Marine Drive Cowl Latching with Electric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine drive cowling latching systems require manual effort to unlatch and may not securely retain the cowling in place under impact loads, and there is a need for an automated solution that ensures easy access while maintaining a watertight seal.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with an electric actuator and a manually-operable input device that automatically moves the latching mechanism from a latched to an unlatched position, utilizing a pawl mechanism with rotatable pawl members and a trigger member to securely retain and release the engagement member, ensuring the cowling can be easily accessed and securely closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pawl latch is used to hold the cowl, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of retaining the cowl under impact loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single pawl latch is divided into multiple pawl members (first pawl member and second pawl member) that operate independently but cooperatively. Each pawl member engages with the engagement member separately, distributing the retention forces and providing redundant security against impact loads while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pawl mechanism is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they can compromise the latching system. The first and second pawl members are positioned to engage different portions of the engagement member, creating a cushioning effect that protects against sudden impact loads by distributing the stress across multiple engagement points.
2Ease of operation
If manual effort is required to unlatch the cowl, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the use of energy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical actuation system is replaced with an electric actuator that uses electrical energy to automatically operate the latching mechanism. The electric actuator converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to simultaneously move both pawl members, providing easy operation through automated control while the system overall consumes more energy than pure mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator is integrated with the latching device to provide self-service automated operation. The actuator automatically positions both pawl members without requiring external manual intervention, making the system serve itself through automated actuation while consuming electrical energy to accomplish the task.
3Ease of operation
If the service door is accessible when opened, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of watertight seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The service door is designed to be positioned and secured in the fully closed position before the latching operation is completed. The first and second pawl members engage the engagement member in a sequence that ensures the door is properly sealed against the cowl body before final latching occurs, preliminarily establishing the watertight seal before the latching function is fully activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A cowling is for a marine drive. The cowling has first and second cowl portions for enclosing a powerhead, and a latching device which is movable into a latched position in which the powerhead is enclosed by the first cowl and second cowl portions and an unlatched position in which the second cowl portion is movable with respect to the first cowl portion so that the powerhead is accessible. The latching device has an electric actuator configured to automatically move the latching device from the latched position to the unlatched position and a manually-operable input device which is accessible from outside of the cowling and is configured to actuate the electric actuator to thereby automatically move the latching device from the latched position to the unlatched position.