Convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propelling system

Abstract

The invention provides a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system, and belongs to the technical field of ship navigation stabilization and auxiliary propulsion. The problems that in the prior art, a stabilization device and a wind propulsion device are independent of each other and cannot give consideration to each other, extra resistance is brought when the device does not work, and occupied space is large are solved. The device comprises a Magnus device, a mode conversion mechanical arm, a detection system and a control system, one end of the mode conversion mechanical arm is connected with an external ship body, and the other end of the mode conversion mechanical arm is connected with the Magnus device so that the Magnus device can be contained in the external ship body or moved to the two sides of the external ship body and the vertical plane relative to a deck of the external ship body; the Magnus device and the mode conversion mechanical arm execute different working modes respectively, the detection system is installed on an external ship body, electrically connected with the control system and used for collecting and feeding back signals, and the control system is installed on the external ship body, electrically connected with the Magnus device and the mode conversion mechanical arm and used for sending out commands. The method is mainly used for shipbuilding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of ship navigation stability and auxiliary propulsion, and in particular relates to a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system. Background Art

[0002] Yachts and other vessels are often subject to wave-induced roll while sailing and at anchor. To reduce roll and improve passenger comfort, active roll stabilization devices, such as fin stabilizers, have traditionally been widely used. Conventional fin stabilizers are underwater surfaces mounted on either side of the hull. As the vessel moves forward, they generate lateral lift by controlling the angle of the flaps to offset roll. However, the effectiveness of these fin stabilizers decreases significantly at low speeds or when anchored due to a lack of sufficient water pressure.

[0003] In recent years, a rotating cylinder anti-roll technology has emerged that utilizes the Magnus effect. This technology uses a motor to rotate the cylinder, generating lift in the water perpendicular to the incoming flow to stabilize the hull. Unlike traditional fins, the rotating cylinder can still generate lift through its own rotation at low speeds or even at rest, making it effective in stationary conditions such as anchoring. Some ships and large yachts have installed electrically driven Magnus anti-roll fins to achieve active anti-roll. This Magnus anti-roll system is more efficient than conventional anti-roll fins at low speeds and is gradually gaining attention. However, the Magnus anti-roll devices currently on the market mainly focus on stabilization functions. Their structure is fixed to the outside of the hull, which has a certain impact on sailing resistance and appearance, and other uses are not considered.

[0004] On the other hand, with the development of green sailing concepts, sail-assisted propulsion technology has regained attention. Rotor sails, which utilize the Magnus effect, use vertical, high-speed rotating cylinders to generate thrust from crosswinds, reducing main engine fuel consumption. However, traditional rotor sails are typically fixed vertical cylinders, occupying a large amount of deck space and only functioning when wind is strong. Rotor sail-assisted propulsion has not yet been widely adopted on small and medium-sized yachts. Furthermore, existing yacht stabilization systems and sail propulsion systems are independent of each other, lacking integrated innovation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, to address the existing issues of independent roll stabilization and wind propulsion devices, which cannot be combined, causing additional drag and occupying a large amount of space when not in operation, the present invention proposes a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system. By incorporating mechanical structure and control strategy, the roll stabilization and wind propulsion devices are integrated into a single device, which can be switched as needed. This significantly improves the utilization rate and overall efficiency of the equipment, and without adding additional deck equipment, enhances the stability and economy of the yacht under different operating conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system, mounted on an external hull, comprising a Magnus device, a mode conversion robotic arm, a detection system, and a control system. The mode conversion robotic arm is connected to the external hull at one end and to the Magnus device at the other end, enabling the Magnus device to be stored within the external hull or moved to either side of the external hull and into a vertical plane relative to the external hull deck, respectively, to execute different operating modes. The detection system is mounted on the external hull and electrically connected to the control system for collecting and feeding back signals. The control system is mounted on the external hull and electrically connected to the Magnus device and the mode conversion robotic arm for issuing commands.

