Variable Angle Outboard Motor Support for Torsion Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outboard motor supports, or transom savers, are not universally adaptable and can be rendered ineffective by the addition of peripherals or accessories on the transom, failing to safely transfer forces during towing, which may result in damage to the transom and outboard motor due to torsion and vibration forces.
Innovation Solution
A variable angle outboard motor support that includes a ball-and-socket configuration and adjustable mounting system, allowing for pivoting and adjustable attachment points to accommodate different boat and trailer configurations, and incorporating elastomeric materials for shock absorption, thereby distributing torque loads away from the transom and protecting the outboard motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-angle transom saver is used to transfer forces from the outboard motor to the trailer, then the transom is protected from torsion forces, but the device becomes incompatible when peripherals or accessories are added to the transom
Solution Approach 1:
The transom saver employs adjustable mounting brackets with multiple positioning holes that allow the angle and position of the support arm to be dynamically changed. This enables the device to adapt to different transom configurations with or without peripherals while maintaining effective force transfer and transom protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transom saver is designed with universal mounting capabilities through adjustable brackets that can accommodate various transom types and peripheral configurations. The same device can serve different boat setups by repositioning the mounting points, making it compatible with davits, ski-hitches, and other accessories without compromising its protective function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outboard motor is pivoted during trailer transportation to reduce aerodynamic drag and protect the propeller, then the boat's aerodynamic profile is improved and propeller is protected, but damaging torsion/torque forces are applied to the transom
Solution Approach 1:
The transom saver acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the outboard motor and the trailer frame. It provides an alternative load path that transfers torsion forces generated during motor pivoting directly to the trailer structure, bypassing the transom and preventing damage while allowing the motor to be positioned for reduced drag and propeller protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transom saver extracts the harmful torsion forces from the transom by providing a separate force transfer path to the trailer. The device isolates the transom from these damaging loads while maintaining the ability to pivot the motor for aerodynamic and propeller protection benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal transom saver design is created to work with multiple motor/hull/trailer configurations, then compatibility is improved, but the device may become ineffective when specific peripherals are added to the transom
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mounting brackets with multiple positioning holes enable the user to dynamically reconfigure the transom saver's geometry based on the specific boat and peripheral setup. This maintains reliable force transfer by optimizing the angle and position of the support arm for each configuration, preventing interference with davits, ski-hitches, or other accessories while preserving the protective function.
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 variable angle outboard motor support effectively distributes torque loads and protects the transom and outboard motor from damage during towing, even with added peripherals or accessories, by allowing for adjustable and secure attachment to the trailer, reducing the risk of contact with critical components and minimizing damage from road vibrations and debris.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating elastomeric materials for shock absorption
Implementation Method 2
minimizing damage from road vibrations and debris
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor support includes a trailer mount attachable to a trailer. A first arm extends from the trailer mount, and a second arm extends from an outboard motor and includes an outboard motor mount. The outboard motor support includes an adjustable coupling connecting the first arm and the second arm.