Electric outboard motor for watercraft

Abstract

An electric outboard motor (eOBM) is provided. Among other components, the eOBM includes a transom mount and a propulsion module. The transom mount is configured to mount the eOBM to a transom of a boat. The propulsion module is coupled to the transom mount and includes both a motor and an electronic speed control. Both the motor and the electronic speed control are thermally coupled to a casing of the propulsion module and the propulsion module is configured in operation to be submerged in water such that the ambient temperature of the water provides heat dissipation for both the motor and the electronic speed control

1 . An electric outboard motor (eOBM) comprising:
 a transom mount configured to mount the eOBM to a transom of a boat; and   a propulsion module coupled to the transom mount, the propulsion module comprising both a motor and an electronic speed control, wherein both the motor and the electronic speed control are thermally coupled to a casing of the propulsion module, and wherein the propulsion module is configured in operation to be submerged in water such that the ambient temperature of the water provides heat dissipation for both the motor and the electronic speed control.   
     
     
         2 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a gearbox coupling a motor shaft of the motor to a propellor shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the gearbox comprises a self-lubricating planetary gearbox. 
     
     
         4 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the electronic speed control comprises a multi-layered electronic speed control. 
     
     
         5 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the casing of the propulsion module comprises at least one anti-galvanic corrosion zinc anode. 
     
     
         6 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising an anti-grounding skeg coupled to the propulsion module. 
     
     
         7 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a stem structure coupled to the propulsion module, wherein the stem structure comprises a friction clamp and a dovetail configured to securely engage with a mounting dovetail of the transom mount for mounting the eOBM to the transom of the boat. 
     
     
         8 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the mounting dovetail is configured to rotate up to sixty-five degrees to facilitate mounting and removal of the eOBM to the transom of the boat. 
     
     
         9 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the transom mount further comprises a latch configured to prevent accidental release of the stem structure from the transom mount. 
     
     
         10 . The eOBM in accordance  claim 7 , further comprising an anti-ventilation plate coupled to the stem structure and located above a propellor coupled to the propulsion module, wherein the anti-ventilation plate is configured to prevent ventilation and cavitation of the propeller under various operating conditions. 
     
     
         11 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the anti-ventilation plate comprises downturned aft corners configured to maximize a high-pressure area around the propeller and a hydrofoil profile configured to increase lift generated by the anti-ventilation plate. 
     
     
         12 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the anti-ventilation plate comprises a downward tapered centerline end configured to provide a handhold for handling the eOBM when installing and/or removing the eOBM. 
     
     
         13 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising an anti-spray plate coupled to the stem structure and the anti-ventilation plate, wherein the anti-spray plate is configured to suppress water spray due to upward flow of water around the stem structure. 
     
     
         14 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a foldable tiller comprising a first joint configured to enable the foldable tiller to be folded upwards and locked at ninety degrees and a second joint configured to enable the foldable tiller to be folded over itself. 
     
     
         15 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 14 , further comprising a throttle mechanically coupled to the foldable tiller and electrically coupled to the electronic speed control. 
     
     
         16 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein the tiller includes a kill switch configured to control operation of the eOBM. 
     
     
         17 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a trip computer comprising a processor, a memory and a GPS component, wherein the trip computer is coupled to the electronic speed control. 
     
     
         18 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 17 , further comprising a display coupled to trip computer and configured to present eOBM operational information to a user. 
     
     
         19 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a battery and electrical connectors, wherein the electrical connectors couple the battery to the motor and the electronic speed control of the propulsion module. 
     
     
         20 . The eOBM in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a remote throttle for coupling to the propulsion module for remote control thereof.