Modular Hydrofoil Mounting Assembly for Anti-Ventilation Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting hydrofoils on outboard motors or sterndrives require permanent modifications, such as drilling holes, which are undesirable for boat owners due to the time and effort involved.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly system that secures to the anti-ventilation plate using a combination of frictional engagement, adhesive foam tape, lateral grips, and a catch mechanism, allowing for easy installation and adaptation to different plate widths without permanent modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent modification methods (drilling holes, bolting) are used to mount hydrofoils, then mounting strength and reliability are improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate due to time-consuming modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate that attaches to the anti-ventilation plate, and a hydrofoil that attaches to the mounting plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation as no permanent modification is needed - the mounting plate uses existing holes in the anti-ventilation plate while the hydrofoil connects via separate mounting holes in the plate itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the hydrofoil and the anti-ventilation plate. It mediates the connection by utilizing existing mounting holes in the anti-ventilation plate while providing its own mounting holes for the hydrofoil, thereby eliminating the need to drill new holes in the engine while still providing secure mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom mounting solutions are designed for different plate widths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple holes arranged in patterns that can accommodate different plate widths. The same mounting plate design can be used across different outboard motor models by selectively using different hole patterns, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized mounting plates for different widths.
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 secure and efficient mounting of hydrofoils or other accessories on boats without altering the engine, using simple tools and ensuring stability at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly is secured to the plate by adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The assembly is secured to the plate by frictional engagement between the elements and plate
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (10) is provided for mounting a hydrofoil, trolling plate or trolling motor (or other accessory) on the anti-ventilation plate (14) of a sterndrive or outboard motor (16) without the need to modify the plate or motor. The assembly (10) has lower and upper elements (20, 22) which are secured about the plate (14) by bolts (34). The upper element (22) has a bolt pattern (40) to mount the hydrofoil or other device. Grip devices (50) can be mounted on the lower element (20) that are adjusted to grip the edges of the plate (14). A catch (60) mounted on the lower element (20) can be engaged in the trim tab or anode recess.