Outboard Motor Jack Plate Vertical Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard engine mounting systems lack the ability to adjust the engine height while on the water, posing risks of damage from shallow waters or objects.
Innovation Solution
A jack plate assembly with an adjusting bolt that allows vertical adjustment of the motor plate, featuring a locking mechanism and threaded components for secure operation, enabling the engine to be raised or lowered using a single wrench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outboard motor is fixed to the transom or jack plate, then the engine position is stable, but the engine cannot be adjusted vertically while on the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed mounting system into a dynamic adjustable system. The jack plate incorporates a vertical adjustment mechanism with a threaded rod and locking nut that allows the engine height to be changed while on the water. The side plates with vertical slots enable the motor plate to move vertically along guided paths, converting a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that maintains stability during operation while allowing height modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into distinct functional components: a fixed hull mount portion, an adjustable motor plate portion, and intermediate connection elements (side plates with slots, threaded rod, locking mechanism). This segmentation allows the lower hull mount to remain fixed and stable while the upper motor plate can be independently adjusted vertically, resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
2Reliability
If the engine height is adjustable while on the water, then damage from shallow waters or objects can be avoided, but the mounting system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the engine height to be changed in response to varying water conditions and obstacles. The threaded rod mechanism with locking nut provides a simple yet effective means to raise or lower the engine as needed, enhancing reliability by allowing real-time adaptation to avoid damage from shallow waters or objects without requiring an overly complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the vertical position parameter of the engine through the adjustment mechanism. The threaded rod converts rotational motion into linear vertical displacement, changing the height parameter of the engine mounting. This simple parameter change capability provides protection from damage while avoiding excessive system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the adjusting bolt, then the engine height is securely fixed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides a dynamic transition between adjustable and fixed states. The locking nut can be easily engaged or disengaged from the threaded rod, allowing the system to switch between a stable fixed state (when locked) and an adjustable state (when unlocked). This simple locking approach secures the engine height stability without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
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 safe and efficient vertical adjustment of the outboard motor's height while on the water, minimizing the risk of damage and accommodating various engine sizes up to 115 HP.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting bolt is threaded and matches the threading of the hole within the cross member and the hole within the block
Data Source
AI summary
A jack plate has an assembly having a motor plate configured to support an outboard motor, and having a hull mount configured to mount to a boat hull such that the jack plate assembly has an adjusting bolt that when rotated raises the motor plate in relation to the position of the assembly on the hull.