Transom Bracket Shear Pin Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transom bracket assemblies for marine drives lack efficient mechanisms for easy connection and disconnection, and they do not effectively distribute impact loads across multiple shear points, which can lead to damage during events like logstrikes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed transom bracket assembly features a swivel tube coupled to a steering arm and a yoke that connects to the marine drive, providing multiple shear points at the first and second joints, allowing for improved load distribution and easy connection/disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing transom bracket assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but they lack efficient mechanisms for easy connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The transom bracket assembly is divided into separate modular components including the transom bracket, steering bracket, swivel tube, and marine drive unit. These segmented components can be independently assembled and disconnected through the shear pin mechanism, enabling easy installation and removal without requiring complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear pin acts as an intermediary element between the swivel tube and the steering bracket. This simple intermediary component enables easy connection and disconnection by allowing the marine drive to be quickly attached to or separated from the transom bracket through a single shear pin insertion or removal action.
2Strength
If existing transom bracket assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but they do not effectively distribute impact loads across multiple shear points
Solution Approach 1:
The load path is segmented into multiple shear points distributed throughout the assembly. The first shear point occurs at the shear pin connecting the swivel tube to the steering bracket, while the second shear point occurs at the mounting connections between the transom bracket and the vessel transom. This segmentation distributes impact loads across multiple locations rather than concentrating them at a single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates predetermined shear points that are engineered to fail in sequence during impact events. The shear pin is designed to shear first as a sacrificial element, cushioning the impact before it reaches the more critical structural connections, thereby protecting the overall assembly from catastrophic failure.
3Reliability
If multiple shear points are implemented, then load distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into modular components connected by identifiable shear points, making the multiple-shear-point design manageable. Each component (transom bracket, steering bracket, swivel tube) can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity despite the presence of multiple load distribution points.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear pin is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is intended to be replaced rather than repaired after shearing. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring consistent performance of the shear point while keeping the overall device complexity low, as the sacrificial element is simple and inexpensive.
Data Source
AI summary
A transom bracket assembly is for supporting a marine drive on a marine vessel. The assembly comprises a transom bracket comprising a swivel cylinder, a steering arm extending from the marine drive, a swivel tube having a first end coupled to the steering arm and a second end seated in the swivel cylinder so that steering of the steering arm relative to the transom bracket rotates the swivel tube in the swivel cylinder about a steering axis for the marine drive, and a yoke which couples the second end of the swivel tube to the marine drive.