Fluid Hinge Trim Tab for Variable Transom Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trim-tab technologies face challenges with non-slidable hinges, requiring precise drilling into the hull, and are inefficient for curved or sloped transoms, making installation costly and prone to damage during replacement.

Innovation Solution

A transom-mount trim tab system with a fluid hinge and adjustable mounting brackets that allow for variable angulation and sliding motion, eliminating the need for drilling into the hull and accommodating various transom shapes, including curved ones, using guiding tabs and safety catches to secure the trim tab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed pivot hinge or living hinge is used to attach the trim tab to the hull, then the trim tab can be securely mounted, but the trim tab cannot slide and replacement may cause damage to the hull or trim tab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mounting of trim tabVSAvoidsliding capability and ease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is transformed from a fixed mechanical joint to a dynamic fluid-based connection. The trim tab can slide along the vertical leg of the mounting bracket while maintaining secure attachment through fluid pressure. This dynamic connection allows easy replacement without damage while maintaining reliable mounting during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid hinge system is introduced where fluid pressure creates the bonding force between the trim tab and mounting bracket. The fluid connection allows the trim tab to slide freely along the vertical leg while maintaining secure attachment. Replacement is simplified by releasing fluid pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening and removal of damaged components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If precise drilling into the hull bottom surface is performed to mount the trim tab, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation complexity and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment to hullVSAvoidinstallation complexity and hull damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The requirement for precise drilling into the hull is completely removed from the mounting process. The mounting bracket system is designed to attach to the transom without penetrating the hull bottom surface, eliminating the complex drilling and sealing operations while maintaining secure attachment through the fluid hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary component between the trim tab and the hull structure. It provides a mounting interface on the transom that does not require drilling into the hull bottom, while still enabling secure attachment of the trim tab through the fluid hinge connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If long bolts and resin are used to mount the trim tab system on curved or sloped transoms, then various transom shapes can be accommodated, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various transom shapesVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with a configurable upper portion that can be angulated to match various transom shapes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same bracket design to accommodate curved, sloped, or flat transoms without requiring additional materials like resin or longer bolts, reducing installation cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The angle of the upper portion of the mounting bracket can be changed to match different transom configurations. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system adapts to various transom shapes without requiring additional components or materials, thereby reducing installation cost while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11459063B2System and method of a modified trim tab system with fluid hinge for variable-transom watercrafts

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LANGLOIS JOSEPH R

AI summary

A system and method of configuration including a trim tab having a planar surface, and guiding tabs coupled to the trim tab. The guiding tabs extend outward. A pair of mounting brackets, with a mounting plate, a vertical leg, and a safety catch tab are included. The mounting brackets are configurable for variable mounting. The vertical leg of the mounting bracket includes an upper portion bottom portion, the vertical leg bottom portion is vertical, and the upper portion is configurable to be angulated relative to a transom. The upper portion and mounting bracket have an angle between, which may be adjusted relative to a curvature in the transom. The guiding tabs configured to engage with the vertical legs of the mounting bracket, wherein the trim tabs are located forward of the vertical legs of the mounting brackets.