Outboard Motor Coolant Channel Layout via Steering Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard motor designs with a lower-only steering configuration require a constant communication area between coolant channels, increasing space and weight, and reducing the degree of freedom in layout due to the fixed coolant channel configuration.
Innovation Solution
The outboard motor design allows the lower accommodation body to rotate with respect to the upper accommodation body, changing the communication area between coolant channels based on the rudder angle and engine speed, reducing the need for a constant annular communication channel and thereby minimizing space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular communication channel is provided to keep a constant communication area between coolant channels, then the communication area between upper and lower coolant channels is maintained constant, but the space for forming the coolant channel is increased, reducing the degree of freedom in layout and increasing the size and weight of the outboard motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the communication area between the upper and lower coolant channels variable rather than constant. The communication area changes dynamically according to the rudder angle, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions. This eliminates the need for a complex annular communication channel structure while maintaining adequate coolant flow through the channels.
2Reliability
If an annular communication channel is provided to keep a constant communication area between coolant channels, then the communication area between upper and lower coolant channels is maintained constant, but the size and weight of the outboard motor are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication area between coolant channels variable according to the rudder angle, eliminating the need for a heavy annular communication channel structure. This dynamic approach maintains adequate coolant flow while significantly reducing the overall weight of the outboard motor assembly.
3Reliability
If an annular communication channel is provided to keep a constant communication area between coolant channels, then the communication area between upper and lower coolant channels is maintained constant, but the degree of freedom in layout of the outboard motor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the communication area to vary with the rudder angle, which provides greater layout flexibility. The variable communication area adapts to different rudder positions, enabling more freedom in the arrangement of coolant channels and other components within the outboard motor assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor includes an engine, a propeller shaft, a propeller attached to the propeller shaft, a transmission to transmit rotation of the engine to the propeller shaft, an upper accommodation body accommodating at least a portion of the engine, a lower accommodation body accommodating at least a portion of the propeller shaft, and a steering to cause the lower accommodation body to rotate about a steering axis with respect to the upper accommodation body. The upper accommodation body includes an upper coolant channel. The lower accommodation body includes a lower coolant channel including a coolant intake port. A communication area between the upper and lower coolant channels is changeable according to a rudder angle of the steering.