Movable Swim Platform via Transom Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems face limitations in swim platform accessibility, poorly suspended drive units, and bulky, complex, high-cost designs, which hinder efficient maneuverability and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system featuring a drive unit attached to a marine vessel via a transom bracket, allowing the drive unit to move between lower and higher positions, enabling the swim platform to be maneuvered for accessibility and inspection, with a secure positive fit connection and adjustable thrust angle for improved durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive unit is rigidly attached to the marine vessel, then the drive unit is securely suspended, but the swim platform becomes difficult to maneuver for accessibility and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is attached to the marine vessel through a transom bracket that enables movable attachment, allowing the drive unit to be positioned in different locations (lower position for propulsion, higher position for inspection and service). This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by making both the swim platform maneuverable and the drive unit securely suspended at different operational states.
2Ease of operation
If the swim platform is made stationary and fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but accessibility for entering or exiting the vessel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swim platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be in a fixed position for structural stability, or maneuvered to different positions to provide accessibility for entering or exiting the vessel from water or a dock. The platform's ability to be repositioned by the movable drive unit allows it to adapt to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accessibility.
3Productivity
If the drive unit is positioned in a lower position for propulsion, then propulsion efficiency is optimized, but accessibility for inspection and service is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transom bracket enables the drive unit to be dynamically repositioned between a lower position (optimized for propulsion efficiency) and a higher position (optimized for inspection and service accessibility). This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to achieve both propulsion efficiency and ease of repair at different operational states, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a bulky and complex suspension system is used for the drive unit, then the drive unit can be maneuvered effectively, but the design becomes high-cost and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A transom bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the marine vessel and the drive unit. This bracket provides a simple yet effective mechanism for movably attaching the drive unit, enabling maneuverability without requiring a bulky and complex suspension system. The transom bracket resolves the contradiction by achieving drive unit maneuverability through a compact and cost-effective design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a propulsion system (1) for a marine vessel (60) comprising a swim platform (70), the propulsion system (1) comprising a drive unit (10) and a transom bracket (20) for movably attaching the drive unit (10) to the marine vessel (60) such that the drive unit (10) may be moved between a lower position and a higher position, wherein the drive unit (10) is adapted to be connected to the swim platform (70) such that at least a portion of the swim platform (70) is manoeuvrable by the drive unit (10) being moved between its lower and higher positions. The disclosure further relates to a marine vessel (60).