[0007] Furthermore, the Magnus device includes a rotating cylinder and a drive motor connected to each other, and the drive motor is connected to a mode conversion robot arm.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the rotating cylinder is connected to the driving motor, and the other end is a free end. The free end of the rotating cylinder is fixed with a disc end cover with a diameter larger than the diameter of the rotating cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the height-to-diameter ratio of the rotating cylinder is 6:1-12:1, and longitudinal reinforcement ribs and annular reinforcement ribs are arranged on the inner wall of the rotating cylinder, and the material is carbon fiber composite material or stainless steel.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating cylinder includes a central support rod, and a shear pin is provided in the middle of the central support rod for overload protection.

[0011] Furthermore, the mode conversion robotic arm includes a self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1, a telescopic mechanism, a self-locking rotation drive mechanism 2 and a connecting rod connected in sequence, the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1 is connected to the external hull, the connecting rod is connected to the Magnus device, and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1 and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 2 can be self-locked, fixed and output rotation.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating cylinder includes a central support rod, and the central support rod is provided with a shear pin for overload protection.

[0013] Furthermore, the mode conversion robotic arm includes a self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1, a telescopic mechanism, a self-locking rotation drive mechanism 2 and a connecting rod connected in sequence, the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1 is connected to the external hull, the connecting rod is connected to the Magnus device, and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1 and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 2 can output rotation and self-locking fixation.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection system includes a roll sensor and a wind speed sensor on the left and right sides of the external hull. The roll sensor is used to detect the roll angle and angular velocity of the hull, and the wind speed sensor is used to detect the wind speed. The control system is provided with a roll sensor threshold and a wind speed sensor threshold.

[0015] Furthermore, when the roll sensor feedback value is higher than the roll sensor threshold, the system is in anti-roll mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion manipulator to move the Magnus device to symmetrical positions on both sides of the external hull. The control system drives the Magnus device to rotate and reduce roll according to the roll sensor feedback.

[0016] Furthermore, when the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is higher than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in the sail propulsion mode, the control system drives the mode conversion robot arm to move the Magnus device to the vertical plane of the external hull deck, and the control system drives the Magnus device to rotate to generate sail propulsion force.

[0017] Furthermore, when the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is lower than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in the storage mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion robot to move the Magnus device into the external hull.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present invention integrates the traditional fin stabilizer device and the rotor sail device into a system, achieving "one device, two uses" and fully tapping the application potential of the Magnus effect in both air and seawater. The overall layout is more compact, the total number of equipment is reduced, and there are fewer maintenance points, which reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0019] 2. This invention achieves performance improvements through collaborative optimization. For roll reduction, the active lift of the rotating cylinder significantly enhances roll reduction at zero speed, resolving the inefficiency of traditional fin stabilizers at low speeds or at anchor. Furthermore, in sail mode, the system provides significant propulsion for the vessel, saving energy.

[0020] 3. The present invention realizes smooth and rapid mode switching through the telescopic mechanism and the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 and the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are provided to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are provided to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention assembled with an external hull and in a stabilization mode; Figure 2 A front view of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention assembled with an external hull and in a stabilization mode; Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention assembled with an external hull and in a sail propulsion mode; Figure 4 A front view of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention assembled with an external hull and in a sail propulsion mode; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a right side view of a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is a front view of the rotating cylinder of the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A-axis cross-sectional view; Figure 9 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the B axis; Figure 10 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the C axis; Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the central support rod of the present invention; Figure 12 for Figure 11 sectional view of In the figure: 1-Magnus device; 2-mode conversion robot arm; 11-rotating cylinder; 12-driving motor; 21-self-locking rotary driving mechanism 1; 22-telescopic mechanism; 23-self-locking rotary driving mechanism 2; 24-connecting rod; 111-longitudinal reinforcement rib; 112-circumferential reinforcement rib; 113-center support rod; 114-shear pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein can be combined with each other in the absence of conflict, and the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments.

