Marine Drive Swivel Tube Locking for Easier Transom Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of installing a marine drive on a transom bracket is difficult due to the need for precise alignment of multiple features, which can be awkward and increase the risk of user error and damage, and there is a need for improved locking and copilot mechanisms to securely retain the marine drive in various steering orientations.
Innovation Solution
A marine drive apparatus with a swivel cylinder and steering bracket assembly that self-aligns mounting features, featuring a locking mechanism and copilot device to facilitate easy installation and secure retention, allowing the drive to be inserted in any orientation and locked or unlocked as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements requiring precise alignment are used, then secure retention of the marine drive is achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and increases the risk of user error
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement features self-aligning components including a wedge-shaped inner wedge that automatically orients itself within the outer shell during installation, and a non-circular cross-section design that guides proper alignment without requiring precise manual positioning. The elastomeric spacer self-adjusts to accommodate alignment variations, enabling the system to install itself with minimal user skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner wedge has a non-circular cross-section with asymmetric geometry including a first outer surface at a first angle and a second outer surface at a second angle. This asymmetric design creates a unique orientation that guides the mounting components into the correct alignment automatically, preventing incorrect installation while ensuring secure retention.
2Reliability
If multiple alignment features are required for secure mounting, then the marine drive is retained reliably, but the complexity of the mounting arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement combines multiple functions into integrated components: the outer shell provides structural support and alignment guidance, the inner wedge performs both structural support and self-aligning functions, and the elastomeric spacer simultaneously provides vibration isolation, alignment tolerance, and secure retention. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining mounting security.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped inner wedge serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables self-alignment through its geometry, absorbs misalignment through its elastomeric connections, and secures the marine drive in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features and mounting mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration isolation is provided through multiple mounts, then the marine drive is protected from vibration, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement uses a nested structure where the inner wedge is concentrically disposed within the outer shell, and the elastomeric spacer is positioned between them. This nested design provides vibration isolation through multiple concentric layers while maintaining a compact structure that is simpler to assemble than multiple separate mounts.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removably supporting a marine drive on a marine vessel. The apparatus has a transom bracket assembly having a swivel cylinder, a steering bracket assembly having a swivel tube disposed in and steerable relative to the swivel cylinder, and a locking mechanism configured to retain the swivel tube in the swivel cylinder. A return spring has a spring force sufficient to move the swivel tube outwardly relative to the swivel cylinder when a locking arm is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. A copilot device is configured to restrain rotation of the swivel tube relative to the transom bracket. The copilot device is disposed at least partially in the swivel tube.