Integrated Hydraulic Steering Assembly for Small Boat Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering systems for boats are cumbersome and costly due to separate construction parts requiring long cables and pipes, making them unsuitable for small boats and difficult to install, with potential points of malfunction and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into a single body attached to the outboard motor and transom, simplifying the connection of directional control members through electrical signals, reducing the need for bulky hydraulic conduits and allowing easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate construction parts are used for hydraulic steering systems, then traditional performance and reliability are maintained, but material costs, installation complexity, and potential malfunction points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into a single integrated body, eliminating the need for separate construction parts. This consolidation reduces the number of connection points and components, directly addressing the contradiction by simplifying installation while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated body is designed as a modular unit that can be installed as a complete assembly on small boats, allowing the entire steering system to be treated as a single replaceable module. This segmentation approach at the system level facilitates easier installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If long cables and pipes are used to connect separate parts, then system functionality is maintained, but installation costs and potential breakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hydraulic pump, actuator cylinder, and fluid distributor into one body, the patent eliminates long connecting pipes and cables between separate components. The internal fluid passages within the integrated body replace external piping, directly reducing the length of conduits and potential failure points while maintaining hydraulic functionality.
3Productivity
If separate construction parts are mounted distanced on the hull, then traditional steering performance is maintained, but material and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic components into a single integrated body, significantly reducing the total quantity of materials required for construction and installation. This consolidation eliminates redundant mounting hardware, connection fittings, and extensive piping, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing material consumption while improving installation efficiency.
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
This integrated solution reduces material and installation costs, enhances reliability, and simplifies the connection of control signals, making the system more suitable for small boats while maintaining traditional performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump coupled to a drive motor for feeding a drive fluid alternately according to two directions of flow
Implementation Method 2
the modification of the orientation of said direction variation organ being implemented by said actuator cylinder as a function of the hydraulic fluid supply to said cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic steering device for boats, vessels or the like, includes a hydraulic pump coupled to a drive motor to feed a drive fluid alternately according to two flow directions; a hydraulic actuating cylinder connected to the delivery and return of the pump; and a fluid flow distributor switching the connection of the delivery and suction of the pump alternatively to one of two inlets/outlets of the cylinder communicating with one of two chambers of the cylinder. The actuating cylinder is mechanically articulated to a steering member, which determines direction change by modifying its orientation relative to an axis of the boat, the vessels or the like, preferably to a longitudinal axis, the modification of steering member orientation being implemented by the actuating cylinder according to the supply of the drive fluid to the cylinder caused by operation of the pump. The motor has inputs for a power supply signal to drive the pump to supply fluid flow according to one of the two predetermined directions of flow.