Telescoping Stern Light Retrofit for Outboard Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outboard marine motors lack the necessary electrical systems to power stern navigation lights for extended periods, leading to safety concerns and compliance issues during harsh weather or low visibility conditions, with existing retrofit solutions being inconvenient, costly, or compromising the integrity of the boat's hull.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a telescoping mast with a stern navigation light and rear-facing illumination zones capable of outputting black, white, and red lights, powered by the engine, which can be easily retrofitted onto outboard marine motors, ensuring compliance with navigation regulations without modifying the hull's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a hole is made in the hull to insert a navigation staff with stern light, then the stern light can be positioned above water level for visibility, but the hull's integrity is compromised and water leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation staff is inserted through the cowling structure rather than directly through the hull, using the cowling as an intermediary component that provides mounting support without compromising hull integrity. The staff passes through the cowling's interior space and is secured by the cowling structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the lighting function from the hull structure by mounting the stern light on a removable navigation staff that attaches to the cowling. This segmentation allows the light to be positioned for visibility while the hull remains intact and watertight.
2Illumination intensity
If a navigation staff is inserted through the hull, then the stern light can be elevated above water for visibility, but the positioning interferes with stationing the light away from boat occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation staff is designed to be telescopic, allowing its length to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the stern light to be positioned at optimal heights for visibility while maintaining flexibility in positioning relative to the boat and its occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation staff with stern light can be stored within or alongside the cowling structure when not in use, allowing easy deployment and retraction. The staff nests within the cowling's interior space, providing convenient storage and positioning flexibility.
3Reliability
If commercial cowling configurations with built-in stern lights are used, then navigation compliance is achieved, but installation becomes inconvenient and cost-prohibitive for retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stern light function from the cowling structure itself, using a standalone navigation staff that attaches to the existing cowling. This segmentation allows boat owners to retrofit the lighting system without replacing the entire cowling assembly, significantly reducing cost and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation staff with stern light is designed as a universal retrofit solution that can be installed on various cowling types. The staff attaches to the cowling's existing structure through universal mounting methods, making the system adaptable to different boat configurations without custom manufacturing.
4Strength
If the navigation staff is removed from the hull hole, then hull integrity is restored, but the staff occupies valuable boat space and can be damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cowling structure serves as an intermediary mounting point, allowing the navigation staff to be stored alongside or within the cowling rather than requiring a permanent hole in the hull. This eliminates the need for a through-hull opening while providing secure storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation staff nests within the cowling's interior space when not in use, utilizing the existing cowling volume for storage. This eliminates the need for separate storage space in the boat interior and prevents the staff from being damaged or lost.
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes a telescoping mast with a stern navigation light source, a first rear facing illumination source, a second rear facing illumination source, a front-facing inboard light source stationed between the first and second light sources, a weather receiver which receives location-based weather information, and a geo-location receiver in communication with the weather receiver. The mast automatically telescopes and retracts, and the stern navigation light source automatically turns on and off, based at least in part on the information. The illumination device can be provided in an outboard marine motor, or as a system for retrofitting existing outboard marine motors.