Watercraft Rear Module Layout for Easy Battery Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of batteries in recreational watercraft with inboard electric propulsion systems is complicated and costly, often requiring disassembly of the deck or lifting it completely, due to batteries being integrated below the deck for space and weight distribution advantages.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft design featuring a rear module that can be selectively connected and disconnected from the hull and deck, allowing the battery to be translated in and out of an opening between the hull and deck for replacement without full disassembly, with access hatches for disconnecting from electronic components and a manual disconnect switch for deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is placed below the deck for space and weight distribution advantages, then space utilization and weight distribution are improved, but battery replacement becomes complicated and costly requiring deck disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is segmented into removable portions and fixed portions. The removable deck portion can be detached to provide access to the battery, while the fixed deck portion remains in place. This segmentation allows battery replacement without requiring complete deck disassembly, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining the space and weight distribution benefits of subdeck battery placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted from a fully enclosed subdeck position and placed in a partially accessible position where it can be removed through an opening in the deck. This extraction allows the battery to be accessed and replaced without requiring removal of entire deck sections, resolving the contradiction between maintaining subdeck placement benefits and enabling easy battery replacement.
2Volume of moving object
If the battery is placed below the deck, then space utilization is improved, but access to the battery for replacement requires extensive disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The deck structure is divided into removable and fixed segments. The removable deck portion is designed to be easily detached to expose the battery, while the fixed portion maintains the structural integrity and space utilization benefits. This segmentation reduces disassembly complexity from extensive to minimal, allowing battery access while preserving space optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck is pre-configured with removable portions and access openings before the battery needs replacement. This preliminary design decision eliminates the need for complex on-site disassembly operations, reducing device complexity and making battery replacement a straightforward process while maintaining efficient space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for replacing a battery and a watercraft including a hull; a deck; an electric propulsion system including: a battery disposed in a rear portion of the watercraft, and an electric motor electrically connected the battery; an opening defined at least in part by at least one of the hull and the deck, the opening providing access to a space between the hull and the deck, the opening being sized to permit the passage of the battery therethrough; and a rear module selectively connected to at least one of the hull and the deck, the rear module selectively closing the opening, the rear module, the battery, the deck, and the hull being arranged such that the battery is selectively removable through the opening when the rear module is removed from the watercraft.