Manual Jack Plate Height Adjustment via Threaded Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jack plate/travel stop systems do not provide a safe, convenient, and economical method for manually adjusting the height of an outboard motor relative to a boat's transom, leading to inadvertent wetting of hydraulic cylinders.

Innovation Solution

A manually operated jack plate/travel stop system comprising a rectilinear transom plate, thread block, vertically disposed side rails, cross struts, and a threaded rod with locking nuts, allowing for manual adjustment of the motor height without a drive motor, while preventing water splashing through a grease-lubricated interface and splash plate configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hydraulic cylinder is used for height adjustment, then the motor height can be adjusted smoothly and precisely, but the hydraulic cylinder is vulnerable to water splashing and wetting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor height adjustmentVSAvoidwater splashing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic cylinder with a manually operated threaded rod mechanism. The threaded rod, when rotated, moves the motor mount vertically through mechanical threading, eliminating the hydraulic system that was vulnerable to water damage. This substitution maintains the height adjustment function while removing the harmful vulnerability to water splashing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic cylinder from the system entirely. By taking out the problematic hydraulic component and replacing it with a simple threaded rod mechanism, the design eliminates the source of water vulnerability while preserving the essential height adjustment capability through manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a drive motor is used for height adjustment, then the adjustment can be automated and precise, but the system becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor height adjustmentVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex automated drive systems with a simple manual threaded rod mechanism. The threaded rod, when turned by hand or with basic tools, provides precise vertical movement through the threading geometry, eliminating the need for motors, hydraulic pumps, and control systems while maintaining adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive threaded rod mechanism instead of expensive automated drive systems. The threaded rod and associated nuts provide a cost-effective solution that achieves the desired height adjustment without requiring costly motors, hydraulic components, or complex control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a threaded rod mechanism is used for manual adjustment, then the system becomes simpler and more economical, but the adjustment precision and smoothness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidheight adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the threading parameters of the rod and nut to achieve precise movement. By carefully selecting the thread pitch and diameter, the system provides controlled vertical movement per rotation, achieving sufficient precision for motor height adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms. The threading geometry itself provides the precision through mathematical relationship between rotation and linear displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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, convenient, and economical manual adjustment of the outboard motor height, preventing hydraulic cylinder wetting and ensuring durability and reliability, with potential for cost-effective manufacturing and low prices for consumers.

Implementation Method 1

The thread block shaft hole has an associated grease fitting for allowing grease to be pumped into the thread block shaft hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

There is a threaded rod having a top end and a bottom end with a length there between. The threaded rod is threaded into and through the threaded block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The threaded rod has a pair of locking nuts located at the lower end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7731552B1Manually operated jack plate/travel stop system

Publication Date: 2010.06.08 RSM INTELLECTUAL HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

The jack plate has two vertically aligned side plates and a transom plate. A travel stop block is couple to the jack plate transom plate. The travel stop block is located between an upper and lower transom bars. The operational height of the jack plate can be manually operated by turning a hex head threaded rod.