Stretchable Opaque Motor Cover for Outboard Boat Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover devices for outboard boat motors do not effectively protect the motors from sunlight and water, and lack aesthetic appeal, as they are typically made of non-elastic and translucent materials that fail to conform to the motor's shape and do not enhance the motor's appearance.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder made of resiliently stretchable, opaque material with integrated indicia for ornamental enhancement, which conforms to the motor's contours and includes a drawstring for secure closure, protecting the motor from sunlight, water, and debris while maintaining a visually appealing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a non-elastic material is used for the cover, then the cover can be manufactured simply, but it cannot conform to the contours of the outboard boat motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformity to motor contoursVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible shell made of resiliently stretchable material that can conform to the complex contours of the outboard motor while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible cover resolves the contradiction by providing both shape conformity and manufacturability through materials like spandex or elastomeric compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters from rigid to resiliently stretchable, allowing the cover to dynamically adapt its shape to match the motor contours. This parameter change enables the cover to stretch and conform during installation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a translucent material is used for the cover, then the cover can be manufactured simply, but it reflects ultraviolet radiation and does not provide effective protection from sunlight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from sunlight and UV radiationVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from translucent to opaque material, fundamentally changing the optical properties of the cover. This color/transparency change enables effective UV radiation blocking and sunlight protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard opaque material processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple cover design is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the cover lacks aesthetic appeal and does not enhance the motor's appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible shell material allows for the integration of printed indicia and graphical elements directly onto the cover surface. This approach enhances aesthetic appearance through customizable designs while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through direct printing methods on the flexible material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a non-secure fit cover is used, then the cover is easy to install and remove, but it does not provide comprehensive protection from water and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water and debrisVSAvoidinstallation and removal convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a dynamic closure system with drawstrings that can be adjusted and tightened to secure the cover firmly around the motor. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the cover to transition from a loose fit during installation to a secure, water-tight fit during use, while remaining easy to remove by loosening the drawstrings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively extends the lifespan of paint and decals on the outboard boat motor by providing comprehensive protection from environmental elements while enhancing its appearance through customizable imagery and secure fit.

Implementation Method 1

The cylinder is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material to conform to contours of the outboard boat motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The cylinder is comprised of an opaque material to protect the outboard boat motor from sunlight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11455922B2Protective motor cover assembly

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 BAUZON JAMES

AI summary

A protective motor cover assembly includes a cylinder that is positionable over an outboard boat motor. The cylinder is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material to conform to contours of the outboard boat motor. The cylinder is comprised of an opaque material to protect the outboard boat motor from sunlight. Indicia are printed thereon on the cylinder to enhance the ornamental appearance of the outboard boat motor. A drawstring is slidably integrated into the cylinder. The drawstring closes the cylinder around the outboard boat motor when the drawstring is tightened for retaining the cylinder around the outboard boat motor.