Collapsible Emergency Boat Drive Unit Using Segmented Pipes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small and medium-sized boats are at risk of being stranded in the water due to engine failures, as they lack a reliable and easily deployable alternative power source, making it difficult for occupants to return to shore safely, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable emergency drive unit that can be quickly assembled and secured to the boat using existing anchor light sockets, powered by a battery or small gas engine, which connects to a propeller via a drive shaft to provide propulsion in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spare motor is kept on board to replace a failed motor, then the boat can be rescued from engine failure, but the device occupies excessive space on the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency drive unit is divided into separable components: a motor assembly and a propeller assembly that can be stored independently in compact forms. The motor can be detached and repositioned to attach to the propeller when needed, allowing both components to occupy minimal space separately while forming a functional unit when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is designed to be received within a housing that contains the motor, creating a nested configuration where the propeller fits inside the motor housing when not in use. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume required for storage while maintaining both components in ready-to-deploy condition.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact emergency motor is designed to minimize space, then it can be stored on small boats, but it becomes difficult to assemble quickly in an emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The unit is segmented into pre-assembled modules (motor assembly and propeller assembly) that are manufactured ready-to-connect. This segmentation allows compact storage while enabling rapid field assembly through simple connection of the predefined modules, eliminating complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and propeller are pre-positioned and pre-configured during manufacturing in their respective assemblies. The motor is pre-mounted in its housing with connection points prepared, and the propeller is pre-attached to its mounting structure, so that during emergency deployment, only a simple connection action is needed rather than full assembly.
3Strength
If the emergency drive unit uses a complex mounting system to secure to the boat, then it can be firmly attached, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete attachment points and corresponding receptacles located at the boat's transom. These pre-positioned mounting elements allow the emergency drive unit to be attached at specific locations without requiring complex overall mounting structures, enabling both firm attachment and quick deployment.
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 emergency drive unit allows stranded boats to be safely maneuvered back to shore or to another vessel for aid, reducing anxiety and the risk of prolonged exposure to hazardous weather conditions, without occupying excessive space on the boat.
Implementation Method 1
The emergency motor can preferably be battery powered... It could also, yet not preferably, be a small gas engine
Implementation Method 2
the emergency motor for the boat can take the boat and its occupants back to safety on shore... connected (via a drive shaft preferably passing thought the center of a support set of pipes or tubes) to a water engaging propeller
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible and disconnectible for storage yet extending for use emergency motor drive unit for a boat. A motor is secured to a hollow drive-shaft pipe segment. Another pipe segment is attached to the end of that pipe segment and has a propeller at its end. A drive shaft of the motor is coupled to the propeller by flexible tubing passing through the hollow bores of the pipe segments. A third, and possibly fourth and fifth, pipe segment(s) is(are) provided between the other two segments to extend the length of the overall device. At least one pipe segment has a vertical support post which allows the device to be selectively held in the receptacle of an anchor light receptacle, when needed. A clamp block and ball swivel allow for rotational, lengthwise, and angular movement of the pipe segments to adjust the motor and the propeller to maximize efficiency of use.