Outboard Motor Cover Locking With Internal Interlocking Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard motor designs with exposed lever type lock portions compromise appearance and are prone to breakage, while internal lock solutions complicate maintenance and adjustment by increasing man-hours.
Innovation Solution
The outboard motor incorporates a plurality of lock portions with an interlocking mechanism that allows simultaneous locking or unlocking, reducing the need for external exposure and simplifying maintenance by providing internal access without increasing man-hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever type lock portion is provided to be exposed to the outside of the cover, then the lock portion is easily accessible for operation, but the appearance of the outboard motor is affected and there is a risk of breakage due to contact
Solution Approach 1:
The lock portion is inverted from the conventional exposed external design to an internal design where it is provided inside the accommodation cover. The operation portion protrudes into the accommodation space rather than outward, allowing operation from the inside while protecting the external appearance and reducing breakage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock portion is nested within the accommodation cover structure. The first lock portion and second lock portion are positioned inside the cover, with their operation portions accessible from the accommodation space, effectively hiding the locking mechanism within the overall structure.
2Reliability
If multiple lock portions are provided to fix the upper cover to the lower cover, then the securement is improved, but the complexity of locking and unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock portions are merged into a single interlocked system. The first lock portion and second lock portion are connected through interlocking mechanisms (first interlocking mechanism and second interlocking mechanism) that allow simultaneous operation, combining multiple locking functions into one coordinated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Interlocking mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the lock portions. The first interlocking mechanism connects the first lock portion to the second lock portion, and the second interlocking mechanism provides additional connection, enabling simultaneous locking and unlocking through a single operation.
3Shape
If lock portions are provided inside the accommodation cover, then the appearance is improved and breakage risk is reduced, but maintenance and adjustment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portions are positioned to protrude into the accommodation space, allowing preliminary access to the lock mechanism before the cover is fully assembled. This enables maintenance and adjustment operations to be performed from the accommodation space side, simplifying access compared to completely internal mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor, includes: an engine; and an accommodation cover forming an accommodation space accommodating the engine. The accommodation cover includes: a lower cover configured to accommodate a lower part of the engine; an upper cover attached to the lower cover and configured to accommodate an upper part of the engine; and a plurality of lock portions provided in a connection part between the lower cover and the upper cover facing the accommodation space and configured to fix the upper cover to the lower cover. A part of the plurality of lock portions includes an interlocking mechanism configured to lock or unlock the part of the plurality of lock portions simultaneously in response to a single operation.