Boat Steering System with Intermediate Framework and Steer-by-Wire Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat steering systems with outboard engines face issues such as cumbersome and prone-to-failure hydraulic lines, non-standardized actuator connections to engines of different manufacturers, and limited configurability, leading to increased complexity and potential for mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with an intermediate framework, such as a Jack-plate, that houses and groups key components like the drive assembly and actuator, allowing for reduced cable and pipe lengths, increased configurability, and standardized installation across various engine types, utilizing a 'steer by wire' mechanism with an energy source and control unit to manage propeller orientation based on steering control member displacement, speed, and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic lines are used to connect steering components throughout the boat, then steering force can be transmitted effectively, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic lines from the steering system, replacing them with an electrical wiring harness that connects the steering wheel to the outboard motor. This eliminates the cumbersome hydraulic infrastructure while maintaining steering functionality through electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic steering system with an electrical steering system. The steering wheel's rotational position is sensed and transmitted electrically to control the actuator that adjusts the propeller angle, substituting mechanical fluid power transmission with electrical control signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized actuator connections are implemented across different engine manufacturers, then ease of installation and adaptability improve, but compatibility with non-standardized existing systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mounting bracket design that can accommodate actuators from different manufacturers (Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki) and attach them to various boat types (aluminum boats, fishing boats, personal watercraft). The bracket serves multiple functions: mounting the actuator, providing electrical connections, and ensuring proper alignment across different engine platforms.
3Length of stationary object
If key components are grouped in an intermediate framework near the user, then cable and pipe lengths are reduced and system configurability increases, but the framework structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated mounting bracket assembly. The bracket combines the actuator mounting structure, electrical wiring harness connections, and structural support elements into one unified component that attaches to the boat's transom or gunwale, consolidating what would otherwise be separate distributed components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Steering system for boats, vessels or the like, which is provided in combination with at least one engine of the so-named outboard type, which engine comprises a pusher propeller intended to operate in an immersed condition and a removable fastening terminal at the hull of the boat, in particular at the transom and which system comprises: at least one steering control member, such as a steering wheel, a rudder bar or a rudder wheel; at least one orientation-changing actuator to change the orientation of said pusher propeller by changing the angular position of the rotation axis thereof with respect to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the boat, in particular thanks to an angular displacement of the propeller axis around a vertical or substantially vertical axis and anyhow transversal to the rotation axis of the propeller. Secondo l'invenzione è prevista una intelaiatura intermedia fra la detta parte stazionaria dell'imbarcazione ed il terminale di fissaggio del motore, la quale intelaiatura intermedia comprende una parte di cassa di alloggiamento per almeno parte del detto gruppo di azionamento e/o del detto attuatore e/o essendo almeno parte del detto gruppo di azionamento e/o del detto attuatore fissati alla detta intelaiatura intermedia.