Rotating Transom Motor Unit for Safer Boat Launch and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual assembly and disassembly of outboard motors on boats is tiring and risky, and can interfere with hull and deck lines, posing safety hazards during launching, hauling, and storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A motorization unit with an electric motor mounted on a transom and rotatable around a coaxial axis, allowing easy transition between operating and inactive positions without interference with the hull and deck, using a special fixing hole and bearing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly and disassembly of outboard motors is used, then the motor can be moved between operating and inactive positions, but it is tiring and dangerous for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a self-service mechanism where the outboard motor automatically moves between operating and inactive positions using its own weight and a ratchet-pawl locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual handling by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system consisting of a ratchet mechanism, pawl, and gravity-assisted movement that automatically positions the motor without human intervention
2Power
If the outboard motor is mounted on the transom, then it provides effective propulsion, but it interferes with hull and deck lines during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The outboard motor is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to rotate between a horizontal operating position for propulsion and a vertical inactive position that clears the hull and deck lines, adapting to different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily positions the motor in a vertical retracted state before launching or hauling operations to prevent interference with lines, and only transitions to horizontal position when propulsion is needed
3Power
If the outboard motor remains in operating position, then propulsion is available, but it causes safety risks during launching and hauling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The motor mounting system dynamically changes position based on operational requirements, automatically rotating to a vertical inactive position during launching and hauling to eliminate safety risks while maintaining the ability to provide propulsion when needed
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A watercraft or vessel (N) comprises a hull (S) and an engine unit (M), whose propulsion and steering body (1), equipped with an adjustable foot (2) supporting a propeller (3), is adapted to be mounted on a transom (4) of said hull (S), said body (1) being rotatably fixed around an axis (K) coaxial to the longitudinal axis (Z) of said hull (S) to move between an operative position (PO) with the said foot (2) immersed in the water below a line (L) of the waterline of the said hull (S), and an inactive position (PR) of the said body (1 ), in correspondence with which said body (1) is arranged with said foot (2) at least partially above said waterline (L); said body (1) comprises, or is directly connected to, an electric motor (M).