Spring-Assisted Jack Plate for Outboard Motor Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack plates for outboard motors require more powerful and durable actuators to handle larger motors, leading to increased costs, maintenance, and operational challenges due to the need for greater load accommodation.
Innovation Solution
A jack plate design incorporating a spring assembly, such as a compression or extension gas spring, that applies a biasing force to reduce the load on the actuator, allowing for easier vertical adjustment of the motor's trim and height, thereby reducing the required actuator power and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a jack plate is designed to accommodate larger outboard motors, then the load capacity increases, but the actuator power and size must increase accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spring mechanism that acts as a counterweight system. The spring is configured to bias the lift plate assembly in the upward direction, opposing the gravitational force on the motor. This reduces the net force the actuator must exert to raise the motor, allowing smaller actuators to handle larger motors. The spring constant and pre-load are designed to compensate for a portion of the motor weight during the lifting stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides periodic force assistance during the motor lifting operation. As the lift plate assembly moves upward, the spring progressively releases stored potential energy, providing continuous force assistance throughout the lifting stroke. This periodic energy release reduces the peak power demand on the actuator system.
2Force
If a jack plate uses more powerful actuators to handle larger motors, then the load capacity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based counterweight system simplifies the actuator requirements by mechanically pre-loading the system to assist with lifting. This passive mechanical assistance reduces the complexity of the active actuator system, allowing the use of simpler, less powerful actuators while maintaining the ability to handle larger motor loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is a self-service system that automatically provides force assistance without requiring external control or power input. The spring's elastic properties inherently provide the necessary counterbalancing force, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or additional power sources that would increase device complexity.
3Force
If a jack plate uses more powerful actuators to accommodate larger motors, then the load capacity increases, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using a spring-based counterweight system, the patent reduces the operational stress and power demands on the actuator. This results in lower wear rates on actuator components, extended service intervals, and reduced maintenance requirements. The spring system absorbs much of the mechanical stress, protecting the actuator from overload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component is a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable part that can absorb wear and degradation. If the spring deteriorates, it can be replaced without affecting the actuator system, providing a low-cost maintenance solution that protects the more expensive and complex actuator from premature failure.
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 spring assembly reduces the force needed to raise and lower the motor, enabling the use of less powerful and lighter actuators, enhancing longevity and reducing maintenance needs while facilitating easier operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably coupled between the mounting assembly and the lift plate assembly, the spring applying a biasing force between the lift plate assembly and the mounting assembly
Implementation Method 2
A pressurized gas is disposed in the first part of the cylinder bore. The second part of the cylinder bore is in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere. The outside atmosphere has an atmospheric pressure and the pressurized gas has a pressure that is greater than the atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A jack plate includes a mounting assembly having first and second spacing brackets connected by a transom plate adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, each of the spacing brackets having inwardly facing channels at rearward sides of the spacing brackets. The jack plate further includes a motor lift including a lift plate extending between a first bearing and a second bearing, the channels adapted to conformingly receive the first and second bearings. An actuator is provided to raise and lower the lift plate relative to the transom plate. At least one spring is operably coupled between the mounting assembly and the motor lift, the spring unloading the lift plate to re-duce load on the actuator. The spring is optionally a compression gas spring.