Marine Propulsion Pivot Joint for Protected Harness Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Propulsion systems for marine vessels face challenges in guiding harnesses without damaging them due to the complexity and movement of components, leading to risks of damage from moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system design featuring a transom bracket connected to the marine vessel with a drive unit via a first pivot joint, allowing the harness to be guided through this joint, optionally with a connecting arm and additional pivot joints, providing movement freedom and protection from damage, and incorporating sealing elements to prevent moisture and water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the propulsion system is made movable to improve maneuverability, then the drive unit can be positioned optimally for propulsion, but the harnesses are at risk of damage from moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
A pivot joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the movable drive unit and the fixed transom bracket. This pivot joint serves as a mediator that allows rotational movement while guiding and protecting the harnesses, preventing them from being damaged by the moving parts of the propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one by introducing a pivot joint that enables controlled movement. The drive unit can rotate relative to the transom bracket through the pivot joint, allowing the propulsion system to adapt its position while maintaining harness protection through the guided movement path.
2Reliability
If the propulsion system components are made complex to provide guiding mechanisms, then harness protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint acts as a simple intermediary that combines multiple functions: it guides the harnesses, allows necessary movement, and protects the connection points. This single component resolves the need for complex guiding mechanisms while maintaining harness protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a rotational connection, a harness guide, and a protective element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining harness protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a propulsion system for a marine vessel, comprising a transom bracket being configured to be connected with a transom of the marine vessel, and a drive unit, the drive unit is rotatably connected with the transom bracket via a first pivot joint, wherein a harness is guided from the transom bracket via the first pivot joint to the drive unit.