[0023] 1. Specific implementation method 1, see Figure 1-11This embodiment describes a convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system, mounted on an external hull. It includes a Magnus device 1, a mode conversion arm 2, a detection system, and a control system. The mode conversion arm 2 is connected to the external hull at one end and to the Magnus device 1 at the other end, enabling the Magnus device 1 to be retracted into the external hull or moved to either side of the external hull or vertically relative to the deck, respectively, to implement different operating modes. The detection system, mounted on the external hull, is electrically connected to the control system for signal collection and feedback. The control system, mounted on the external hull, is electrically connected to the Magnus device 1 and the mode conversion arm 2 for issuing commands. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system includes at least one pair of Magnus devices 1 and the mode conversion arm 2, symmetrically mounted on the hull. The Magnus device 1 generates Magnus lift through high-speed rotation. In the horizontal position, it generates anti-roll lift to stabilize the hull, and in the vertical position, it generates forward thrust to assist propulsion.

[0024] The Magnus device 1 includes a rotating cylinder 11 and a driving motor 12 connected to each other. The driving motor 12 is connected to the mode conversion robot arm 2.

[0025] One end of the rotating cylinder 11 is connected to the drive motor 12, and the other end is a free end. A disc end cover 13 with a diameter larger than the diameter of the rotating cylinder 11 is fixed to the free end of the rotating cylinder 11. The diameter of the disc end cover 13 is 1.5-3 times the diameter of the cylinder. Increase the effective lift coefficient and improve the efficiency of the Magnus effect. Even underwater, the rotating cylinder 11 can also use the disc end cover 13 to enhance the lift effect. The disc end cover 13 is not only useful in the sail propulsion mode, but also can reduce the vortex shedding caused by three-dimensional flow underwater and improve lift efficiency. The disc end cover 13 can be made of lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloy or composite sandwich panels. The drive motor 12 is electrically connected to the control system.

[0026] The height-to-diameter ratio of the rotating cylinder 11 is 6:1-12:1, and longitudinal reinforcement ribs 111 and annular reinforcement ribs 112 are arranged on the inner wall of the rotating cylinder 11, and the material is carbon fiber composite material or stainless steel. When acting as a rotor sail, if the height of the rotating cylinder 11 is too short, the lift coefficient will be low, and if it is too high, the structure may be unstable. Increasing the height-to-diameter ratio of the rotating cylinder 11 is usually conducive to increasing the lift, but it needs to be optimized with the end plate size to achieve the effect. Therefore, this system selects a reasonable cylinder height-to-diameter ratio of 6:1-12:1. The interior of the rotating cylinder 11 adopts a design that coexists with hollowness and reinforcement ribs, which removes the weight of excess materials while ensuring strength.

[0027] The rotating cylinder 11 includes a central support rod 113 , and a shear pin 114 is provided in the middle of the central support rod 113 for overload protection.

[0028] The mode conversion robot arm 2 includes a self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21, a telescopic mechanism 22, a self-locking rotary drive mechanism 23, and a connecting rod 24, which are connected in sequence. The self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 is connected to the external hull, and the connecting rod 24 is connected to the Magnus device 1. The self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 and the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23 are capable of self-locking fixation and outputting rotation. The self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21, the telescopic mechanism 22, and the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23 are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0029] One end of the telescopic mechanism 22 is driven or locked by the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21, and the other end is fixedly connected to the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23. One end of the connecting rod 24 is driven or locked by the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23, and the other end is fixedly connected to the drive motor 12. The telescopic mechanism 22 can be telescopically moved along the sides of the hull. The specific structure can be an electric push rod or a hydraulic push rod, which is used to push the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23, thereby driving the rotating cylinder 11 to extend from the interior of the hull to the outboard working position or retract it into the cabin. The self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 is internally equipped with a damper, which is elastically connected to the telescopic mechanism 22 to absorb vibrations. Both the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 and the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23 are self-locking motors. All surfaces exposed underwater are also coated with anti-corrosion coatings and anti-fouling paint to prevent marine organisms from attaching and affecting performance. Key components such as the motor and bearings are arranged in a waterproof sealed cavity, and a pressure-resistant sealing ring is added to ensure long-term reliable operation underwater.

