AU2013101563A4 - An apparatus and method for enabling the testing of inboard marine engines on dry land. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for enabling the testing of an inboard marine engine on dry land has a water reservoir 11 for containing a predetermined volume of water having at least one water inlet aperture 20A and at least one water outlet aperture 31 set in the or a reservoir wall 13; the water inlet aperture 20A is connected to a water supply by means of a connector 20; the water outlet aperture 31 incorporates a relief valve 30 for limiting the release of excess water pressure through the outlet aperture 31; the reservoir 11 is open at the top with a flexible waterproof seal 17 situated around its rim for creating a waterproof seal between the rim and an undersurface of a marine vessel hull 50 adjacent a water pump inlet 51 of the marine engine; when in use the water contained within the reservoir 11 is drawn into the engine cooling system by a water pump through the water pump inlet 51 situated in the hull of the vessel and a vacuum pressure is created in the reservoir 11 which maintains the waterproof seal between the rim and vessel undersurface 50, and the volume of water within the reservoir 11 available for drawing up by the engine cooling system water pump is kept constant when in use by the water supply to the reservoir 11 and the release of excess water pressure through the relief valve 30 especially when the engine is not engaged. Use Figure 1 ~~ Lf '00 >Z V-4 Lfl

Description

Title An apparatus and method for enabling the testing of inboard marine engines on dry land. Background In order to carry out diagnostic testing upon inboard marine engines it is necessary to perform the 5 testing with the engine running. As a marine engine is typically water cooled, it includes a water pump which requires water to operate and, in order to avoid damage to component parts of the pump, particularly the impeller, testing must be undertaken whilst the water pump inlet aperture is submerged. If the marine engine is run for a sustained period, as is necessary during diagnostic testing, out of water various components of the engine are susceptible to permanent damage. Such .0 testing requires the vessel in which the inboard, water cooled engine is fitted to be in the water which can be inconvenient and/or impractical in many situations. Testing marine engines whilst the vessel is submerged may not be convenient in all situations and in some situations there may be a need to undertake diagnostic testing or to operate a marine engine .5 whilst the vessel in which it is fitted is on dry land. For example, a vessel may be located some considerable distance from the testing facilities necessitating travel to and from the test site which is inconvenient, time consuming and expensive. Further, it is difficult to tell whether a water pump, a marine cooling system or the engine that is being cooled has faults or leaks unless it is tested in water as the engine must be operated at a certain temperature and pressure for accurate readings. -o The present invention overcomes the requirement of testing an inboard marine engine whilst the vessel hull in which the engine is fitted is submerged in water in order to prevent damage to engine components. 25 The use of flushers to facilitate testing of marine engines is known however the devices available commercially do not permit sustained water supply to the engine pump whilst the marine vessel is out of water and the engine is not in operation. It is a preferred but inessential object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for enabling the 30 testing of inboard marine engines on dry land which has at least some of the following characteristics: (i) enables the testing of the full marine engine whilst the vessel in which it is fitted is on land; (ii) is lightweight; (ii) is easily transportable; 35 (iv) is affordable to owners or marine vessels with inboard water cooled engines; (v) is easily stored onboard a marine vessel. Accordingly there is provided an apparatus for enabling the testing of an inboard marine engine on dry land comprising: 5 a water reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of water having at least one water inlet aperture and at least one water outlet aperture set in the or a reservoir wall; the water inlet aperture is connected to a water supply by means of a connector; the water outlet aperture incorporates a relief valve for limiting the release of excess water pressure through the outlet aperture; .0 the reservoir is open at the top with a flexible waterproof seal situated around its rim for creating a waterproof seal between the rim and an undersurface of a marine vessel hull adjacent a water pump inlet of the marine engine; when in use the water contained within the reservoir is drawn into the engine cooling system by a water pump through the water pump inlet situated in the hull of the vessel and vacuum pressure is .5 created in the reservoir which maintains the waterproof seal between the rim and vessel undersurface, and the volume of water within the reservoir available for drawing up by the engine cooling system water pump is kept constant when in use by the water supply to the reservoir and the release of excess water pressure through the relief valve especially when the engine is not engaged. -o In some preferred embodiments of the invention the water inlet aperture and water supply connector are integrally formed with the or a wall of the reservoir. In other preferred embodiments the flexible waterproof seal located upon the rim of the reservoir is 25 rubber or another suitable polymer. Preferably, the reservoir incorporates a means for monitoring the volume of water within the reservoir when in use. 30 There is also provided an improved method for testing inboard marine engines on dry land including the steps: (i) placing a vessel in which the engine is housed onto a stable mounting; (ii) placing an apparatus having a water reservoir and at least one water inlet aperture and at least one water outlet aperture which incorporates a relief valve for limiting the release of water pressure 35 through the outlet set in the or a reservoir wall; the reservoir is open at the top and has a flexible waterproof seal situated around its rim defined by the wall or walls for creating a waterproof seal between the rim and an undersurface of the vessel over a water pump inlet of the marine engine; (iii) connecting the water inlet aperture to a water supply by means of a connector; (iv) switching on the engine thereby enabling the uptake of water from the reservoir by a water pump of the engine into the engine cooling system and creating a pressure which maintains the waterproof seal between the reservoir rim and vessel undersurface; 5 (v) maintaining the volume of water within the reservoir available for drawing up by the engine cooling system water pump by the release of water pressure through the relief valve whilst maintaining a minimum pressure by means of the relief valve. Drawings .0 Figure 1 is a right side view of the apparatus. Figure 2 is a partially exploded side view of the apparatus. Figure 3 is a top view of the apparatus. Figure 4 is a right hand side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a right side view of the apparatus. .5 Figure 6 is an exploded side view of the relief valve. Description The present invention is an apparatus for enabling the testing of inboard marine engines over extended periods of time without having to place the boat/vessel in water. The device enables testing without damaging the water pump drive units from oversupply of pressure to the engine components. -O The apparatus 10 has a water reservoir 11 which is defined by side walls 12, 13, 14, 15 and base portion 16. Base portion 12 has a water inlet aperture 20A for receiving water from a water supply 25 into the water reservoir 11. The inlet aperture 20A is fitted with a water supply connector 20 and water connector nozzle 22 which are held in place upon wall 16 by a securing nut 21. The water 25 connector nozzle 22 is designed to accept a water supply hose 26 which is secured upon the supply nozzle 22 when in use. The water supply connector 20 may be an ordinary garden hose attachment or a specifically manufactured water connector depending upon the user's requirements and may be integrally formed with the base 16 or can be fitted upon the base portion 16 as is shown in Figures 1 and 2. 