Deck-Mounted Outboard Motor Enclosure for Aesthetics and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Outboard motor configurations on marine watercrafts compromise aesthetics and usable space due to external mounting, and existing solutions fail to provide optimal temperature and moisture conditions for the motors while maintaining the benefits of outboard systems.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates enclosures over cavities in the deck to house outboard motors, with features like hingeable access, curved surfaces for air turnover, glossy interiors for moisture reduction, and intake manifolds connected to the bilge area to improve air quality, enhancing aesthetics and space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If outboard motors are externally mounted to the transom, then the motors provide propulsion and steering functionality, but the aesthetics of the watercraft deteriorate and usable space at the stern is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor functionalityVSAvoidaesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The outboard motor is nested within an enclosure that is integrated into the deck structure. The enclosure contains the motor while maintaining access to the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems, effectively hiding the motor within the overall structure of the vessel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure is designed with a sleek, form-fitting shell that contours to the deck, creating a smooth aesthetic appearance. The enclosure acts as a protective shell that conceals the motor while maintaining the streamlined shape of the watercraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If outboard motors are externally mounted to the transom, then the motors provide propulsion and steering functionality, but the usable space at the stern for recreational activities is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor functionalityVSAvoidusable deck space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor enclosure is positioned within the deck volume rather than extending outward from the transom. This utilizes the vertical and lateral dimensions of the deck structure to house the motor, freeing up the stern area for recreational activities while maintaining motor functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the motor is enclosed within the deck, then aesthetics and usable space are improved, but the temperature and moisture environment for the motor deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable deck spaceVSAvoidmotor operating environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure structure is segmented to include dedicated openings and pathways for air circulation. These segments allow fresh air to reach the motor and hot air to escape, creating a controlled ventilation system within the enclosed space that maintains appropriate operating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If the motor is enclosed within the deck, then aesthetics and usable space are improved, but moisture accumulation around the motor increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable deck spaceVSAvoidmoisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure incorporates dynamic ventilation features including curved surfaces that promote air turnover and glossy interiors that reduce moisture adhesion. The design creates moving air patterns within the enclosure that continuously remove moisture and prevent accumulation around the motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration hides outboard motors, increases usable deck space, improves safety, and maintains optimal engine performance by providing a more favorable environment for the motors, while maintaining the benefits of outboard motors.

Implementation Method 1

the interior of the enclosures defines a curved surface to promote air turnover inside the enclosures, optimizing engine performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir turnover: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the interior of the enclosure comprises a glossy surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture reduction: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS9126664B1Hidden outboard engine enclosures

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A watercraft comprising a bow, a stern, a hull, a transom, and a deck. The transom is located at the stern of the watercraft and the deck extends forward from the transom. One or more cavities are disposed through the deck adjacent to the transom wherein the cavities are each configured to receive an outboard motor. An enclosure is disposed over each of the cavities, providing a means to hide and enclose the outdoor motor. Multiple enclosures can be provided where the watercraft is powered by multiple outboard motors. The top of the enclosure includes a seating surface, providing a sun deck for boaters. The enclosures are hingeably mounted to the deck to provide selective access to the enclosure's respective cavity and motor therein. The interior of the enclosures defines a curved surface to promote air turnover inside the enclosures, optimizing engine performance.