Outboard Motor Engine Cover Belt Locking for Simple Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard motors have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple locking mechanisms to secure the engine cover.
Innovation Solution
The outboard motor features a vertically separable engine cover with an upper and lower cover connected at the front and secured by a fixing belt at the rear, simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to secure the engine cover, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking lever that engages with locking holes in both the upper and lower covers simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require separate locking mechanisms at different locations. This merging maintains connection reliability while reducing structural complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks both the upper and lower covers together, provides sealing through the seal member, and enables easy detachment when needed. The locking lever serves as a universal component that handles both securing and releasing operations, reducing the need for specialized components for each function.
2Strength
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to secure the engine cover, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking mechanism with a locking lever that engages both covers simultaneously. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining connection strength through the unified locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, easily manufactured components such as a locking lever and locking holes that can be produced through basic molding or machining processes. These components are designed to be cost-effective while providing sufficient strength for the application, avoiding the need for expensive specialized fasteners or multi-component systems.
3Ease of operation
If the engine cover is designed to be easily detachable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable locking lever that can easily transition between locked and unlocked positions. The lever rotates to engage or disengage from the locking holes, providing dynamic operation that is both simple for the user and reliable in securing the connection when engaged. The seal member also dynamically adjusts to ensure proper sealing during attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the connection reliability. It ensures that proper sealing is achieved during the attachment process, while the locking lever serves as an intermediary that translates simple user motion into secure engagement of both covers. These intermediary elements enable easy operation without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine cover of an outboard motor includes an upper cover and a lower cover that are vertically separable. A fixing belt capable of fixing the upper cover and the lower cover to each other is attached to the rear end of the engine cover. The upper cover includes a belt holding portion that holds the fixing belt. The belt holding portion includes a holding frame that forms a belt insertion hole. A head portion of the fixing belt includes a pair of contact portions that come into contact with upper surfaces of a pair of first frame portions of the holding frame.