Outboard motor cowl assembly using shape memory alloy to actuate seal and/or latch

摘要

A cowl assembly for an outboard motor includes first and second cowl members. A fastening assembly includes a latch coupled to one of the cowl members, and a retaining mechanism coupled to the other of the cowl members. The latch and the retaining mechanism engage one another to fasten the first and second cowl members together. A seal is configured to form a fluid tight joint between the cowl members. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled to at least one of the latch and the seal. A switch is configured to selectively provide electrical current to the shape memory alloy wire to activate the shape memory alloy wire. Activation of the shape memory alloy wire causes at least one of disengagement of the latch from the retaining mechanism and disengagement of the seal from one of the first and second cowl members, enabling separation of the cowl members.

主权项

1. A cowl assembly for an outboard motor, the cowl assembly comprising: first and second cowl members configured to be joined together proximate respective first and second mating edges thereof, wherein the first mating edge has a relatively smaller perimeter than the second mating edge, such that the second mating edge overlaps the first mating edge;
a fastening assembly including a latch coupled to one of the first and second cowl members, and a retaining mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second cowl members, the latch and the retaining mechanism configured to engage one another so as to fasten the first and second cowl members together; a seal coupled to the first cowl member and configured to form a fluid tight joint between the first and second cowl members, wherein the seal is coupled around the entire perimeter of the first mating edge; at least one shape memory alloy wire coupled to the seal, wherein the at least one shape memory alloy wire is embedded in and coextensive with an outer lip of the seal; and a switch configured to selectively provide electrical current to the at least one shape memory alloy wire so as to activate the at least one shape memory alloy wire; wherein activation of the at least one shape memory alloy wire causes disengagement of the seal from the second cowl member, to enable separation of the first cowl member from the second cowl member.