[0030] The detection system includes roll sensors and wind speed sensors located on the left and right sides of the hull. The roll sensors detect the roll angle and angular velocity, while the wind speed sensors detect wind speed. The control system has roll sensor thresholds and wind speed sensor thresholds. Four roll sensors and four wind speed sensors are installed at different heights. By measuring specific information at four points, the system provides a more accurate representation of roll and wind speed information.

[0031] When the roll sensor feedback value is higher than the roll sensor threshold, the system is in anti-roll mode. The control system drives the mode conversion manipulator 2 to move the Magnus device 1 to symmetrical positions on both sides of the external hull. The control system drives the Magnus device 1 to rotate and reduce roll according to the roll sensor feedback.

[0032] When the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is higher than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in sail propulsion mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion robot 2 to move the Magnus device 1 to the vertical plane of the external hull deck, and the control system drives the Magnus device 1 to rotate to generate sail propulsion force.

[0033] When the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is lower than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in the storage mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion robot 2 to move the Magnus device 1 into the external hull.

[0034] The present invention has three operating modes: A stowed mode, in which the roll sensor feedback value is below the roll sensor threshold, and the wind speed sensor feedback value is below the wind speed sensor threshold. When the ship is sailing at high speed, wind is low, and the ship does not require roll stabilization, the mode switching robot arm 2 moves the Magnus device 1 into the ship for stowage and standby.

[0035] In propulsion mode, the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold, and the wind speed sensor feedback value is higher than the wind speed sensor threshold. The control system controls the telescopic mechanism 22 to extend, driving the second drive mechanism 23, which in turn drives the Magnus device 1 to move to the sides of the hull. It then controls the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 to output rotation, driving the telescopic mechanism 22, which in turn drives the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23 and the connecting rod 24 to rotate. Ultimately, the Magnus device 1 is moved into the vertical plane of the external hull deck, adjusted to an appropriate height and position, and exposed to the air above the main deck, similar to the arrangement of a Flettner rotor sail. The control system controls the drive motor 12 to drive the rotating cylinder 11 to rotate, generating a Magnus effect, which helps propel the hull forward.

[0036] In the anti-roll mode, when the roll sensor feedback value is higher than the roll sensor threshold, the anti-roll mode is executed first, regardless of the relationship between the wind speed sensor feedback value and the wind speed sensor threshold. The control system controls the telescopic mechanism 22 to extend and drive the drive mechanism 2 23, which in turn drives the Magnus device 1 to move to both sides of the hull, and then controls the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 1 21 to output rotation, driving the telescopic mechanism 22 and then driving the self-locking rotary drive mechanism 2 23 and the connecting rod 24 to rotate, and finally moves the Magnus device 1 to the vertically symmetrical position on both sides of the external hull. At this time, the Magnus device 1 is arranged horizontally, and the control system controls the drive motor 12 to drive the rotating cylinder 11 to rotate to produce the Magnus effect, thereby offsetting the shaking of the ship. In the anti-roll mode, if a strong water flow is encountered, the control system can also appropriately reduce the rotation speed of the rotating cylinder 11 to prevent excessive headwind resistance caused by the superposition of self-rotation and incoming flow.

[0037] The present invention allows for multiple interlocking conditions within the control system: Extension or rotation is permitted only when the rotating cylinder 11 is completely stationary, preventing damage to the mechanical structure from forced movement. The drive motor 12 is also allowed to accelerate only when the cylinder is correctly positioned horizontally or vertically and locked; otherwise, the system will trigger an alarm and prevent operation. Position sensors are installed on all components, and if any link is not in place, the control system will halt subsequent actions.

