Fuel Cell Outboard Motor Housing With Integrated Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric outboard motors lack a compact and efficient power source that avoids the pollution of combustion motors and the weight of batteries, while also failing to provide an effective cooling system for the electric motor.
Innovation Solution
An electric outboard motor unit that integrates a hydrogen fuel cell, an electronic control unit, and an electric motor within a single housing, along with a cooling system to prevent overheating, allowing for efficient and pollution-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hydrogen fuel cell is integrated with an electric motor in a single housing, then the device achieves a lightweight and pollution-free power source, but the device complexity increases due to the integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrogen fuel cell, electronic control unit, and electric motor into a single integrated housing assembly. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure achieves pollution-free operation while managing the complexity through systematic integration rather than separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses and protects the fuel cell, houses the electronic control unit, mounts the electric motor, and provides mounting points for the propeller assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, addressing complexity while achieving the pollution-free goal.
2Temperature
If a cooling system is added to the electric motor, then overheating is prevented, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to circulate water through channels in the motor housing and fuel cell assembly, using the natural flow properties of water and the thermal characteristics of the components themselves. The system leverages the existing structural elements for cooling rather than adding separate heavy cooling mechanisms, thus preventing overheating while minimizing complexity additions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single housing assembly is used to enclose all components, then the device becomes more compact and easier to retrofit, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly is designed as a modular structure with distinct sections for the fuel cell, motor, and control unit, each with standardized mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled with consistent precision, facilitating retrofitting while managing manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly incorporates universal mounting features and standardized connection points that enable installation on various boat types. By designing the housing with multi-functional attachment capabilities and standardized interfaces, the patent achieves broad adaptability while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision requirements across different application scenarios.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, pollution-free, and cost-effective electric outboard motor that can be retrofitted into existing hulls, maintaining efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an upper portion (21) of the housing assembly (20) may be connected to a fuel cell (62)
Implementation Method 2
a cooling assembly (80) may be connected to the motor (43)... The water may travel along the hose (81) to cool down the motor (43)
Implementation Method 3
The fuel cell (62) may be wired to the motor (43). The fuel cell may provide energy to the motor (43)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric outboard motor including a housing assembly, a propeller assembly, a fuel cell assembly, a cooling assembly and a boat assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing having a shape of an electric outboard marine motor. The propeller assembly includes a propeller mechanically connected to an electric motor. The electric motor is enclosed by the housing. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell, and an electronic control unit. The fuel cell powers the electric motor. A fuel tank of the boat assembly provides fuel to the fuel cell. The electronic control unit controls the operation of the fuel cell and a battery. The fuel cell and the electronic control unit are enclosed by the housing. The cooling assembly includes a cooling sleeve surrounding the motor to prevent overheating.