Variable Multi-Engine Jack Plate With Adjustable Center

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-engine jack plates are motor-specific, limiting their ability to accommodate outboard motors with different mounting points, as they lack adjustable configurations to adapt to various motor configurations.

Innovation Solution

A variable multi-engine jack plate design featuring a motor plate with symmetrically located holes and a two-piece center plate connector system, allowing for the adjustment of the center plate's position to accommodate different outboard motor configurations, coupled with hydraulic cylinders and a pump system for precise movement and mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed jack plate design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different outboard motor configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different outboard motor configurationsVSAvoidjack plate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jack plate is divided into multiple functional segments including a motor plate with multiple mounting hole patterns, an adjustable center plate with multiple position settings, and separate connector components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while providing overall versatility through reconfiguration of the segments to match different motor mounting requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jack plate incorporates universal mounting features including multiple sets of holes in the motor plate for different motor brands and models, an adjustable center plate that can be positioned at multiple locations, and standardized connector interfaces. This multi-functionality enables a single jack plate design to accommodate various outboard motor configurations without requiring multiple specialized plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the center plate position is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but different motor mounting points cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different mounting pointsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of adjustable center plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The center plate is designed with adjustability mechanisms including multiple pre-drilled hole positions and connection features that allow the center plate to be repositioned along the motor plate. This dynamic capability enables the same jack plate to be configured for different motor mounting patterns without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple hole positions and mounting locations are pre-drilled and prepared during manufacturing of the motor plate and center plate. This preliminary action provides ready-to-use mounting options that simplify field installation and adjustment, as users only need to select and connect to the appropriate pre-prepared holes rather than drilling new positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10293906B1Variable multi engine jack plate

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 PELINI MARK F

AI summary

A variable multiple engine jack plate, comprising, in combination, a motor plate, a pair of center plate connectors, a pair of outer slides and a pair of inner slides.There is at least one hydraulic cylinder coupling the motor plate and the slides. There is a hydraulic pump system having a pump and a hydraulic fluid flow control valve and a hydraulic fluid reservoir holding a volume of hydraulic fluid.