Staggered Vessel Transom for Multiple Outboard Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outboard engines on larger boats are limited in the number that can be mounted due to the physical size and spacing requirements, which restricts the available horsepower and boat design, as widening the boat increases weight and drag.
Innovation Solution
A staggered transom configuration with multiple engine mount planes allows for non-linear mounting of outboard engines, bringing their centerlines closer together without interfering with operation or tilting capabilities, enabling more engines to be mounted on a given width hull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If engines are mounted in one plane linearly side-by-side on the transom, then the mounting structure is simple, but the number of engines that can be mounted is limited by the transom width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional staggered configuration. The transom is divided into multiple levels or planes, with engines arranged at different depths and lateral positions. This dimensional change allows engines to be positioned closer together in the horizontal direction while maintaining adequate clearance through vertical and depth-based separation, thereby increasing the number of engines that can be mounted without proportionally increasing transom width.
2Quantity of substance
If the boat is widened to mount more engines, then more engines can be mounted, but the weight and drag of the hull increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing transom width horizontally to accommodate more engines, the patent utilizes the depth and vertical dimensions of the transom structure. By arranging engines in a staggered pattern across multiple planes at different depths, the design fits more engines within the existing horizontal footprint, thereby avoiding the need to widen the hull and the associated increases in weight and drag.
3Quantity of substance
If engines are positioned closer together, then more engines can be mounted on the transom, but interference during operation and rotation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The staggered multi-plane configuration provides three-dimensional separation between engines. By positioning engines at different depths and lateral offsets, adequate clearance is maintained for engine rotation, tilting, and operation even when the horizontal distance between engine centers is reduced. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions prevents interference while allowing closer packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine arrangement employs asymmetric positioning rather than uniform spacing. Engines are offset at different distances from the centerline and at different depths, creating an asymmetric staggered pattern. This asymmetric布局 optimizes clearance for each individual engine's operational envelope while maximizing the number of engines that can be accommodated on the transom.
Data Source
AI summary
A staggered engine mount transom that extends from the primary engine mount transom of a boat for increasing the number of outboard engines mounted on a boat. A transom extension can include one or more supports for a transom section to which the outboard engines can be mounted. Engines mounted on a transom and a transom section can have overlapping operating widths and closer propeller center lines of propulsion. A transom extension can also have one or more engine pods in which outboard engines can be mounted so that the engine operating widths further overlap and the center lines of propulsion are even closer together. This allows more outboard engines to be mounted on a boat than can be mounted on just a single plane transom.