Outboard Motor Steering Load Absorption via Friction Plate Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard motor steering apparatuses face issues with unstable steering load and durability when a large load is applied from above, leading to poor followability and changes in steering feeling due to one-sided contact and inadequate load absorption.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a steering load adjustment device and suspension portion that includes load-absorbing components between the steering and swivel brackets, allowing for effective load absorption and stabilization, featuring a friction plate with a low spring constant for easy deformation and a suspension portion with a compression coil spring for additional load absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a friction plate with large spring constant is used to fix steering, then steering stability is improved, but followability under load from above deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring constant parameter of the friction plate to a small value, making it easily deformable under load from above. This parameter change allows the friction plate to follow the load effectively, resolving the contradiction between steering stability and followability under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cushioning structure with small spring constant that can deform beforehand to absorb load from above. This cushioning mechanism protects the steering system from sudden load changes while maintaining steering stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tightening pad portions are kept in pressure contact with friction plate, then steering lock stability is improved, but durability under tilt operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the friction plate dynamically adaptable by giving it a small spring constant, allowing it to deform under load from above during tilt operations. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain steering lock stability while accommodating the forces generated during tilt operations, improving durability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large space is provided between swivel bracket and steering bracket, then component disposal flexibility is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the cushioning structure with small spring constant within the existing space between the swivel bracket and steering bracket. This nested arrangement allows effective space utilization while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate various component configurations.
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 stabilizes the steering load, enhances durability, and maintains consistent steering performance by absorbing loads in two stages, preventing changes in steering feeling and efficiently using available space.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension portion (40) that allows the steering load adjustment device (20) to be supported by a steering bracket (15), wherein load absorbing portions (22b, 44) that absorb a load applied to the steering bracket (15) from above are provided respectively at the friction plate (22) and the suspension portion (40)
Implementation Method 2
the friction plate having a large spring constant and is difficult to deform is fixed to the swivel bracket with a bolt. Therefore, followability of the friction plate is bad when a steering operator presses the steering handle down and a load is applied from above
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus for an outboard motor is provided, which stabilizes a steering load of the outboard motor to realize good steering performance, and further is excellent in durability even when a load acts on a steering handle from above. Between a steering bracket (15) and a swivel bracket (14), a steering load adjustment device (20) that adjusts a loaded load to a steering operation following steering of a steering handle (18), and a suspension portion (40) that allows the steering load adjustment device to be supported by the steering bracket are included, and load absorbing portions (44, 22b) that absorb a load applied to the steering bracket from above are provided respectively at the suspension portion and the steering load adjustment device.