Adjustable Outboard Motor Mount for Trim Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outboard motors have fixed trim and tilt operating ranges that cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the type of marine vessel, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An outboard motor design with an adjustable distance between the tilt shaft and the trim cylinder shaft, allowing the trim and tilt operating ranges to be changed by modifying the relative positions of the mount components, enabling independent adjustment of the tilt and trim shafts on the transom, and utilizing changers to alter these positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tilt shaft and trim cylinder are disposed at predetermined fixed positions, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the trim and tilt operating ranges cannot be flexibly changed according to the type of marine vessel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim and tilt operating rangesVSAvoidmount structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into a first member that supports the tilt shaft and a second member that supports the trim cylinder shaft. These members can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing separate optimization of tilt and trim functions. This segmentation enables flexible adjustment of operating ranges without requiring complete redesign of the entire mount structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distance between the first member and second member is made adjustable rather than fixed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the operating ranges to be changed according to different marine vessel types and operational requirements, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between the tilt shaft and trim cylinder shaft is increased, then the lower limit of the trim operating range is lowered, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim operating rangeVSAvoidadjustable distance mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the support functions into distinct first and second members, each can be independently adjusted in position. This allows the distance between them to be modified to achieve desired operating ranges without complicating the overall structure, as each member remains a simple support element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first member and second member serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for their respective shafts, enable independent positioning adjustments, and collectively define the operating ranges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3643597B1Outboard motor
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3643597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An outboard motor (10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes an outboard motor main body (2, 602), a support including a tilt shaft (40) and configured to support the outboard motor main body, and a trim cylinder (5) including a first trim cylinder shaft (51) disposed below the tilt shaft along an outer surface of a transom (11a) of a hull. A distance between the tilt shaft and the first trim cylinder shaft is adjustable.