30 Wall 13 has a water outlet aperture 31 around which is secured a water relief valve 30 for maintaining constant water volume and pressure within the water reservoir 11 when in use. The relief valve 30 is secured to side wall 13 of the apparatus 10 by securing nut 33 and has a relief valve aperture 32 through which excess water pressure is released. The relief valve 30 may be of any design providing the relief valve aperture 32 through which water is released is small. A shuttle cock valve is suitable for use in the present application and such valves are readily commercially available and operate well 5 and efficiently in low pressure applications. Figure 6, by way of non-limiting example, is an exploded view of the relief valve 30 comprises a number of components. Securing nut 33a is threaded upon a length of threaded tubing 35a and secured against wall 13 on the interior of the water reservoir 11 with a rubber washer 34a. A further .0 rubber washer 34b secures a further securing nut 33b which maintains a pressure seal against the external surface of wall 13 and about the threaded tubing 35a. A valve housing 36 containing the valve mechanism (not shown) has an internal female thread for connection with the distal portion of threaded tubing 35a onto which the valve housing 36 is screwed. A second length of threaded tubing 35b is screwed into a second female thread at the other end of the valve housing 36. Relief valve .5 nozzle 37 is screwed upon threaded tubing 35b has relief valve aperture 32 through which water is released at pressure. Other configurations of a pressure relief valve and the use of other pressure valves is possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The water reservoir 11 is open at the top and walls 12, 13, 14, 15 define a rim upon which is situated a 0 flexible waterproof seal 17 for creating a waterproof seal between the reservoir rim and an undersurface of a marine vessel hull 50 adjacent a water pump inlet 51 of the marine engine which is being tested. The flexible waterproof seal 17 of apparatus 10 is placed over the engine water pump uptake inlet 51 and sealably covers the uptake inlet. Once the engine is engaged and is running, water is drawn from the reservoir 11 into to water pump uptake inlet at a pressure defined by the operating 25 specifications of the engine water pump. The pressure created by the running water pump creates a water pickup zone 60 within water reservoir 11. The volume of water within the reservoir 11 remains constant and at constant pressure as water from the water supply replaced water drawn up by the engine water pump from the water pick up zone. Excess water pressure is expelled through the relief valve 30. The apparatus 10, when in use, is effectively retained upon the marine vessel hull 50 by the 30 pressure of water housed within the reservoir 11 as it is drawn up by the water pump of the marine engine being tested. A waterproof and airtight seal is maintained between the hull 50 and the apparatus by the flexible waterproof seal 17 upon the rim of the reservoir walls 12, 13, 14, 15. Switching on the marine engine creates a pressure change within the water reservoir 11 and the apparatus 10 is sucked onto the underside of the marine vessel 50 replicating the environment in 35 which a marine engine usually operates ie. submerged in water.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the flexible waterproof seal 17 rubber seal is made of rubber however other materials suitable for the task of maintaining a leak-proof waterproof seal may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The seal may be integrally formed with the side walls of the reservoir or can be affixed thereto in any suitable manner including for 5 example using a rubber sealant. The seal 17 prevents air from entering the reservoir 11 and water from escaping therefrom whilst in use. In preferred embodiments of the invention the apparatus 10 is manufactured of material which is clear in order that the user may visually monitor the water level within the reservoir. Alternative .0 embodiments may include an observation window in one or each of the side walls 12, 13, 14, 15. Alternatively, an electronic or mechanical volume and/or pressure sensor may be incorporated accompanied with a warning system. The apparatus can be manufactured of any suitable waterproof material including plastic, polymer, .5 timber, metal, fibreglass, rubber, polyuria or any combination thereof. It may be manufactured as a single integrally formed apparatus or be constructed of component parts as set out in the present description so long as it performs the primary function of ensuring a constant volume of water is available for uptake by the water pump of the marine engine which is being tested. 0 The base 16 of the apparatus 10 can be reinforced to ensure that the water inlet connector 20 remains securely seated upon the apparatus 10. When in operation, the apparatus preferably is maintained at a constant angle relative to the marine vessel hull 50 in order to ensure an efficacious seal between the apparatus 10 and the underside of the 25 marine vessel 50 and to ensure the uptake of water from the reservoir 11 through the water pump inlet 51. Purpose built mounting may be employed for this purpose. Figures 1 and 2 depict such mounting blocks 40 which are secured at a desired height and angle by fastening means 41, in the illustration, wing nuts and bolts threaded through mounting blocks 40. Any suitable mounting may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is preferable that such mounting be 30 adjustable to enable use of the apparatus in any number of situations and in order that it be readily adaptable to present testing and ground surface conditions. The present device has been tested to 6000 rpm on a V8 motor as well as on a 1.2 litre auxillary engine and has been shown to operate efficiently and without problem. 35 The apparatus 10 is scalable in the case of larger engines and component parts are easily interchangeable with larger fittings or fittings can be integrally formed with the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 may be manufactured at low cost. Any suitable type of bypass relief valve may be used. 5 Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention which is rounded and largely describes a semi-elipsoid shape as opposed to having a substantially parallelogram shape. This shape may be suitable in certain applications and may be profiled to match the vessel hull profile. Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the water supply connector 0 20 is positioned upon side wall 12 as opposed to upon the base 16 as described above in the first embodiment. The water supply connector 20 and the water outlet relief valve may be placed upon any wall or the reservoir 11 without departing from the scope of the invention. The relief valve 30 is optimally fitted at the highest point of the reservoir 11 to allow full capacity of reservoir 11. 5 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples provided above are not intended to be limiting and that other embodiments of the invention and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein set out are possible without departing from the scope of invention. In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires 0 otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.

