Outboard Marine Engine Steering Actuator with Integrated Hydraulic Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard marine engine steering systems face challenges in efficient and reliable actuation, particularly in protecting electrical and hydraulic components from environmental exposure and ensuring proper installation, which can lead to functionality issues.
Innovation Solution
A steering actuator system for outboard marine engines that includes a housing enclosing a piston device and a valve device, with a rigid position reference link connecting the valve device to the piston device, allowing hydraulic actuation to pivot the engine and utilizing a programmable controller for precise control of hydraulic fluid flow, thereby enabling efficient steering and protection from environmental elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic components are exposed to the environment for easier access and installation, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The steering actuator employs a nested structure where the piston device, valve device, and rigid position reference link are housed within an outer housing. This nested arrangement protects the hydraulic components from environmental exposure while maintaining a compact, integrated unit that is easier to install and operate as a single assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic components (piston device, valve device, rigid position reference link) into a single integrated steering actuator assembly enclosed by an outer housing. This merging of components into one protected unit improves reliability by shielding them from the environment while simplifying installation and operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for steering actuation, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piston device, valve device, and rigid position reference link into a single integrated steering actuator assembly. This combination maintains the adaptability of hydraulic steering actuation while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate components and their associated mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated steering actuator assembly serves multiple functions: the piston device provides linear motion, the valve device controls hydraulic fluid flow direction, and the rigid position reference link maintains positional relationships. This multi-functionality within a single assembly enhances adaptability while reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If components are enclosed in a housing for protection, then reliability improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is designed with segmentation features including end caps that can be removed to provide access to the internal hydraulic components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly by enabling components to be pre-assembled or inspected before final enclosure, while still providing comprehensive protection when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid position reference link is designed to pre-establish precise positional relationships between the piston device and valve device during assembly. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly, while ensuring reliable component protection within the housing.
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 solution provides reliable and efficient steering of outboard marine engines by protecting components from environmental exposure and ensuring proper installation, enhancing operational reliability and reducing assembly complexities.
Implementation Method 1
A steering actuator is for steering an outboard marine engine about a steering axis. The steering actuator includes a housing; a piston device that is disposed in the housing, wherein hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis
Implementation Method 2
a valve device that is disposed in the housing. The valve device controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to a first side of the piston device to move the piston device in a first piston direction in the housing and to an opposite, second side of the piston device to move the piston device in an opposite, second piston direction in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A steering actuator is for steering an outboard marine engine about a steering axis. The steering actuator comprises a housing; a piston device that is disposed in the housing, wherein hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis; and a valve device that is disposed in the housing. The valve device controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to move the piston device in a first piston direction and to move the piston device in an opposite, second piston direction. Movement of the piston device in the first piston direction causes the outboard marine engine to pivot in a first pivot direction and movement of the piston device in the second piston direction causes the outboard marine engine to pivot in an opposite, second pivot direction.