Outboard Motor Shift Unit Assembly Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard motor designs face challenges in improving the workability of the shift unit assembly, particularly due to the need for high assembly accuracy and the separate casing arrangement of the clutch body and actuator, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shift unit with a clutch body that reciprocates parallel to the drive shaft, a shift fork member engaged with the clutch body, and an actuator that reciprocates the shift fork member, all housed within a shift unit storage chamber with a lid member that supports the actuator and provides a guide for the shift fork, enhancing assembly accessibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch body and actuator are arranged in different casings, then the structural layout is flexible, but high assembly accuracy is required when coupling the casings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch body and actuator into the same casing (lower unit), eliminating the need to couple separate casings. This integration maintains structural layout flexibility while removing the high assembly accuracy requirement that would be needed to join multiple casings together.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shift unit components are assembled with predetermined sequence and accuracy, then the assembly is precise, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shift unit into modular components (clutch body, actuator, shift fork member) that are independently assembled within the same casing. This modular approach allows for simplified assembly sequences while maintaining precision, as each component can be positioned and secured independently without requiring complex multi-casing alignment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is supported by the lid member, then the assembly accessibility is improved, but the lid member structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is designed to serve multiple functions: it closes the shift unit storage chamber and simultaneously provides support for the actuator. This multi-functionality improves assembly accessibility by positioning the actuator in a readily accessible location while avoiding the need for additional separate support structures, thereby not increasing overall structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the assembly process, improves workability, and enhances the accuracy of the shift unit assembly by allowing for easier installation and alignment of components, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly while maintaining the structural integrity of the outboard motor.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may be a linear motion type having a motor that generates rotational power, and a ball screw mechanism that has a ball screw nut and a screw shaft and converts rotational power generated from the motor into a rectilinear motion
Data Source
AI summary
The outboard motor includes a lower unit that rotatably supports a propeller shaft installed with propellers, and a shift unit that switches a shift position. The lower unit is provided with an upwardly opened shift unit storage chamber and a lid member that covers the upper side of the shift unit storage chamber. The shift unit has a dog clutch that switches the shift position by reciprocating in parallel with the drive shaft, a shift fork member that reciprocates the dog clutch in parallel with the drive shaft, and an actuator that reciprocates the shift fork member in parallel with the drive shaft. The actuator is supported by the lid member.