Long Shaft Propeller Controller with Opposed Thread Bearing Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion systems face challenges in shallow waters due to deep propeller arrangements that lead to interference with obstacles, rapid wear of seals and bearings, and the need for manual control of propeller depth, resulting in reduced durability and increased operational difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A marine propulsion system featuring a long shaft propeller with a uniquely configured cavitation plate that automatically adjusts to maintain the propeller at the water surface, reducing manual effort and protecting the propeller from impacts, combined with a bearing seal protector that uses opposed threads to prevent debris from entering and a housing design for easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the propeller shaft is extended to allow shallow operation in obstacles-filled waters, then the ability to traverse shallow waters improves, but the propeller becomes more exposed to obstacles and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to traverse shallow watersVSAvoidexposure to obstacles and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a long shaft as an intermediary element between the motor and propeller, extending the drive mechanism to allow the propeller to operate in shallow water while keeping the motor protected on the boat. This intermediary shaft transmits power over the extended distance without direct exposure of the motor to obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion system is segmented into distinct protected components (motor, gear case) and exposed components (propeller). The long shaft acts as a flexible connector that allows the protected segments to remain on the boat while the exposed propeller operates in the water, separating the functions of power generation and power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual control is used to adjust propeller depth, then operation in varying water conditions is possible, but operator effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in varying water conditionsVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The long shaft propulsion system is designed to be inherently self-adjusting through its flexible coupling and universal joints, which automatically accommodate changes in water depth and boat motion without requiring manual intervention. The system adapts to varying conditions through its mechanical design rather than active control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the propeller operates deeper in water to avoid obstacles, then protection from impacts improves, but interference with boat hull during turns increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from impactsVSAvoidinterference with boat hull

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different spatial characteristics to different parts of the propulsion system. The propeller operates in a localized shallow zone away from the hull, while the motor and gear case remain in a protected zone on the boat. The long shaft creates a spatial separation that allows each component to occupy its optimal position without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system allows for efficient operation in shallow waters with reduced manual effort, increased propeller protection, and extended seal and bearing life, enhancing durability and reliability by automatically maintaining the propeller depth and shielding it from debris.

Implementation Method 1

operatively generating a vacuum between the anti-cavitation body and a surface of a water body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a first thread is cut in a first helical direction adjacent an end of the rotary drive shaft adjacent the propeller, and slightly more distal therefrom and adjacent to the second opening a second thread is cut in a second helical direction opposed to said first thread helical direction, wherein the second thread drives matter away from the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical barrier:

Data Source

PatentUS10710686B1Long shaft propeller controller and bearing seal protector

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 GILK ARLON J

AI summary

A marine propulsion system for shallow waters, swamps, savannahs and the like includes a rotating propeller shaft supporting a propeller. An anti-cavitation body defines a partial cylinder having a longitudinal axis adjacent to the propeller. The propeller generates a vacuum between the anti-cavitation body and a surface of a water body. First and second wings adjacent to edges of the anti-cavitation body are generally planar and operatively angled towards the bottom of a water body. The first and second wings are adjusted to run below the water body surface and seal the anti-cavitation body to maintain generated vacuum. A first thread is cut in a first helical direction at an end of the rotating propeller shaft adjacent the propeller, and slightly more distal therefrom a second thread is cut in a second helical direction opposed to the first thread helical direction. The second thread drives matter away from the bearing.