Claims (5)

1. An apparatus for enabling the testing of an inboard marine engine on dry land comprising: a water reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of water having at least one water 5 inlet aperture and at least one water outlet aperture set in the or a reservoir wall the water inlet aperture is connected to a water supply by means of a connector the water outlet aperture incorporates a relief valve for limiting the release of excess water pressure through the outlet aperture the reservoir is open at the top with a flexible waterproof seal situated around its rim for .0 creating a waterproof seal between the rim and an undersurface of a marine vessel hull adjacent a water pump inlet of the marine engine when in use the water contained within the reservoir is drawn into the engine cooling system by a water pump through the water pump inlet situated in the hull of the vessel and a vacuum pressure is created in the reservoir which maintains the waterproof seal between the rim and .5 vessel undersurface, and the volume of water within the reservoir available for drawing up by the engine cooling system water pump is kept constant when in use by the water supply to the reservoir and the release of excess water pressure through the relief valve especially when the engine is not engaged. -0

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water inlet aperture and water supply connector are integrally formed with the or a wall of the reservoir.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible waterproof seal located upon the rim of the reservoir is rubber or another suitable polymer. 15

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir incorporates a means for monitoring the volume of water within the reservoir when in use.

5. An improved method for testing inboard marine engines on dry land including the steps: (i) placing a vessel in which the engine is housed onto a stable mounting; (ii) placing an apparatus having a water reservoir and at least one water inlet aperture and 30 at least one water outlet aperture which incorporates a relief valve for limiting the release of water pressure through the outlet set in the or a reservoir wall; the reservoir is open at the top and has a flexible waterproof seal situated around its rim defined by the wall or walls for creating a waterproof seal between the rim and an undersurface of the vessel over a water pump inlet of the marine engine; 35 (iii) connecting the water inlet aperture to a water supply by means of a connector; (iv) switching on the engine thereby enabling the uptake of water from the reservoir by a water pump of the engine into the engine cooling system and creating a pressure which maintains the waterproof seal between the reservoir rim and vessel undersurface; (v) maintaining the volume of water within the reservoir available for drawing up by the engine cooling system water pump by the release of water pressure through the relief 5 valve whilst maintaining a minimum pressure by means of the relief valve. .0