Marine Drive Seal Assembly for Watertight Motor Power Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine drive systems face challenges in preventing water infiltration into the gearcase, particularly when electrical connectors are present, which can compromise the integrity of the motor and propulsion system.

Innovation Solution

A marine drive system with a seal device that includes a monolithic extension leg and tube, combined with a watertight seal mechanism using rigid members and an elastomeric member, which compresses to form a watertight seal around electrical connectors, preventing water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical connectors are extended through the tube to provide power to the electric motor, then electrical functionality is achieved, but water infiltration risk increases compromising the gearcase integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidwater infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastomeric sealing member is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical connector and the tube interior. This sealing member receives and seals around the electrical connector while maintaining the watertight integrity of the tube, thus mediating between the need for electrical connectivity and the requirement for water protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric sealing member functions as a flexible shell that deforms to accommodate the electrical connector passing through it. This flexible membrane allows electrical conductors to penetrate the tube wall while maintaining the barrier against water infiltration through its elastic sealing properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 seal device effectively prevents water intrusion into the gearcase, ensuring the motor and propulsion system remain dry and functional, enhancing reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

compression of the rigid members on the elastomeric member causes the elastomeric member to radially inwardly and outwardly expand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric member which is axially sandwiched between the rigid members, wherein compression of the rigid members on the elastomeric member causes the elastomeric member to radially inwardly and outwardly expand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12466531B1Marine drive lower unit having seal device

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A marine drive has a supporting frame for coupling the marine drive to a marine vessel, a gearcase supporting a propulsor for propelling the marine vessel in water, an electric motor in the gearcase, the electric motor being configured to rotate the propulsor, an extension leg between the supporting frame and the gearcase, a tube in the extension leg, the tube extending between an upper end and a lower end which is coupled to the gearcase, an electrical connector extending through the tube and providing power to the electric motor, and a seal device providing a watertight seal between the electrical connector and the tube or an extension thereof to thereby prevent infiltration of water to the gearcase.