Remote Tiller Arm Mounting for Marine Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for marine propulsion, particularly for small outboard engines, are inconvenient and unsafe when the water level is lower than the main deck, as they require operators to lean over or stand on the rear platform to control the motor, posing a safety risk and impairing motor performance due to inefficient positioning and packaging.
Innovation Solution
A remote mounted motor command input device using a tiller arm mounted non-adjacent to the motor, which is economical, flexible, and purely mechanical, allowing operators to control the motor from a safe location on the main deck without electronic power sources, utilizing a marine grade push-pull cable assembly or hydraulic system for efficient command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tiller arm is mounted adjacent to the motor on the lower transom, then the motor can be controlled directly, but the operator must lean over the rail or stand on the rear platform which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The tiller arm is relocated from the vertical dimension (lower transom level) to a different horizontal dimension (main deck railing), allowing the operator to control the motor from a safe position on the main deck without leaning over the stern rail or standing on the rear platform
Solution Approach 2:
A remote mounting bracket system acts as an intermediary, transferring the control function from the motor's immediate location to the main deck railing, enabling safe remote operation while maintaining mechanical connection to the motor
2Ease of operation
If the entire motor is raised or lowered to accommodate different vessel types, then tiller arm positioning can be optimized, but motor performance is compromised due to suboptimal propeller position
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent components: the motor remains fixed at its optimal performance position on the transom, while the tiller arm mounting is separated and relocated to the main deck railing, allowing each component to occupy its optimal position without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The tiller arm control interface is moved to a different spatial dimension (main deck level) while the motor remains in its original vertical position, eliminating the need to raise or lower the motor and preserving propeller performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tiller arm is used on high-rail boats, then the motor can be controlled, but the operator must reach through the rail or crouch which is inconvenient and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The tiller arm control interface is elevated from the lower transom level to the main deck railing level, placing it within easy reach of the operator standing normally on the main deck, eliminating the need to crouch, lean, or reach through the rail
Solution Approach 2:
The remote mounting bracket system provides universal adaptability to different vessel types and railing configurations, enabling safe and convenient motor control from the main deck regardless of the specific boat design
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to the field of steering systems for marine propulsion, and more specifically, to a remote mounted motor command input device for marine vessels that enables a boat operator to control a motor via a tiller arm remotely mounted at a location non-adjacent to the motor. A purpose of the device is to allow for an operator to safely and conveniently control the motor, which is mounted aft of the rear platform near the bottom of the boat transom, from within the region enclosed by the main deck perimeter railing. Therefore, the operator is not tempted to control the outboard motor while standing on the rear platform of the marine vessel and is not required to leave the main deck area or enter the cockpit in order to control the motor.