Outboard Motor Split Upper Casing Transmission Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard motors face increased costs and water resistance issues when installing transmissions due to the need for wider upper casings and modifications to other components, which complicates the installation process and affects performance.
Innovation Solution
The design features a vertically-mounted crankshaft with a transmission on the drive shaft that changes rotational speed, utilizing a split upper casing with a wider mating surface to accommodate the transmission without modifying other components, reducing installation costs and water resistance by maintaining the original configuration of other members and not extending the lateral width of the lower casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper casing is widened to accommodate the transmission, then the transmission can be installed, but the cost increases due to modifications of the upper casing, mounting plate, and lower casing
Solution Approach 1:
The upper casing is divided into two separate casings: a first upper casing that maintains the original narrow configuration for compatibility with existing mounting plates and lower casings, and a second upper casing that provides the wider configuration needed to accommodate the transmission. This segmentation allows the transmission to be installed without requiring modifications to other components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lateral width is widened from the lower section of the upper casing through the lower casing for transmission insertion, then the transmission can be installed, but water resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper casing is segmented into a first upper casing with narrow lateral width that interfaces with the lower casing at its original width, and a second upper casing that is wider to accommodate the transmission. By keeping the lower section and mating surface width unchanged, the narrowest cross-section of the outboard motor remains the same, preventing increased water resistance while still allowing transmission installation in the wider upper portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper casing width is increased to fit the transmission, then the transmission can be mounted, but other members such as mounting plate and lower casing need modification
Solution Approach 1:
The upper casing is divided into a first upper casing that maintains the original configuration and interfaces with existing mounting plates and lower casings, and a second upper casing that is wider to accommodate the transmission. This segmentation isolates the width increase to only the second upper casing, allowing the transmission to be mounted without requiring any modifications to the mounting plate, lower casing, or other members, thereby reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an outboard motor, a lower casing is located below an upper casing, and an engine with a vertically-arranged crankshaft is mounted above the upper casing. The rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to a drive shaft pivotally supported in the upper casing, has its speed changed by a transmission mounted on the drive shaft, and is transmitted to a propeller shaft pivotally supported in the lower casing. The upper casing includes an upper-side casing and a lower-side casing, and mating surface portions of the upper-side casing and the lower-side casing are laterally wider than an upper section and a lower section of the upper casing.