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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: Whaler Performance BRP Patent for Variable Pitch Propeller
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Author | Topic: BRP Patent for Variable Pitch Propeller |
Tom W Clark |
posted 05-03-2011 07:57 PM ET (US)
Peter found this patent for a new variable pitch propeller and gearcase from BRP, presumably something that might be used on an Evinrude E-TEC outboard in the future: http://www.pat2pdf.org/patents/pat7927160.pdf I have not yet figured out how it works. |
Peter |
posted 05-03-2011 08:21 PM ET (US)
Unfortunately, that link will go stale in a few hours. Here is a link to the U.S. Patent Office's database record for the BRP patent ==> tinyurl.com/3wqq6bz . Images of the patent can be seen if you have a TIFF file viewer. |
jimh |
posted 05-06-2011 09:27 AM ET (US)
I have not undertaken a thorough reading of the patent, and, even if I had, there is a strong possibility that I would not understand the description of the mechanism sufficiently well to comprehend the actual invention or its method. I find that even inventions which I already understand are difficult to grasp when reading the description of them in their patent, and I attribute this to the language used in patent descriptions, which is often overly generic and somewhat general, an intentional artifact of the patent's attempt to make the scope as wide as possible so as to increase the value of the patented invention. With that disclaimer in mind, I must ask other readers of the patent: Does the invention show any method for adjustment of the propeller pitch by remote control? And a corollary question: can the pitch be adjusted while the propeller is turning? |
Binkster |
posted 05-06-2011 12:01 PM ET (US)
I don`t think this invention has any practical use. V.P. props are common on aircraft and ships but then there not likely to contact a rock. I think you would consider it a bad day if you damaged a prop like this. Could a prop shop even repair it? |
Tom W Clark |
posted 05-06-2011 12:13 PM ET (US)
Based on my quick read, it appears to be a self-adjusting propeller design. Also noted within the document is the fact this design, while illustrated on an outboard motor, is equally suitable for sterndrive and inboard power systems. |
Hoosier |
posted 05-09-2011 08:15 AM ET (US)
This is one very complicated piece of equipment for what seems to be very little payback. As I understand VP propellors thay ae intended for use in applications where the propulsive engine is to be operated in a steady state condition, at the engine's most economical power setting, for extended periods. This prop makes sense for, say, a sportfisher that makes long runs offshore and wants to have some control of thrust without changing throttle. I don't see the benefit in small recreational craft that are Stop-Go, Slow-Fast for short intervals. |
Jefecinco |
posted 05-09-2011 08:54 AM ET (US)
Pretty much anything with the potential to reduce fuel consumption without lowering performance in small craft is useful. The payback will be determined by the cost of the device vs. the savings delivered by the device. Some boating applications may well derive greater benefit than others There is no reason to "assume" the device is only useful when it is desirable to run the power source at a constant RPM. I believe it will be more like having a two speed transmission allowing low geared starts with higher gearing at speeds. It may also be able to provide constant pitch (gear ratio) change across the RPM band depending upon load. Butch |
Peter |
posted 05-09-2011 09:27 AM ET (US)
I'll bet that we don't see this commercialized just as we haven't seen anything like it sucessfully commercialized for outboards. The problem that a variable pitch propeller system solves has been known for decades and yet in the outboard world the problem has been and remains largely unaddressed commercially. |
Jefecinco |
posted 05-09-2011 09:37 AM ET (US)
Peter, I won't bet against you. The fact that BRP has gone to the trouble and expense to patent this thing is, at least somewhat, indicative that they see some potential commercial benefit to it. Is a working model a requirement for a patent or can an idea be patented? If a working model exists it would be very interesting to know more about this thing. Butch |
Chuck Tribolet |
posted 05-09-2011 10:25 PM ET (US)
Patents protect ideas. At this time, a working model is not required. I have four US patents (computer database versioning). None ever got an implementation, though we did get to having a A patent-speak to English dictionary would be a good thing. Chuck |
Binkster |
posted 05-09-2011 11:18 PM ET (US)
Speaking of patents, [Changed TOPIC.] Maybe jimh will delete this [Good guess.] |
jimh |
posted 05-10-2011 09:55 PM ET (US)
I think patents protect methods, not ideas. You can't patent the idea of a variable pitch propeller for an outboard motor, but you can patent a method for creating one. |
Peter |
posted 05-11-2011 07:36 AM ET (US)
Section 101 of Title 35 U.S.C. sets out the subject matter that can be patented: Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. A variable pitch propeller for an outboard motor can be patented because it is a machine. |
an86carrera |
posted 05-11-2011 04:00 PM ET (US)
You can get the TIFF reader here: AlternaTIFF: http://www.alternatiff.com/ Patents for mechanical devices are all about embodiments, or specific ways to make an idea work not the idea. But there are other types of patents that are about ideas like the specific use of existing technology. Like using a 505 timer to do some specific job. Len |
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