Dynamic Outboard Motor Support for Stable Propeller Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack plates fail to effectively maintain the propeller of outboard marine motors fully immersed in water, leading to overheating and reduced propulsion efficiency due to continuous vertical movements of the boat on water surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A control unit generates control signals to move the second part of the support system in the immersion direction of the propeller, utilizing sensors for propeller wettability detection, boat inclination, and depth gauge to adjust the position of outboard motors, ensuring optimal immersion and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outboard motor position is fixed relative to the boat transom, then the device structure is simple, but the propeller cannot maintain optimal immersion depth when the boat moves vertically on water surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support system employs a translatable second part that can move vertically relative to the first part, transforming the static motor mounting into a dynamic system. This allows the propeller depth to be adjusted automatically in response to boat vertical movements, maintaining optimal immersion without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the boat's own vertical movements and water surface conditions to automatically adjust propeller depth through the translatable mechanism. The natural buoyancy and wave-induced motions of the boat are utilized to maintain propeller immersion, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex sensing systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the propeller is allowed to exit the water during boat movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the propeller overheats due to lack of water resistance and over-revving
Solution Approach 1:
The translatable second part is positioned to anticipate and compensate for vertical boat movements before they cause the propeller to exit the water. By maintaining continuous immersion through the adjustable mechanism, the system prevents overheating conditions from developing in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The second part acts as an intermediary element between the fixed first part and the outboard motor. This intermediate translatable component absorbs the vertical movements and maintains the propeller's immersion depth, preventing direct transmission of boat vibrations and movements to the motor
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jack plate uses manual or basic electro-mechanical actuators, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot automatically respond to continuous vertical boat movements and wave conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static mounting structure into a dynamic one where the second part can translate vertically. This dynamic capability allows automatic adaptation to changing navigation conditions without requiring complex control systems, as the mechanism naturally responds to boat movements
Solution Approach 2:
The translatable support system serves multiple functions: it maintains propeller immersion depth, compensates for vertical boat movements, and adapts to various wave conditions. This single mechanism handles diverse navigation scenarios without requiring separate control systems for each condition
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for outboard marine motors at the transom of a boat includes a support device having a first part that is integral with the transom and a second part that is integral with the outboard motor. The second part is translatable with respect to the first part, so that the second part moves according to an orientation in the distancing or approaching direction of the water line of the boat. A control unit is configured to set the position of the second part with respect to the first part and to generate control signals, so as to move the second part in the direction of immersion of the propeller of the outboard motor.