Outboard Motor Battery Housing Guide and Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection systems for outboard engines require multiple steps and can be prone to errors, especially when connecting the battery housing to the shaft head, which can be cumbersome and require two-handed support.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a shaft head with guided tours that allow the battery housing to be swiveled and then slid into place, establishing a secure electrical connection through concentrically aligned connection elements, eliminating the need for additional connectors and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual plug connections with union nuts and latches are used to connect the battery housing to the shaft head, then a secure mechanical and electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple manual steps including two-handed support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection functions into a single integrated connection element that simultaneously provides mechanical attachment and electrical connection. The connection element integrates the functions of union nuts, latches, and electrical connectors that were previously separate components, allowing all connections to be established through a single insertion motion without requiring multiple manual steps or two-handed support.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through threads, structural support through the latch mechanism, and electrical conductivity through integrated contact elements. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connection components (union nuts, latches, plug connections) are used, then reliable mechanical and electrical connections are established, but the device complexity and number of assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection components into a single integrated connection element. Previously separate components including union nuts for mechanical fastening, latches for structural support, and plug connections for electrical conductivity are combined into one unified component that performs all functions simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed with functionally segmented components that work together as an integrated unit. The mechanical fastening portion, latch mechanism, and electrical contact elements are spatially segmented within the single connection element, allowing each function to be optimized independently while being manufactured and installed as one component, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the battery housing is connected using traditional plug connections requiring union nuts and latches, then watertight and secure connections are achieved, but the assembly time and manual effort required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is pre-configured with all necessary connection features including pre-positioned threads for union nuts, pre-formed latch structures, and pre-aligned electrical contact elements. This preliminary preparation of all connection components in a single integrated element eliminates the need for sequential assembly steps during installation, allowing the watertight and secure connection to be achieved in a single insertion motion, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an outboard motor, in particular with an improved and simplified connection system for a shaft head and a battery of an electrically powered boat. Accordingly, an outboard motor for a boat is proposed, comprising a shaft head (10) defining a longitudinal axis and a housing of a battery (30) that can be detachably connected to the shaft head (10). The shaft head (10) has guides for connecting the housing (32) of the battery (30), with guide elements extending from one end region of the housing (32). The guide elements are arranged such that they engage with a respective guide when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10).According to the invention, the guides (13) and the guide elements are designed in such a way that the housing (32) is first pivoted on the shaft head (10) for connection to the shaft head (10) and then pushed relative to the shaft head (10), wherein the housing (32) and the shaft head (10) each have an electrical connection element (22) which is arranged in such a way that they are electrically conductively connected to one another by the sliding movement when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10).