Inboard Electric Motor Propeller System with Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor propeller systems for watercraft face limitations in distance coverage and speed due to battery life, high resistance, and environmental pollution from lubricants, making them unsuitable for long-distance travel and high-speed applications, and difficult to adapt from combustion-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A propeller propulsion system featuring an inboard electric motor and a surface-piercing propeller connected via a box-like body with a dry-operating transmission system, eliminating the need for lubricants and allowing easy conversion from combustion-based systems by integrating the motor and propeller within a sealed box-like body, which reduces weight imbalance and pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional outboard electric motor with transmission mechanism is used, then the system is silent and ecologically sustainable, but the battery life is limited and the system cannot cover long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electric motor (inboard, dry environment) from the propeller (outboard, wet environment) using a bellows-shaped coupling, allowing each component to operate in its optimal environment and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary between the inboard motor and outboard propeller, transmitting rotational force without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for lubricants and reducing energy losses
2Reliability
If a conventional outboard electric motor with transmission mechanism is used, then the system can operate underwater, but high resistance reduces speed and increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the motor outboard in water, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the motor inboard in a dry environment, eliminating water resistance on the motor and transmission components while maintaining propeller function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical transmission system with a magnetic coupling system, eliminating physical contact between motor and propeller shafts, thereby reducing friction and energy losses
3Reliability
If lubricating means are used in the transmission system, then correct operation of moving parts is ensured, but water pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lubrication requirement entirely from the system by using magnetic coupling to transmit power without mechanical contact, eliminating the source of potential pollution while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits rotational force without physical contact, replacing the lubricated mechanical contact system and eliminating the need for lubricants
4Speed
If an inboard electric motor with surface piercing propeller is used, then speed and battery life are improved, but weight balancing becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The surface-piercing propeller design provides partial buoyancy to counterbalance the weight of the inboard motor, improving weight distribution and reducing the impact on speed and battery consumption
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 enhances battery life, increases speed, and reduces environmental impact by eliminating water pollution from lubricants, enabling longer distances and faster travel while facilitating easy conversion from combustion-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The drive shaft and the outdrive shaft are coupled to one another by means of a magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
a belt (13) which is applied dry, in particular a friction belt, between a pulley (15) which is coupled to the drive shaft (8) and a pulley (12) which is coupled to the outdrive shaft (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
A propeller propulsion system (1) for a watercraft is described, said system comprising at least one electric motor (2) and a propeller (3) which can be driven by the electric motor (2). The propeller (3) is a surface piercing propeller. The propulsion system comprises a box-like body (4) having a side wall (5) on which the electric motor (2) is fixed and a cover part (6) on which an outdrive (7) of the surface piercing propeller (3) is applied, the side wall (5) and the cover part (6) comprising holes through which a shaft (8) of the motor (2) and a shaft (9) of the outdrive (7) respectively pass; the box-like body (4) comprises means (10) for transmission of motion from the drive shaft (8) to the outdrive shaft (9), and the propulsion system (1) is further provided with means for fixing the box-like body (4) to a transom (11) of the watercraft, said transom (1 1) being provided with a hole for receiving the electric motor (2) inboard and said fixing means being adapted to hermetically seal the box-like body (4) on the transom (11), closing the hole of the transom with the side wall and leaving the motor inboard.