Elongated Hull Members for Watercraft Engine Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Watercraft hulls are heavy due to thick construction, and current engine fixation systems lack precision in engine positioning, leading to inefficiencies in propulsion systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of elongated members on the outside surface of the hull, which are stiffer than the hull itself, to support the engine and allow for precise positioning through adjustable connectors and heat exchanger integration, reducing weight and enhancing engine mounting flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the hull is made thick to sustain engine load, then the hull strength is improved, but the watercraft weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehull strengthVSAvoidwatercraft weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hull structure is segmented into a thin-walled hull and separate elongated reinforcement members. The reinforcement members are disposed on the outside surface of the hull and extend in the longitudinal direction, providing structural support without requiring the entire hull to be thick. This segmentation allows the hull to remain thin and lightweight while still sustaining engine loads through the distributed reinforcement members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the engine fixation system uses predetermined connection points, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the engine positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation system manufacturingVSAvoidengine positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system transitions from fixed predetermined connection points to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The connectors include adjustment mechanisms that allow the engine to be positioned at different locations along the elongated reinforcement members. This dynamic capability enables precise engine positioning while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the hull is made thin to reduce weight, then the watercraft efficiency is improved, but the hull strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatercraft weightVSAvoidhull strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural system combines thin-walled hull material with separate reinforcement members made of strong materials. The elongated members are disposed on the outside surface of the hull and provide the necessary structural strength to sustain engine loads, allowing the hull itself to remain thin and lightweight. This composite approach achieves both weight reduction and strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Device complexity

If the engine mounting system allows minimal adjustments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation system complexityVSAvoidengine positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated reinforcement members serve multiple functions: they provide structural strength to the thin hull, act as mounting surfaces for engine positioning, and enable adjustment of engine location. The standardized connectors with adjustment mechanisms provide universal adaptability for different engine positions while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through modular components.

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

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 solution results in a lighter watercraft with improved engine positioning precision, enhancing propulsion efficiency and handling characteristics while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one elongated member includes at least one heat exchanger. The at least one heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the engine. The at least one heat exchanger is positioned on the hull to be at least partially in contact with a body of water when the watercraft is in the body of water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The at least one heat exchanger is positioned on the hull to be at least partially in contact with a body of water when the watercraft is in the body of water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8753159B1Watercraft hull member
Publication Date: 2014.06.17 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PROD INC
  • US8753159B1 patent drawing
  • US8753159B1 patent drawing
  • US8753159B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A watercraft includes a hull having an inside and an outside surface. A deck is disposed on the hull. The deck and the hull define an engine compartment. A power pack is disposed in the engine compartment. A propulsion unit is operatively connected to the power pack. At least one elongated member is disposed on the outside surface of the hull. The at least one elongated member is disposed at least in part forwardly of the propulsion unit. At least one connector joining a portion of the power pack to the at least one elongated member, the at least one connector extending through the hull. A member adapted to be disposed on an outside surface of a hull of the watercraft is also presented.