Vertically Adjustable Jack Plate for Outboard Motor Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tilting outboard motors to adjust propeller depth in shallow water reduces efficiency and steering capability due to the downward component of thrust, and existing jack plates do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable jack plate system with a transom bracket, motor mounting plate, and a lift jack mechanism driven by a handle-activated drive shaft, allowing for precise vertical adjustment of the outboard motor's position relative to the transom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the outboard motor is tilted to adjust propeller depth, then the motor can operate in shallow water, but the efficiency and steering capability are reduced due to downward thrust component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by incorporating a jack plate between the transom and the outboard motor mounting points. This allows the motor to be positioned at an optimal vertical height without tilting, thereby maintaining horizontal thrust alignment while operating in shallow water. The jack plate effectively adds a height adjustment capability that decouples depth control from tilt angle control.
2Length of moving object
If the outboard motor is tilted to adjust propeller depth, then the motor can operate in shallow water, but the steering capability is reduced due to downward thrust component
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the vertical height adjustment capability through the jack plate, the system can achieve shallow water operation without compromising steering. The motor remains horizontally aligned, preserving the relationship between propeller thrust and steering mechanism, while the jack plate's vertical offset prevents the motor from being forced into a tilted position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed jack plate is used to provide vertical offset, then the motor position is stable, but the adaptability to different water depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows users to modify the vertical offset between the transom and motor mounting points. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different water depths and operating conditions while maintaining stable motor positioning once adjusted. The mechanism typically involves threaded rods or telescopic elements that can be set to various heights and locked in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically adjustable jack plate configured to attach an outboard motor (or analogous device) to the transom of a marine vessel. A transom bracket is provided for connection to the vessel. A motor mounting plate is connected to the transom bracket. A lift jack vertically adjusts the position of the motor mounting plate with respect to the transom bracket. The lift jack incorporates a drive shaft that is used to vary an amount of extension or the lift jack. A handle is provided on the drive shaft. In operation, the user must preferably engage the handle to the drive shaft in order to turn the drive shaft. In a preferred embodiment the user must push the handle inward toward the lift jack in order to engage the handle to the drive shaft.