Marine Propulsion Drive Unit Pivot Support via Water Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Propulsion systems for marine vessels face challenges in managing forces and mechanical stress on transom brackets and pivot joints during high-speed operations and acceleration, requiring strong mechanical joints and linkages that can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system with a transom bracket and drive unit that is pivotable, featuring a support face and pivot hubs to distribute forces, allowing for adjustable trim angles without strong mechanical joints, using pivot joints and connecting arms to enable movement and support the drive unit, and incorporating a linear actuator for reliable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong mechanical joints and linkages are used to connect the drive unit to the transom bracket, then the propulsion system can withstand great forces during high-speed operations and acceleration, but the device complexity and mechanical stress on joints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex mechanical joints and linkages by introducing a water-supported connection system. The drive unit is freed from rigid mechanical attachments, allowing forces to be transmitted through water pressure on a support face rather than through mechanical joints, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as an intermediary medium between the drive unit and the transom bracket. Instead of direct mechanical contact through complex joints, the support face of the drive unit interacts with water, which transmits the forces to the transom bracket, eliminating the need for strong mechanical linkages
2Productivity
If the drive unit is positioned in different trim angles during high speed and acceleration, then the marine vessel's performance and energy consumption are improved, but the forces exerted on the transom bracket and pivot joints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive unit from rigid mechanical constraints, allowing it to operate in different trim angles without subjecting the transom bracket to excessive forces. By removing the requirement for strong mechanical joints, the system can adjust trim angles freely while water pressure distributes the forces more evenly
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by allowing the drive unit to operate at various trim angles during high-speed operations. This parameter adjustment optimizes performance and energy consumption while the water-supported connection system ensures forces are managed effectively across different angles
3Adaptability or versatility
If pivot joints are designed to absorb great forces during drive unit positioning, then the drive unit can be positioned in different trim angles, but the device complexity and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex pivot joints designed to absorb great forces by introducing a water-supported connection system. The drive unit maintains adaptability for different trim angles through water pressure support rather than mechanical pivot joints, significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivot joint system with a water-based support system. Instead of using mechanical joints to provide adaptability for different trim angles, the system uses water pressure acting on the support face, substituting a mechanical system with a fluid-based system that is simpler and more efficient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present 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, a drive unit being rotatably connected with the transom bracket so as to be pivotable from a lowered position into a raised position, or vice versa, and a trim arrangement being arranged between the transom bracket and the drive unit to adjust a trim angle of the drive unit when in the lowered position, wherein a support face is arranged on the transom of the marine vessel or at the transom bracket, and the drive unit comprises a support member arranged opposite the support face in the lowered position whereby the support face is configured to support the support member.