Outboard Drive Power Coupling System for High Power Output

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional outboard drive devices are limited in the types of motors they can accommodate due to complex and expensive power transmission systems, which become cumbersome with larger, more powerful motors.

Innovation Solution

The outboard drive device features a power coupling system with side-by-side positioned forward and reverse gears rotatably engaged with a drive shaft, enabling efficient power distribution and increased power output through an endless loop flexible drive coupling connecting the crankshaft to the propeller shaft, allowing for more powerful motors like automotive or industrial engines to be used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional power transmission systems are used with larger, more powerful motors, then power output capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into separate forward and reverse gear assemblies, each independently mounted on the drive shaft. This segmentation allows each gear assembly to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to a single complex transmission system that would handle both directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both forward and reverse gears are integrated onto a single drive shaft assembly, merging the power transmission function for both directions into one unified structure. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall transmission system while maintaining the ability to handle high power outputs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If conventional power transmission systems are modified to accommodate larger motors, then power output capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into separate forward and reverse gear assemblies, each independently mounted on the drive shaft. This segmentation allows each gear assembly to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to a single complex transmission system that would handle both directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive shaft serves multiple functions by integrating both forward and reverse gear assemblies onto it, allowing a single component to handle power transmission in both directions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If complex power transmission systems are used, then power output capability is improved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into separate forward and reverse gear assemblies, each independently mounted on the drive shaft. This segmentation allows each gear assembly to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to a single complex transmission system that would handle both directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The forward and reverse gear assemblies are extracted as separate, independently replaceable units from the transmission system. This allows individual gear assemblies to be removed and replaced without affecting the entire transmission system, significantly simplifying maintenance and repair operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration allows for stable and efficient operation with significant power input, supporting motors up to 1000 kW, providing equal power output in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions while reducing the complexity and cost of the system.

Implementation Method 1

an endless loop flexible drive coupling connecting the drive shaft with the propeller shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible drive coupling:

Implementation Method 2

The forward and reverse gears are situated on separate gear shafts of the transmission. The forward and reverse gears are rotatably engaged with the drive shaft and transfer power to said drive shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9856005B2Outboard drive device with power coupling system

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 CIMCO MARINE AB

AI summary

An outboard drive device comprising a motor having a crankshaft, wherein said outboard drive device further comprises a propeller shaft with a propeller, and a power coupling system for transferring power from the motor to the propeller shaft. The power coupling system involves a transmission including side-by-side positioning of forward and reverse gears of the device, which are rotatably engaged with a drive shaft. Particular variables of the system enable increased power output to be transmitted through the transmission, while also providing quick and efficient power distribution among different rotations of the propeller shaft of the device.