Thruster Mounting Bracket with Integrated Lamp and Hollow Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wakeboard boats face difficulties in mounting thrusters due to limited space and lack of lighting, as existing solutions do not efficiently utilize available space on the transom and do not provide adequate illumination for night operations.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a horizontal and vertical member configuration that positions the thruster away from the boat, allowing for optimal water flow and incorporating an underwater lamp for illumination, with hollow connectors for electrical wiring, minimizing transom space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a thruster is mounted directly to the transom of a wakeboard boat, then the mounting space is minimized, but the water flow through the thruster is restricted by surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket extends the thruster mounting position from the two-dimensional transom surface into the third dimension by projecting horizontally outward. The horizontal member carries the thruster away from the boat body, creating a spatial arrangement that removes the propeller clearance issue while minimizing transom penetration.
2Device complexity
If the thruster is positioned close to the boat, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the water flow and maneuvering efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: a vertical member that attaches to the transom, a horizontal member that positions the thruster, and connection points for the thruster itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting components are added to the stern for night operations, then the illumination is provided, but the available space for mounting is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged with the existing thruster mounting bracket. The horizontal member that positions the thruster also supports the light source, allowing both functions to share the same mounting space and structural elements without competing for transom real estate.
4Ease of manufacture
If wires are routed externally from the boat to the thruster, then the electrical connection is simple, but the wires are exposed to water which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The wire routing is nested within the hollow horizontal member of the bracket. This allows the electrical conductors to be concealed and protected from water exposure while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance and eliminating the need for separate conduit installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat includes horizontal and vertical members disposed at right angles to each other. The horizontal member includes an enclosure which contains a lamp. A thruster is mounted to the horizontal member, and the vertical member is affixed to the transom of a boat. The thruster is therefore held in spaced-apart relation to the boat, optimizing the flow of water through the thruster, and minimizing the amount of space required, on the transom, for installation of components. The horizontal member, and one of the connectors holding the vertical member to the boat, are hollow, allowing wires to extend into the horizontal member, to provide power to the thruster and the lamp.