Flexible Linkage Outboard Drive 360-Degree Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Horizontal drive shaft motors with flexible linkage to driven shaft outboard drive units equipped with reverse mechanisms are complex, unreliable, heavy, expensive, and inefficient due to additional moving parts, and are limited in directional propulsion to approximately 180 degrees.

Innovation Solution

A horizontal drive shaft motor with flexible linkage that allows 360-degree rotation and reverse direction without complex designs, utilizing a propeller that maintains efficient propulsion in all directions by using a flexible drive linkage system that pivots on a steering axis, reducing the number of moving parts and maintaining propeller efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex reverse mechanisms are added to achieve reverse propulsion, then reverse capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse capabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to reverse the propeller rotation, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the entire lower unit to rotate 360 degrees on the steering axis. This enables the propeller to maintain its optimal rotation direction while changing the thrust vector direction to achieve reverse propulsion, thereby eliminating complex reverse mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic rotation capability to the lower unit, allowing it to pivot freely 360 degrees on the steering axis. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve reverse propulsion by orienting the propeller thrust opposite to the desired motion direction, rather than using static complex reverse gear mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex reverse mechanisms with extra moving parts are added, then reverse capability is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates extra moving parts by inverting the conventional reverse mechanism approach. Instead of adding gears, chains, or clutches to reverse propeller rotation, it uses the 360-degree rotation of the lower unit to redirect thrust, thereby improving reliability through fewer components that could fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex reverse mechanisms are added, then reverse capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse capabilityVSAvoidmotor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for heavy reverse gear mechanisms, chains, and associated components by using 360-degree lower unit rotation. This redirects the thrust vector to achieve reverse propulsion without adding the weight of complex mechanical reverse systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex reverse mechanisms are added, then reverse capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies manufacturing by eliminating complex reverse mechanisms such as gear assemblies, chain drives, and multiple moving parts. The 360-degree rotation capability is achieved through the existing steering axis and lower unit design, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Adaptability or versatility

If propeller rotation direction is reversed to achieve reverse propulsion, then reverse capability is improved, but power efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse capabilityVSAvoidpropeller efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reversing the propeller's rotation direction which reduces efficiency, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the entire lower unit 360 degrees on the steering axis. This maintains the propeller's optimal rotation direction while changing the thrust vector orientation to achieve reverse propulsion, thereby preserving power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

6Device complexity

If the drive unit is limited to 180 degree rotation on steering axis, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddirectional propulsion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances adaptability by enabling 360-degree rotation of the lower unit on the steering axis, allowing the propeller thrust vector to point in any horizontal direction. This dynamic rotation capability provides full directional control including reverse propulsion, while maintaining structural simplicity by using the existing steering axis mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9623947B1Flexible linkage driven outboard drive unit with 360 degree rotation of lower unit

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 WILSON BRADLEY REY

AI summary

This is a means to solve a problem with flexible linkage driven outboard motors or better known as shallow water belt drive surface driven outboard drive units. This design gives a horizontal drive shaft engine or motor that uses flexible linkage to drive a driven shaft with a propeller the option to drive or propel a boat or watercraft in all directions to include reverse, and not be limited to turning and steering less than 360 degrees. This design also does not restrict a flexible linkage to driven shaft outboard to a limited steering degree of an angle on the steering axis from where said motor rotates to steer. This design eliminates the need for an optional means to change the rotation direction of propeller to achieve reverse.