Apparatus and methods of sterndrive fixation

Abstract

The ongoing electrification revolution, originating in the automotive industry, has now expanded into the marine sector. This transition from internal combustion engines to electric motors necessitates careful adjustments due to the unique characteristics of electric motors, notably their high starting force. In the context of watercraft, where structural modifications are undesirable, this disclosure introduces a drive system fixation unit. This unit effectively redirects the sterndrive force from the stern wall to the sturdy structural base of the watercraft, ensuring a seamless integration of electric propulsion without compromising the vessel's integrity.

1 . A sterndrive fixation system, comprising:
 a sterndrive bracket configured to couple to a sterndrive unit of a propulsion system and further configured to couple to a stern wall of a watercraft on an outside of the watercraft; and   a driveshaft bracket configured to couple to an electric motor of the propulsion system and further configured to couple to the stern wall of the watercraft on an inside of the watercraft.   
     
     
         2 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the sterndrive unit.   
     
     
         3 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 the electric motor.   
     
     
         4 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 3 , wherein the electric motor is configured to provide power to the sterndrive unit. 
     
     
         5 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 4 , wherein components of the propulsion system are interlinked and collectively direct force to a structural base of the watercraft, thereby enabling a direct application of force from the sterndrive to the watercraft base. 
     
     
         6 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 4 , wherein components of the propulsion system are connected to direct most of a propulsion force to the structural base of the watercraft instead of the stern wall. 
     
     
         7 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 3 , wherein the electric motor is coupled to a structural base of the watercraft. 
     
     
         8 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 7 , wherein the electric motor is coupled to a structural base of the watercraft using mountings, said mountings designed to absorb noise and vibration from the propulsion system. 
     
     
         9 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first rubber pad positioned between the sterndrive bracket and the stern of the watercraft; and   a second rubber pad positioned between the driveshaft bracket and the stern of the watercraft.   
     
     
         10 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 9 , wherein the first rubber pad and the second rubber pad prevent water from an outside of the watercraft from entering the watercraft via the stern wall. 
     
     
         11 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a planetary gear connected to an output of the electric motor and to a driveshaft to reduce vibration and noise while connecting the driveshaft bracket to the electric motor.   
     
     
         12 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 11 , wherein:
 a propulsion system mounting is connected to the planetary gear facilitating the connection of components of the propulsion system to a structural base of the watercraft.   
     
     
         13 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 7 , wherein a drive shaft coupling is not required as the electric motor is coupled to the structural base of the watercraft. 
     
     
         14 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 3 , wherein a configuration of the sterndrive fixation system reduces a required propulsion system space, providing increased space on the inside of the watercraft. 
     
     
         15 . The sterndrive fixation system of  claim 7 , further providing an advantage by enabling installation on a thin stern wall as a force from the sterndrive is directed to the structural base of the watercraft. 
     
     
         16 . A system, comprising:
 a sterndrive unit of a propulsion system positioned outside of a watercraft;   a sterndrive bracket facilitating a connection between the sterndrive unit and inner components of the propulsion system; and   a drive shaft bracket establishing a connection between the sterndrive bracket and an electric motor of the propulsion system, the electric motor configured to provide power to the system and to connect the propulsion system to a structural base of the watercraft;   wherein all components of the propulsion system are interlinked and collectively direct force to the structural base of the watercraft, thereby enabling a direct application of the force from the sterndrive unit to the structural base of the watercraft instead of to a stern wall of the watercraft.   
     
     
         17 . A system, comprising:
 a sterndrive unit of a propulsion system positioned outside of a watercraft;   a sterndrive bracket facilitating a connection between the sterndrive unit and inner components of the propulsion system; and   a drive shaft bracket establishing a connection between the sterndrive bracket and an electric motor of the propulsion system, the electric motor configured to provide power to the system;   wherein all components of the propulsion system components are interlinked and mounted on the stern wall without mounting the inner component on the watercraft bottom base.