Lifting Stern Platform for Outboard Boats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stern designs for outboard-powered boats do not adequately address the safety of swimmers and boaters from propeller contact and do not provide a lifting mechanism for easy access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A lifting stern platform system with hull extensions and a lifting mechanism that positions the stern platform in multiple levels, allowing safe access and maintenance while maintaining hydrodynamic performance, and incorporating a grille for water flow and removable parts for propeller access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed stern platform is used, then the structure is simple, but access to the boat from water and engine maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stern platform is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one, capable of transitioning between at least two positions (raised and lowered). The lifting mechanism with hydraulic cylinders enables the platform to move vertically, providing easy access to the boat from water when lowered and facilitating engine maintenance when raised, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is lowered below water for easy access, then entry from water is improved, but wave forces increase lifting effort
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a grille structure with open spaces instead of being completely solid. When the platform is lowered below water, water can pass through the grille openings, significantly reducing the hydrodynamic forces and wave impacts acting on the platform. This reduces the lifting effort required to raise the platform while still allowing easy entry from water, resolving the contradiction between ease of entry and lifting force requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hull extensions are added for lifting mechanism supports, then platform lifting capability is achieved, but boat performance and maneuvering may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The hull extensions are designed with specific local characteristics: they are positioned at the stern sides and have optimized dimensions and shapes. The extensions are sized to provide adequate support for the lifting mechanism while minimizing their impact on the boat's hydrodynamic performance. By carefully controlling the local geometry and placement of these extensions, the platform positioning capability is achieved without significantly affecting overall boat speed and maneuvering characteristics.
4Ease of operation
If engines are positioned at stern middle, then passage to platform is opened, but swimmers are at risk from propellers
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism dynamically changes the vertical position of both the platform and the engines. When the platform is in the lowered position for water access, the engines are simultaneously raised to a safe height above the water surface, eliminating propeller contact risk for swimmers. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing safe access to the platform while protecting swimmers from propellers.
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
Enhances boater safety by keeping them away from propellers, provides easy access to the boat, and allows for convenient maintenance and increased deck space without compromising boat maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
the stern platform lifts and descends to at least 3 positions (UP, middle or DRIVE and DOWN) electrohydraulically
Implementation Method 2
The grille on the platform allows water to pass through the platform to reduce the efforts on the lifting mechanism and the platform when the platform is lowered below the water in waves
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the invention is the design of the lifting stern platform (8) on boats with outboard engines (1), where the engines (1) are positioned to the middle of the boat at the stern (2) and there are two hull extensions (5), one on each side. These extensions cary the lifting mechanism (7), which holds the stern platform (8). This design keeps the swimmers at the stern far away from the propellers thus increasing the safety of the boaters. The lifting and lowering of the platform enables easy access to the boat from the water and to or from the pontoon or shore. This design represents a new way of boat stern design in outboard-engines powered boats. The boat can be either a monohull or a multihull.