Stern Thruster Transom Mounting Pontoon Boat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stern thrusters are not readily adaptable for pontoon boats due to limited space and difficulty in installation after the boat's manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A stern thruster system that can be conveniently mounted to a boat, specifically designed to be attached to the transom below the waterline, between the outboard motor and the transom, allowing for lateral thrust without disturbing the typical mounting of the outboard motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a VRTT or swing thruster is installed within the hull, then lateral thrust capability is provided, but available space is insufficient and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stern thruster is positioned in the vertical dimension between the transom and the outboard motor, utilizing the unused space in the vertical direction rather than trying to fit within the horizontal confines of the hull. This dimensional shift allows the thruster to be installed without modifying the hull structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stern thruster acts as an intermediary component installed in the gap between the transom and the outboard motor. This intermediary positioning allows both the original outboard motor system and the new thruster system to coexist without interfering with each other's function or installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stern thruster is installed after boat manufacture, then lateral thrust capability is added, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stern thruster system is segmented into separate components (thruster unit, mounting bracket, fasteners) that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation allows the thruster to be installed as a modular unit without requiring disassembly of the outboard motor or complex structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with pre-drilled holes and attachment features that simplify the installation process. The bracket is prepared in advance with all necessary mounting provisions, so that during installation, only simple attachment operations are required rather than complex fabrication or modification work.
3Volume of moving object
If the stern thruster is positioned between the outboard motor and transom, then space utilization is improved, but mounting space is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with specific local features (attachment holes, positioning elements) concentrated at critical locations. This localized quality approach allows the thruster to be securely mounted in the constrained space without requiring the entire transom area to be modified, utilizing only the specific spots where mounting holes are provided.
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
Enables easy installation and mounting of a stern thruster on pontoon boats and other vessels, providing effective lateral thrust without compromising the outboard motor's mounting or steering mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thruster propellor; the stern thruster configured to provide lateral thrust to the hull
Data Source
AI summary
A stern thruster for use with a boat with at least one hull with a transom and an outboard motor that comprises: a powerhead; a mounting bracket attaching the outboard motor with respect to the hull; a midsection leg extending downwardly from the powerhead; a lower unit provided at a downward end of the midsection leg, the lower unit comprising a propulsion propellor configured to be positioned below a waterline of the hull. The stern thruster comprises: at least one thruster motor; at least one thruster propellor; a sleeve housing the at least one thruster motor and the at least one thruster propellor. The stern thruster is attached with respect to the transom, at a position below a waterline of the hull in use. The stern thruster is positioned between the midsection leg or lower unit of the outboard motor and the transom to provide lateral thrust to the hull.