Custom Electric Thruster

Designed for Stand Up Paddle-Boards (SUP)

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Personal Project to electrify a SUP

During the COVID-19 shut-down my focus turned to 3 main projects: 

  • 3D printing

  • Designing a more capable / commercial 3D printer (Link)

  • Designing an electric thruster to mount on my current SUP

This page shows my ongoing progress of adding speed and range to create a powerful yet economical solution to extending exploration of local waterways. Going farther, faster with less effort.

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Let the designing begain

With over a decade of sub-sea component design and engineering, this a fun and enjoyable challenge that is almost completed. The research and design keeps me up-to-date with the current engineering practices.

Inspired by the DIY e-Foil community I chose a 3-phase brushless DC motor that drives a compact planetary gear transmission.

Inspired by the DIY e-Foil community I chose a 3-phase brushless DC motor that drives a compact planetary gear transmission.

The nose cone is a sacrificial component to protect the three 8 awg cables waterproof connectors. This provides protection from the mechanical stresses and impacts.

The nose cone is a sacrificial component to protect the three 8 awg cables waterproof connectors. This provides protection from the mechanical stresses and impacts.

My extensive testing of these connectors on other projects has proven their water tight seal is more than capable for this project.

My extensive testing of these connectors on other projects has proven their water tight seal is more than capable for this project.

I've learned to use double O-rings throughout the design due to years of experience protecting submerged electronics from water damage

I've learned to use double O-rings throughout the design due to years of experience protecting submerged electronics from water damage

All the mechanical force from the propeller is applied to these thrust bearings, which increases the life of the other internal components.

All the mechanical force from the propeller is applied to these thrust bearings, which increases the life of the other internal components.

Years of 3D prototype design and working on commercial brushless motors yielded a very compact, yet serviceable unit.

Years of 3D prototype design and working on commercial brushless motors yielded a very compact, yet serviceable unit.

The ability to reverse engineer and accurately create 3D CAD models down to adding graphics from photographs as rendered decals is one a my hallmarks.

The ability to reverse engineer and accurately create 3D CAD models down to adding graphics from photographs as rendered decals is one a my hallmarks.

Additional bearings and double shaft seals add to the lower maintenance design.

Additional bearings and double shaft seals add to the lower maintenance design.

 

The journey continues

It all began with an idea. Currently making prototypes to interface with the 3 fin boxes (mounting system) to securely connect with the bottom of the board. This page will be updated as the project continues.

This has been a great opportunity of learning to quickly design, engineer, make, break and redesign again. 3D printing is an excellent tool to “Fail early, learn from testing and reiterate".

Next

Kayak Modeling