Vessel Stabilization Apparatus and Method

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-05-07
SEA GYRO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention was developed to provide an alternate method of operating a gyroscope to reduce the adverse effects of wave motion on a vessel.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with the passive gyroscope is that in small craft it is often difficult to lengthen the period of roll outside the wave spectrum.

Method used

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  • Vessel Stabilization Apparatus and Method
  • Vessel Stabilization Apparatus and Method
  • Vessel Stabilization Apparatus and Method

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0031]FIG. 1 represents the vessel 10 to which embodiments of the present method for motion control are applied.

[0032]Installed in the vessel 10 is a gyroscope 12 having a flywheel 14 mounted for rotation about a vertical spin axis 16. The gyroscope 12 is mounted in a gimbal (not shown) having a trunnion axis 18 which in this particular embodiment is mounted athwart the vessel 10. The gimbal also supports a motor (not shown) for driving the flywheel 14 so that it together with the flywheel can rotate with the gimbal. The entire system is securely mounted to the vessel 10.

[0033]Sensors 20 are mounted at various locations on the vessel 10 as well as on the gyroscope 12 to measure the motion of the vessel 10. The sensors 20 may consist of a variety of instruments including accelerometers and pressure transducers. The sensed motion includes motion and / or pressure generated by waves (which will have a corresponding wave slope) and may also include motion caused by a propulsion system of ...

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Abstract

A method for controlling the motion of marine vessel (10) comprises mounting a gyroscope (12) in a gimbal and fixing the gimbal inside the vessel. In one arrangement, a trunnion axis (18) of the gimbal is mounted athwart the vessel (10). Sensors (20) are mounted at various locations on the vessel (10), as well as on the gyroscope (12), to measure the motion of the vessel (10), including motion caused by wave action. Signals from the sensors (20) are processed by a computer that in turn controls a motor to apply a force about the trunnion axis (18) to the gyroscope (12) in a direction that causes the gyroscope (12) to provide a reactive torque urging the vessel (10) to follow the slope of the wave and reduce the motion in the vessel (10). Thus, the method causes the gyroscope to apply reactive force that causes the vessel (10) to follow the slope of the waves acting on the vessel. This in essence eliminates hydrodynamic and hydrostatic force on the vessel and therefore prevents resonance of the vessel (10) with the waves.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stabilising a vessel such as a marine vessel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]Gyroscopic stabilisers (gyro stabilisers) have been used for many years for the purposes of stabilising marine craft, and in particular minimising the effects of roll created by wave action.[0003]In 1904 Schlick suggested using a large gyroscope as a passive device in order to supply an internal torque to oppose roll motion of a vessel induced by wave action. The basic principle of the device was to lengthen the roll period of the vessel so that it would not interact with periodic wave motion thereby avoiding resonance. Most large vessels have a roll period of approximately 10 seconds, with the longest wave period being approximately 16 seconds. By extending the roll period of a vessel to greater than 16 seconds, the vessel will not resonate with a wave action.[0004]One problem with the passive gyroscope is that in sm...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B63B39/04G05D1/08
CPCG05D1/0875B63B39/04
InventorAYRES, COLIN C.
OwnerSEA GYRO