Removable Electric Steering Mechanism for Outboard Motor Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension devices for outboard motors face challenges in weight reduction and efficient maintenance due to the integration of electric steering mechanisms with swivel brackets, leading to increased weight and complex maintenance processes when the steering mechanism is unnecessary or damaged.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device design where the electric steering mechanism, including a holding member, electric motor, and transmitter, is removably attached to the swivel bracket, allowing for separate removal and maintenance, and the use of a common swivel bracket for either electric or hydraulic steering mechanisms, reducing weight and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electric steering mechanism is partially integrated with the swivel bracket, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight reduction and maintenance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electric steering mechanism into separate removable components (electric motor, transmitter, holding member) that can be detached from the swivel bracket. This segmentation allows the suspension device weight to be reduced when the electric steering mechanism is not needed, while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the electric steering mechanism can be selectively attached or removed from the swivel bracket based on operational needs. The holding member with engagement protrusions and the swivel bracket with corresponding engagement recesses enable this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing weight optimization without compromising structural integrity when assembled.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electric steering mechanism is partially integrated with the swivel bracket, then the assembly stability is improved, but the maintenance efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electric steering mechanism into removable components that can be easily detached from the swivel bracket. The holding member with engagement protrusions and recesses provides stable assembly when connected, but allows quick separation for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between assembly stability and maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables extraction of the electric steering mechanism components (electric motor, transmitter) from the swivel bracket assembly. This extraction capability maintains assembly stability during operation while dramatically improving maintenance efficiency by allowing technicians to remove and service only the necessary components without replacing the entire integrated assembly.
3Strength
If the electric steering mechanism is partially integrated with the swivel bracket, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the electric steering mechanism can be selectively attached or removed from the swivel bracket based on operational requirements. The engagement protrusions and recesses ensure structural rigidity when assembled, while enabling configuration flexibility to adapt to different operational modes (electric steering only, hydraulic steering only, or both).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal swivel bracket design that can accommodate both electric and hydraulic steering mechanisms through standardized engagement interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same swivel bracket to support different steering configurations, improving adaptability without compromising structural rigidity when properly assembled.
4Ease of manufacture
If the electric steering mechanism is partially integrated with the swivel bracket, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the component manageability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electric steering mechanism into separate manufacturable components (electric motor, transmitter, holding member) that can be produced independently and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing specialized production of each component while improving component manageability through standardized engagement interfaces (protrusions and recesses) that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic assembly system where components can be easily attached and detached through the holding member engagement mechanism. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces while dramatically improving component manageability, allowing technicians to handle and replace individual components without managing an integrated assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A suspension device (3) includes a clamp bracket (13), a tilting shaft (14), a swivel bracket (15), a steering shaft (16), a case (53), an electric motor (54), and a transmitter (55). The electric motor (54) and the transmitter (55) are held in the interior of the case (53). The electric motor (54) produces power to rotate the steering shaft (16) about a central axis (A4) of the steering shaft (16). The transmitter (55) transmits power from the electric motor (54) to the steering shaft (16) side. The case (53) is located on a placing portion (22) provided on the swivel bracket (15), and removably attached to the swivel bracket (15).