Outboard Motor Oil Level Sensor System

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for checking the oil level in an outboard motor require operators to manually remove the cowl, grasp a handle, and visually inspect a dipstick, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a sensor, input device, and indicator, with a control circuit that communicates to determine and display the oil level in the sump, allowing operators to conveniently verify the oil level without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual dipstick method is used to check oil level, then the structure remains simple, but the operator time and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil level checking convenienceVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical dipstick system with an automated sensor-based electronic system. The sensor detects oil level automatically, and the control circuit processes this information to provide visual feedback through indicators, eliminating the need for manual dipstick insertion and visual inspection by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the outboard motor to self-monitor its own oil level condition. The sensor continuously or periodically checks the oil level, and the control circuit automatically processes this data and activates indicators to alert the operator, making the monitoring function self-service rather than requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If an automated sensor system is implemented, then operator convenience improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil level verification speedVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical dipstick system with an automated sensor-based electronic system. The sensor detects oil level automatically, and the control circuit processes this information to provide visual feedback through indicators, eliminating the need for manual dipstick insertion and visual inspection by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an electronic copy or representation of the physical oil level condition. Instead of directly observing the physical dipstick, the operator receives processed information through electronic indicators (lights or displays) that represent the actual oil level state, allowing for faster and more convenient assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of time

If manual dipstick inspection is required, then the system remains simple, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil level checking timeVSAvoidoperator intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs preliminary oil level detection automatically, readying the information for immediate operator review. The system can continuously monitor or quickly assess oil level upon request, eliminating the need for the operator to perform the time-consuming manual dipstick insertion, withdrawal, and visual inspection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical dipstick system with an automated sensor-based electronic system. The sensor detects oil level automatically, and the control circuit processes this information to provide visual feedback through indicators, eliminating the need for manual dipstick insertion and visual inspection by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9193429B1Systems and methods for indicating oil level in outboard motors

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are for indicating oil level in an outboard motor to an operator. An outboard motor has an internal combustion engine that drains oil to a sump; a sensor that senses oil level in the sump; and an input device and an indicator on the outboard motor. Actuation of the input device causes the sensor to determine the oil level, and then the indicator to indicate to the oil level to the operator.