Hydraulic Tilt Trim Device for Outboard Motors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jack plates for outboard boat motors do not provide a hydraulic tilt and trim functionality, limiting the ability to efficiently adjust the motor's position.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic tilt and trim device comprising a transom portion, motor portion, hydraulic cylinder, and electric hydraulic pump, allowing for the hydraulic tilting and trimming of the jack plate by pivoting the motor portion relative to the transom portion using a hydraulic cylinder and ram system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional jack plate is used for mounting an outboard motor, then the motor can be positioned vertically, but the motor cannot be tilted or trimmed hydraulically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor position adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (mounting, tilting, and trimming) into a single integrated device. The jack plate structure is merged with hydraulic tilt and trim mechanisms, allowing the motor to be mounted, tilted, and trimmed using one unified system rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jack plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mounting structure and a tilting/trimming mechanism. The hydraulic cylinder and pivot bracket assembly enables the same structure to adjust motor angle (tilt) and vertical position (trim), making the device universal for various positioning needs.

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

2Productivity

If manual adjustment methods are used for motor positioning, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational efficiency and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a hydraulic system. Instead of using hand-operated mechanisms or simple linkages, the invention employs hydraulic cylinders actuated by an electric pump, substituting manual mechanical systems with automated hydraulic-mechanical systems for faster and more precise adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses hydraulic principles to achieve motor positioning. A hydraulic cylinder connected to the pivot bracket provides controlled movement for tilting and trimming the motor, utilizing fluid pressure to generate the necessary force and motion for efficient adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic components are added to enable tilting and trimming, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but manufacturing costs may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt and trim functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is divided into separate modular components: a hydraulic cylinder for tilt/trim actuation, a pivot bracket for mechanical linkage, and an electric pump for fluid pressurization. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard parts, simplifying production and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient and reliable tilting and trimming of the outboard motor, enhancing operational flexibility and durability while maintaining low manufacturing and sales costs.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic cylinder and ram system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10220925B1Hydraulic tilt and trim device
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 PELINI MARK F
  • US10220925B1 patent drawing
  • US10220925B1 patent drawing
  • US10220925B1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is a transom portion with a transom plate and two extensions. There is a motor portion with a motor plate and two extensions. The transom portion and motor portion are pivotably coupled. The transom portion has a hydraulic cylinder base support bracket. The motor portion has a hydraulic cylinder ram support bracket. There is a hydraulic cylinder having a base and a ram. There is an electric hydraulic pump, the electric hydraulic pump being operatively coupled to the hydraulic cylinder.