Outboard Motor Shift Actuator Layout for Compact Manual Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shift systems for outboard motors are not compatible with manually operated systems and are bulky due to inadequate design considerations for motor output shaft orientation and actuator placement, leading to increased size and vertical dimension.
Innovation Solution
A compact shift system design with a motor-driven shift actuator positioned forward and lateral to the engine, an electric motor rearward of the actuator, and a clutch shaft extending downward, along with a linkage system that connects the actuator output shaft to the clutch shaft, allowing for reduced size and compatibility with manual shift operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven shift actuator is connected to a shift rod via a plurality of reduction gears and shift rod-side gears, then the shift operation can be performed in a motor-driven manner, but it becomes difficult to maintain compatibility with conventional outboard motors that use manual shift cable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven shift actuator is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both motor-driven and manual shift cable operation modes, allowing the same actuator to serve multiple functions and maintain compatibility with conventional systems while enabling automated operation
2Device complexity
If the motor-driven shift actuator is positioned without sufficient consideration for motor output shaft orientation and actuator placement, then the system can be simplified, but the vertical dimension and overall size of the shift system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven shift actuator is repositioned from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement beside the engine, utilizing horizontal space instead of vertical space, thereby reducing the vertical dimension of the shift system while maintaining all necessary functional connections
3Measurement precision
If a position sensor is incorporated projecting upward in the upper part of the motor-driven shift actuator, then the rotational position can be detected, but the vertical dimension of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is repositioned from an upward-projection configuration to a lateral or downward configuration, detecting rotational position through horizontal or downward-oriented components, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing the vertical dimension of the system
4Reliability
If a neutral switch is incorporated in the motor-driven shift actuator, then the neutral position can be detected, but the size of the motor-driven shift actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral switch function is merged with existing components in the shift actuator assembly, such as integrating the switch mechanism into the gear train or linkage system, thereby achieving neutral position detection without increasing the overall actuator size
Data Source
AI summary
A shift system for outboard motors, which is reduced in size, and is capable securing compatibility with an outboard motor of a type for which the shift operation is manually performed using a shift cable. A motor-driven shift actuator is disposed at a location forward of and to the right of an engine within an engine cover covering the engine. A clutch motor is provided for the actuator and disposed at a location rearward thereof, with a motor output shaft disposed in a manner extending forward, and is operated in response to the detected vessel operator's shift. An actuator output shaft is disposed at a location forward of the clutch motor and extends downward from a front part of the actuator. The actuator output shaft rotates in accordance with rotation of the motor output shaft. A clutch shaft is disposed below the actuator and rearward of the actuator output shaft. A first linkage is disposed on the right side of the actuator, as viewed in plan view, and connects between the actuator output shaft and the clutch shaft.