Multi-engine Jack Plate Even Lifting Hydraulic System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for lifting outboard motors do not allow for even lifting of multiple engines simultaneously, lacking the capability to adjust the height of multiple motors relative to a boat's transom effectively.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-engine Jack Plate comprising a transom plate, center plate connector, outer slides, inner slides, and a hydraulic system with hydraulic cylinders and a pressure equalizer, which enables even lifting of multiple outboard motors by distributing the lifting force evenly across multiple engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single jack plate is used to lift outboard motors, then the structure is simple, but it cannot evenly lift multiple engines simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate is divided into multiple independent lifting mechanisms (first jack mechanism for inboard motor, second jack mechanism for outboard motor) that can operate separately. Each mechanism has its own jack body, screw rod, and lifting arm, allowing individual adjustment while maintaining overall system coordination for even lifting of multiple engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack plate structure integrates multiple lifting functions into a single platform. The first and second jack mechanisms share common mounting structures and control systems, enabling the device to lift different types of motors (inboard and outboard) with different weight requirements using a unified system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent lifting devices are used for each engine, then even lifting is achieved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple jack mechanisms are merged into a single integrated jack plate structure. The first and second jack mechanisms share common mounting brackets, control linkages, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems. This consolidation reduces the total number of independent components while maintaining the ability to independently adjust each lifting point for even motor alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jack plate structure is made more complex to accommodate multiple engines, then lifting capability improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack plate incorporates automatic level sensing mechanisms and coordinated control systems that monitor the lifting status of multiple engines. When one engine is lifted to the correct height, the system automatically adjusts the other lifting mechanisms to match, reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining precise even-lifting capability across multiple engines.
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 allows for efficient and even lifting of multiple outboard motors, ensuring balanced height adjustment and stability, with the hydraulic system ensuring smooth operation and adjustable travel limits through the use of travel stops and position indicators.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system with hydraulic cylinders and a pressure equalizer, which enables even lifting of multiple outboard motors by distributing the lifting force evenly across multiple engines
Implementation Method 2
a pressure equalizer, which enables even lifting of multiple outboard motors by distributing the lifting force evenly across multiple engines
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple engine jack plate, comprising, in combination, a transom plate, a center plate connector, a pair of outer slides and a pair of inner slides. There is at least one hydraulic cylinder coupling the transom plate and the slides. There is a hydraulic pump system having a pump and a hydraulic fluid flow control valve and a hydraulic fluid reservoir holding a volume of hydraulic fluid.