Outboard Motor Support Stabilizing Lateral Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outboard motor supports cannot effectively stabilize modern outboard motors without damaging the motor housing, as many newer models lack exposed bolts for traditional mounting methods, and existing solutions fail to prevent lateral movement during towing.
Innovation Solution
An outboard motor support system with an elongated body and coupling members that interact with stern and motor brackets without contacting the motor housing, featuring vibration damping materials and stabilizing arms to secure the motor in a raised position and prevent lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional motor mate is used to brace the motor against stern bracket, then the motor can be supported in raised position, but it damages the motor housing because newer motors lack exposed bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motor bracket as an intermediary component between the motor and the support system. Instead of directly contacting the motor housing, the support body interacts with the motor bracket, which is properly attached to the motor. This mediator prevents direct damage to the motor housing while maintaining reliable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a coupling member for the stern bracket, an elongated support body, and a motor bracket interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without causing harm to the motor housing, as the support body never directly contacts the housing itself.
2Reliability
If conventional motor mate is used without stabilizing elements, then the motor can be supported, but lateral movement of the motor cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated support assembly: vertical support, lateral stabilization, and bracket coupling. The support body includes both the elongated bracing element and stabilizing elements that work together to prevent both vertical drooping and lateral movement, providing comprehensive motor stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing elements extend laterally from the support body to contact opposite sides of the motor bracket, adding lateral dimension control to the primarily vertical support function. This multi-dimensional approach prevents movement in both vertical and lateral directions.
3Device complexity
If support system contacts motor housing directly, then simple support can be provided, but damage to motor housing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The motor bracket serves as a necessary intermediary between the support system and the motor. While this adds a component to the system, it eliminates the need for direct housing contact and prevents damage. The motor bracket is the proper interface point designed for such attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to support an outboard motor in a raised position, the device including an elongated support body having first and second ends, a coupling member provided at the first end of the support body and configured to be removably coupled to a stern bracket, and a pair of stabilizing members coupled proximate the second end of the support body, wherein the second end of the support body is configured to contact a motor bracket to maintain the outboard motor in the raised position, and wherein the pair of stabilizing members are configured to be fixable in a position to contact opposite sides of the outboard motor to stabilize the outboard and inhibit lateral movement.