Tiller Tilt Lock Automatic Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tiller systems for marine vessels require operators to manually manipulate tilt lock knobs or levers to unlock the tiller arm, which is inconvenient, especially when the operator is positioned far forward or the tiller is long, and often only allow locking at full-up or trailer positions, lacking mechanisms for permanent deactivation of the tilt lock system.
Innovation Solution
A tilt lock system that includes a first and second lock portion with index positions and a bias device, allowing the tiller arm to be automatically unlocked by rotating past a specific unlock feature, enabling the tiller arm to be freely rotated downward without manual disengagement of the lock mechanism, and allowing for multiple locking positions between up and down positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tilt lock knobs or levers are used to unlock the tiller arm, then the tiller arm can be locked in position, but the operator must reach back to manipulate the lock mechanism which is inconvenient when positioned far forward
Solution Approach 1:
The tiller arm rotation itself performs the unlocking function. When the tiller arm is rotated upward past the up position, the rotation automatically moves the unlock member to disengage the lock portion from the lock mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlock member is pre-positioned and configured to automatically engage with the lock portion at a specific rotation point. The system is designed so that the act of rotating the tiller arm to the up position preliminarily positions the unlock member to perform the unlocking action automatically.
2Reliability
If tilt lock system is activated to prevent downward rotation, then steering control is improved, but the system cannot be permanently deactivated and only allows locking at full-up or trailer positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock portion is made movable relative to the lock mechanism through the rotation of the tiller arm. The lock portion can be moved into engagement with the lock mechanism at multiple positions along the rotation path, allowing dynamic locking at various angles rather than fixed positions only.
Solution Approach 2:
The same rotation motion of the tiller arm serves multiple functions: it performs steering control, activates the tilt lock system for reliability, and simultaneously controls the lock portion's position to enable locking at multiple different angles including intermediate positions.
3Measurement precision
If tilt lock system prevents downward rotation through multiple lock positions, then steering precision is improved, but unwanted locking during underwater impacts cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically deactivates the tilt lock by rotating the tiller arm upward past the up position, creating a preliminary action that prevents unwanted locking before it can occur during underwater impacts or abnormal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tiller system for steering an outboard motor. The tiller system includes a tiller arm that is rotatably coupled to the outboard motor. The tiller arm is rotatable from a down position to an up position through a plurality of lock positions therebetween. A tilt lock system is coupled between the tiller arm and the outboard motor and is configured to be activated and deactivated. When activated, the tilt lock system prevents the tiller arm from rotating downwardly through each of the plurality of lock positions. The tiller arm is further rotatable into an unlock position, whereby rotating the tiller arm into the unlock position automatically deactivates the tilt lock system such that the tiller arm is freely rotatable downwardly through the plurality of lock positions.