Adjustable Tensioning Rods for Multi-Engine Hydraulic Jack Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack plates for boats lack adjustable tensioning rods, which limits their ability to adjust the fit and tension, potentially leading to side-to-side motion and damage over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-engine hydraulic jack plate with adjustable tensioning rods, transom mounting brackets, a slide plate, hydraulic cylinders, and a multi-engine mounting plate, allowing for adjustable tensioning and secure mounting of outboard engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jack plates are used without adjustable tensioning rods, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the jack plate cannot adjust the fit and tension, leading to side-to-side motion and damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable tensioning rods that allow the jack plate to dynamically adapt to different engine weights and configurations. The tensioning rods can be adjusted to provide the optimal fit and tension for each specific application, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains reliability across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning rods enable change in the physical parameters of the jack plate system, specifically the tension and fit characteristics. By adjusting the tensioning rods, users can modify the mechanical properties of the assembly to match different engine weights and mounting requirements, thereby improving reliability without requiring multiple different jack plate designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional jack plates without adjustable tensioning rods are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but side-to-side motion occurs leading to damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate is divided into separate functional components: the main jack plate body, adjustable tensioning rods, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while the assembled system provides the tension adjustment capability that extends service life by preventing damaging side-to-side motion.
3Reliability
If a multi-engine hydraulic jack plate with adjustable tensioning rods is implemented, then the system provides durable and reliable operation with adjustable tensioning, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various engine types and weights through a single universal design. The adjustable tensioning rods enable the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes - accommodating different engine configurations, weights, and mounting requirements. This universality improves reliability across applications while avoiding the need for multiple specialized designs, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The pair of transom mounting brackets are movably coupled to a pair of tensioning rods, which allows the adjustment of the transom mounting brackets. There is a lower cross brace and a pair of upper cross braces. A slide plate is slidably coupled to the transom mounting brackets. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the lower cross brace and each of the hydraulic cylinders is operatively coupled to the slide plate. A pair of motor mounting plate offsets are coupled to the slide plate and to a multi-engine mounting plate.