises a standoff, and wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be attached to a surface of the vessel; and a hull including a centrally disposed compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral compartment walls having an open top, a pair of chambers each defined by a plurality of chamber walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined by the peripheral compartment walls extending between the pair of chambers, a rear edge of the hull, and a surface of the vessel; Wherein the housing is connected to the mounting bracket such that the first end and the second end are each disposed in one of the pair of cavities and the mounting substrate is disposed in the volume.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the housing.

3. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a sealing gasket disposed within the housing.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior of the distribution pattern is filled with a solid or gel-like compound to ensure that the internal components of the power distribution module are not damaged or compromised by water or other contaminants.

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the vessel, such as software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyro stabilizers, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide expected functionality and stability during vessel operation.

6. A method for installing a power distribution module on a transom of a vessel, the method comprising the following steps: attaching a mounting bracket to a surface of the vessel, wherein the mounting bracket includes a mounting base disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting base and disposed offset from the mounting base in a direction, wherein the first end and the second end each include a standoff; A shell is connected to the mounting bracket, wherein the shell includes a compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral compartment walls having an open top, a pair of chambers each defined by a plurality of chamber walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined within the peripheral compartment extending between the pair of chambers, a rear edge of the shell, and a surface of the vessel, and wherein the first end and the second end are each disposed in one of the pair of chambers, and the mounting base is disposed in the volume.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising disposing a printed circuit board within the housing.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising disposing a sealing gasket within the housing.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the vessel, such as software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyro stabilizers, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide expected functionality and stability during vessel operation.

10. A vessel, comprising: A power distribution module assembly connected to a surface of the vessel, the power distribution module assembly further comprising: a mounting bracket comprising a mounting base disposed between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel to the mounting base and disposed offset from the mounting base in a direction, wherein each of the first end and the second end comprises a standoff, and wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be attached to a surface of the vessel; and a hull including a centrally disposed compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral compartment walls having an open top, a pair of chambers each defined by a plurality of chamber walls extending from oppositely disposed compartment walls, and a volume defined by the peripheral compartment walls extending between the pair of chambers, a rear edge of the hull, and a surface of the vessel, Wherein the housing is connected to the mounting bracket such that the first end and the second end are each disposed in one of the pair of cavities and the mounting substrate is disposed in the volume.

11. The vessel of claim 10, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the hull.

12. The vessel of claim 10, further comprising a sealing gasket disposed within the hull.

13. The ship of claim 10, wherein the interior of the power distribution module is filled with a solid or gel-like compound to ensure that the internal components of the power distribution module are not damaged or compromised by water or other contaminants.

14. The vessel of claim 11, wherein the printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the vessel, such as software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyro stabilizers, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide expected functionality and stability during operation of the vessel.

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