Outboard Marine Drive Splash Plate for Cowl Water Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard marine drives face challenges in effectively preventing the ingress of water into the cowling and associated components, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage due to hydrodynamic drag and water ingress.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a splash plate with a flange extending radially outward from the lower unit, designed to deflect water away from the gap between the top cowl and the supporting frame, combined with a flexible member that is clamped in place using a single fastener, enhances the water drainage system by redirecting splashed water away from the cowling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gap is defined between the top cowl and supporting frame for structural reasons, then assembly and manufacturing are easier, but water ingress into the cowling increases
Solution Approach 1:
A splash plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the supporting frame and the top cowl. The splash plate includes a flange that extends radially outward to deflect water away from the gap, while the main body positioned within the gap provides additional protection. This intermediary element allows the gap to remain open for manufacturing ease while preventing water ingress.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the splash plate, then water sealing improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splash plate utilizes a flexible member that can be elastically deformed during installation and then returns to its original shape to provide sealing pressure. This flexibility allows a single fastener to secure the splash plate while maintaining effective water sealing, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and reducing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the splash plate uses a complex mounting system, then water deflection effectiveness improves, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splash plate is segmented into two functional parts: a flange that extends radially outward from the supporting frame to deflect water away from the gap, and a main body positioned within the gap to provide additional protection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall installation process simple through the use of a single fastener.
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 effectively reduces water ingress into the cowling, minimizing hydrodynamic drag and preventing damage, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the marine drive.
Implementation Method 1
a splash plate on the lower unit, the splash plate being configured to reduce inflow of water to the top cowl via the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard marine drive has a supporting frame, a lower unit suspended from the supporting frame, the lower unit supporting a propulsor for propelling the outboard marine drive in water, a top cowl on the supporting frame, wherein a gap is defined between a lower end portion of the top cowl and the supporting frame or the lower unit, and a splash plate on the lower unit, the splash plate being configured to reduce inflow of water to the top cowl via the gap.