Flexible Lower-Unit Conduit Routing for Steerable Marine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems face challenges in connecting sensors and providing air or oil to the lower unit due to its independent steerable nature, which complicates the routing of wiring harnesses and fluid conduits.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conduit with slack between the stationary and rotatable portions of the marine propulsion device is used to connect sensors and provide power and fluids to the lower unit, allowing for independent rotation and maintaining a sealed oil environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lower unit is made steerable independently of the powerhead, then the maneuverability and steering control are improved, but the complexity of routing wiring harnesses and fluid conduits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible conduits with integrated slack loops that can bend and flex to accommodate the rotational movement of the lower unit relative to the powerhead. This flexible conduit design allows the wiring harness and fluid lines to move with the steering mechanism while maintaining sealed connections, resolving the complexity issue by providing a pre-engineered flexible pathway that moves with the system rather than requiring complex routing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic conduit system where the flexible wiring harness and fluid conduits are designed with built-in slack and flexibility to adapt to the changing spatial relationship between the stationary powerhead and the rotatable lower unit. This dynamic design allows the conduits to accommodate steering movements without creating excessive tension or requiring complex mechanical routing solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower unit rotates independently, then the steering performance is improved, but the risk of water intrusion and loss of sealed environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible conduits with integrated sealing mechanisms that maintain water-tight barriers while accommodating the rotational movement of the lower unit. These flexible sealed conduits prevent water intrusion by maintaining continuous sealing surfaces that move with the steering mechanism, eliminating the need for rigid sealed connections that would restrict steering movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible sealed conduits as intermediary elements between the stationary sealed environment of the powerhead and the rotatable lower unit. These intermediary conduits act as flexible barriers that transmit fluids and electrical signals while preventing water contamination, allowing the lower unit to rotate independently without compromising the sealed environment.
3Strength
If rigid conduits are used to connect stationary and rotatable portions, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to accommodate rotation and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid conduits with flexible conduit designs that maintain sufficient structural integrity through their construction (such as reinforced flexible tubing or braided protective coverings) while allowing the necessary flexion and rotation. These flexible conduits provide the strength needed to protect internal wiring and fluid lines while accommodating the dynamic movement between the powerhead and lower unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic conduit system where the flexible wiring harness and fluid conduits are designed with built-in slack and flexibility to adapt to the changing spatial relationship between the stationary powerhead and the rotatable lower unit. This dynamic design allows the conduits to accommodate steering movements without creating excessive tension or requiring complex mechanical routing solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine propulsion device has a powerhead, a driveshaft powered by the powerhead, a lower unit, and a propeller shaft supported in the lower unit and in torque transmitting relationship with the driveshaft. The marine propulsion device also has a steering column through which the driveshaft extends and to which the lower unit is coupled. The steering column is configured to rotate the lower unit with respect to the powerhead. There is a steering housing through which the steering column extends, the steering housing being stationary with respect to the powerhead. A flexible conduit, for example a wiring harness, extends through an aperture in the steering housing and through an aperture in the steering column. The flexible conduit has slack between the steering housing and the steering column.