[0038] During the mode conversion and deformation process, the rotating cylinder 11 may be subjected to adverse loads from wind, waves, and water flow, such as the impact force at the moment of entering and exiting the water and the effect of strong winds at high altitudes. To this end, the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 1 21 and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism 2 23 can adopt hydraulic synchronous control and damping design, and the oil cylinder has a built-in buffer valve to ensure that the rotating cylinder 11 automatically decelerates when it approaches the horizontal or vertical end position and smoothly enters the position lock. The rotating cylinder 11 can be decelerated to perform actions before and after entering the water, and the buoyancy of the water can be used to gradually bear the weight. The entire mode conversion process can also be monitored and interlocked by the PLC. At each stage, the next action can only be executed when the previous action is completed and the conditions are met.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are intended only to illustrate the present invention. The embodiments do not describe all details in detail, nor do they limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. Numerous modifications and variations are possible based on the contents of this specification. These embodiments are selected and described in detail in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present invention.

Claims

1. A convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system, characterized by: The invention is installed on the external hull, and comprises a Magnus device (1), a mode conversion mechanical arm (2), a detection system and a control system. One end of the mode conversion mechanical arm (2) is connected to the external hull, and the other end is connected to the Magnus device (1). The Magnus device (1) can be stored in the external hull or moved to both sides of the external hull and in a vertical plane relative to the deck of the external hull to respectively execute different working modes. The detection system is installed on the external hull and electrically connected to the control system for collecting and feeding back signals. The control system is installed on the external hull and electrically connected to the Magnus device (1) and the mode conversion mechanical arm (2) for issuing commands.

2. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Magnus device (1) comprises a rotating cylinder (11) and a driving motor (12) connected to each other, and the driving motor (12) is connected to a mode conversion mechanical arm (2).

3. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the rotating cylinder (11) is connected to a driving motor (12), and the other end is a free end. A disc end cover (13) having a diameter larger than that of the rotating cylinder (11) is fixed to the free end of the rotating cylinder (11).

4. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height-to-diameter ratio of the rotating cylinder (11) is 6:1-12:1, and longitudinal reinforcing ribs (111) and annular reinforcing ribs (112) are arranged on the inner wall of the rotating cylinder (11), and the material is carbon fiber composite material or stainless steel.

5. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating cylinder (11) comprises a central support rod (113), and a shear pin (114) is provided in the middle of the central support rod (113) for overload protection.

6. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mode conversion mechanical arm (2) includes a self-locking rotation drive mechanism (21), a telescopic mechanism (22), a self-locking rotation drive mechanism (23) and a connecting rod (24) connected in sequence, wherein the self-locking rotation drive mechanism (21) is connected to the external hull, and the connecting rod (24) is connected to the Magnus device (1). The self-locking rotation drive mechanism (21) and the self-locking rotation drive mechanism (23) can be self-locked and fixed and output rotation.

7. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection system includes a roll sensor and a wind speed sensor on the left and right sides of the external hull. The roll sensor is used to detect the roll angle and angular velocity of the hull, and the wind speed sensor is used to detect the wind speed. The control system is provided with a roll sensor threshold and a wind speed sensor threshold.

8. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the roll sensor feedback value is higher than the roll sensor threshold, the system is in a roll reduction mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion mechanical arm (2) to move the Magnus device (1) to symmetrical positions on both sides of the external hull, and the control system drives the Magnus device (1) to rotate and reduce the roll according to the roll sensor feedback.

9. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is higher than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in the sail propulsion mode, the control system drives the mode conversion mechanical arm (2) to move the Magnus device (1) to the vertical plane of the external hull deck, and the control system drives the Magnus device (1) to rotate to generate sail propulsion force.

10. The convertible Magnus fin stabilizer propulsion system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the roll sensor feedback value is lower than the roll sensor threshold and the wind speed sensor feedback value is lower than the wind speed sensor threshold, the system is in the storage mode, and the control system drives the mode conversion manipulator (2) to move the Magnus device (1) into the external hull.

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