Boat Drive Vibration Decoupling Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boat drives, particularly outboard and pod drives, generate mechanical vibrations and noise emissions due to the transmission of vibrations from the drive unit to the mount and the boat, affecting the well-being of passengers and the environment, and increasing detection probability in sensitive areas.

Innovation Solution

A decoupling arrangement is introduced between the drive unit and the mount, utilizing resilient elements and materials to dampen or decouple vibrations, reducing noise emissions and vibration transmission to the boat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the drive unit is rigidly mounted to the boat, then structural stability and power transmission are improved, but vibrations and noise emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibrations and noise emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decoupling arrangement with resilient elements (springs, dampers, elastomeric materials) as an intermediary between the drive unit and the boat structure. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibrations while still transmitting necessary mechanical forces, resolving the contradiction between rigid mounting for stability and flexible mounting for vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling arrangement employs composite structures combining different materials with complementary properties - metallic springs for elasticity, damping materials for vibration absorption, and rigid mounting points for structural support. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If vibration damping measures are implemented, then noise emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling arrangement performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting, vibration damping, noise reduction, and shock absorption. By combining these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive vibration control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flexible resilient elements and elastomeric materials that can be implemented as simple mounts or brackets rather than complex mechanical systems. These flexible components provide effective vibration damping through their material properties alone, avoiding the need for elaborate damping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-generated harmful factors

If resilient elements are used for decoupling, then vibration transmission is reduced, but power transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling arrangement employs dynamic resilient elements that adapt their stiffness and damping characteristics based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the system maintains sufficient rigidity for efficient power transmission, while automatically increasing vibration isolation when excitation frequencies match resonant frequencies, thus minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes resilient elements with carefully selected mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping coefficient, natural frequency) that optimize the balance between power transmission and vibration isolation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high efficiency in the operating range while effectively isolating harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The decoupling arrangement significantly reduces vibrations and noise emissions, allowing boats to operate below noise limit values, enabling access to sensitive areas without disturbing fauna and improving fishing conditions by minimizing noise impact.

Implementation Method 1

a decoupling arrangement (4) for decoupling vibrations generated in the drive unit (2) between the drive unit (2) and the mount (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The decoupling arrangement (4) comprises at least one resilient element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3599156B1Boat drive
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 TORQEEDO
  • EP3599156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3599156B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3599156B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a boat drive (1) for driving a boat (100), comprising a drive unit (2) with an electric motor (22) and a holder (3) connected to the drive unit (2) for connecting the boat drive (1) to the boat (100), wherein the holder (3) is provided for spacing the drive unit (2) from a hull (110) of the boat (100), wherein a decoupling arrangement (4) for decoupling vibrations (S) generated in the drive unit (2) is arranged between the drive unit (2) and the holder (3).