Outboard Motor Intermediate Structure for Lower Case Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outboard motors face challenges in attaching lower cases with different shapes to the upper case, leading to an increase in the number of upper case types required, which complicates manufacturing and development.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intermediate structure that connects the upper and lower cases, allowing for the attachment of lower cases with changed mating surfaces without the need to manufacture new upper cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lower case is changed in design to match different sailing performance requirements, then the sailing performance is improved, but the number of upper case types required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure (adapter) that acts as a mediator between the upper case and the lower case. This adapter has a first interface that matches the upper case and a second interface that matches the lower case, allowing different lower cases to be attached to a single upper case type without requiring multiple upper case variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection interface into two separate parts: the upper case retains a standardized interface, while the lower case incorporates the variable interface through the intermediate structure. This segmentation allows the upper case to remain universal while accommodating different lower case designs for various sailing performance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new upper case is manufactured to match a changed lower case, then the attachment compatibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and development period increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate structure serves as a standardized adapter that simplifies manufacturing. Instead of creating new upper cases for each lower case variant, the same intermediate structure can be used with different lower cases, reducing manufacturing complexity and development time while maintaining attachment compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper case is designed with a universal interface that works with multiple lower case types through the intermediate structure. This multi-functionality allows a single upper case design to support various lower case configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple upper case types and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Speed
If the lower case is miniaturized to reduce resistance for high-speed performance, then the speed is improved, but the mating surface compatibility with the upper case is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate structure acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the miniaturized lower case and the standard upper case. It provides the necessary interface compatibility while allowing the lower case to maintain its miniaturized design for reduced resistance and improved speed performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An outboard motor attached to a hull of a marine vessel. The outboard motor comprises a lower case that includes a propeller shaft configured to rotate a propeller, and an upper case that includes a drive shaft configured to transmit a power to the propeller shaft. The lower case is selected from among a plurality of types of lower cases, and is configured to be attached to the upper case, and the upper case and the lower case are connected by an intermediate structure.