Outboard Motor Steering System Compact Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems for outboard motors are complex, voluminous, and difficult to attach, occupying valuable space within the watercraft and interfering with other components, especially when the outboard motor is tilted up.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering system design where the drive mechanism, including a worm gear or bevel gear system driven by an electric motor, is positioned between the swivel bracket and the engine cowling, allowing the outboard motor to pivot freely without bulky components obstructing the tilt shaft, thus enabling easier attachment and tilt-up movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drive mechanism is positioned adjacent to the tilt shaft in front of the clamping bracket, then the steering system can be attached to the watercraft, but the structure becomes complicated and voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanism with the swivel bracket assembly, positioning the electric motor and gear mechanism within the same spatial envelope. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall number of components, thereby simplifying the attachment process while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is nested within the swivel bracket structure, with the electric motor positioned inside the bracket housing and the gear mechanism arranged to utilize the existing structural space. This nesting approach allows the steering system to be attached without requiring additional external mounting structures, simplifying both the attachment process and overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drive mechanism is positioned inside the watercraft, then the steering system can be attached, but room adjacent to the transom is needed and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the drive mechanism with the swivel bracket assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting space adjacent to the transom. The combined assembly fits within the existing motor mount structure, thereby reducing the total space required and eliminating the need for additional room adjacent to the transom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the drive mechanism from a lateral arrangement (adjacent to the transom) to a vertical arrangement (within the motor mount structure). This dimensional change allows the steering system to be attached without occupying horizontal space adjacent to the transom, effectively utilizing vertical space instead.
3Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism is positioned to accommodate the steering bracket, then the steering system can function, but the combined clamping bracket and drive mechanism becomes voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive mechanism with the swivel bracket assembly, positioning all components within the same spatial envelope. This combining approach ensures that the steering functionality is maintained while minimizing the total volume occupied, as the drive mechanism does not require additional space beyond what is already allocated for the motor mount structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the drive mechanism components to utilize the local space within the swivel bracket structure efficiently. The electric motor and gear mechanism are positioned to fit within the existing bracket dimensions, ensuring that the steering functionality is achieved without increasing the overall volume of the combined assembly.
4Strength
If the steering system is attached with bulky components, then the steering mechanism can be robust, but the attachment process becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the drive mechanism with the swivel bracket assembly, the patent creates a unified structure that can be attached as a single unit. This merging approach maintains the robustness of the steering mechanism while simplifying the attachment process, as the combined assembly requires fewer separate mounting operations and reduces the complexity of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the steering system into modular components (electric motor, gear mechanism, swivel bracket) that can be assembled in a standardized manner. This segmentation allows for robust construction while facilitating easier attachment, as each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled using standardized connection methods.
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
The solution simplifies the attachment process, reduces space occupation, and ensures unobstructed tilt-up movement by compactly integrating the drive mechanism and electric motors between the swivel bracket and engine cowling, enhancing the overall structural simplicity and functionality of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor adapted to provide drive force for the drive mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A simplified steering system design where the drive mechanism, including a worm gear or bevel gear system driven by an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel bracket of an outboard motor pivots about an axis of a tilt shaft disposed at a front end of the bracket unit and extending horizontally in a vertical plane to adjust a tilt angle and a trim angle of the outboard motor. A steering system for the outboard motor includes a pivotal gear attached to the swivel shaft, a drive mechanism driving the pivotal gear, and an electric motor providing drive force to the drive mechanism. Preferably these steering system components are positioned between the swivel bracket and an engine cowling of the outboard motor.