Adjustable Jack Plate for Marine Propulsion Trim Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard steering systems for marine vessels face challenges in adjusting propulsion unit height without precise measurement, risking cavitation, overheating, and collision with the transom, which compromises speed and safety.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable jack plate system with a control system that allows incremental and synchronized movement of propulsion units via actuators and swivel brackets, enabling operators to adjust positions without visual reference, storing actuation counts for precise positioning and preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the propulsion unit is mounted higher on the transom to operate in shallow water, then the ability to run in shallow water is improved, but the risk of cavitation increases and the cooling water intake may be raised above the water surface causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable jack plate system that can dynamically adjust the vertical position of the propulsion unit relative to the transom. The jack plate includes an actuator that allows the propulsion unit to be raised to a first position for shallow water operation and lowered to a second position for deeper water, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining safety margins against cavitation and overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical position parameter of the propulsion unit by using the jack plate mechanism. The control system monitors the position of the jack plate and adjusts it to maintain appropriate clearance between the cavitation plate and water surface, as well as ensuring the cooling water intake remains submerged, thereby preventing cavitation and overheating while enabling shallow water operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the propulsion unit is trimmed upwardly to avoid contacting the bottom, then the ability to avoid bottom contact is improved, but the cavitation plate is placed in front of the propeller encouraging cavitation and energy is wasted through water spray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable jack plate system that can dynamically adjust the vertical position of the propulsion unit relative to the transom. The jack plate includes an actuator that allows the propulsion unit to be raised to a first position for shallow water operation and lowered to a second position for deeper water, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining safety margins against cavitation and overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical position parameter of the propulsion unit by using the jack plate mechanism. The control system monitors the position of the jack plate and adjusts it to maintain appropriate clearance between the cavitation plate and water surface, as well as ensuring the cooling water intake remains submerged, thereby preventing cavitation and overheating while enabling shallow water operation
3Ease of operation
If manual jack plates are used for height adjustment, then the ability to adjust height is improved, but reliable feedback on position is lost and visual gauges are required which are difficult to read while operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the jack plate and provide real-time feedback to the control system. The control system processes this position information and can display it to the operator or automatically adjust the jack plate position, eliminating the need for visual gauges and providing reliable position feedback during vessel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual jack plate system with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect position and actuators to adjust the jack plate. This substitution of mechanical feedback mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems provides more reliable and easily accessible position information to the operator
4Adaptability or versatility
If the jack plate is fully lowered to maximize shallow water capability, then the ability to run in shallow water is improved, but the propulsion unit or steering cylinder may collide with the transom or jack plate causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that preemptively prevents the jack plate from being lowered to a position that would cause collision. The system monitors the position of the propulsion unit and the tilt angle, and automatically restricts the lowering movement when the risk of collision with the transom or jack plate is detected, thereby preventing damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the jack plate and provide real-time feedback to the control system. The control system processes this position information and can display it to the operator or automatically adjust the jack plate position, eliminating the need for visual gauges and providing reliable position feedback during vessel operation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting positions of an outboard propulsion unit of a marine vessel comprises a jack plate having a jack plate actuator capable of moving the propulsion unit between raised and lowered positions and a swivel bracket having a swivel bracket actuator capable of pivoting the propulsion unit between raised and lowered trim positions. There is a control system operatively connected to the jack plate actuator and the swivel bracket actuator. The control system includes a first manual control which incrementally moves the jack plate an incremental amount each time the first manual control is actuated and a second manual control which incrementally pivots the swivel bracket an incremental amount each time the second manual control is actuated. Movement of the propulsion unit within a tilt range may be detected and the jack plate may be moved to a preset position.