Marine propeller with adjustable pitch and annular blades

By designing an adjustable pitch propeller with annular blades and combining the annular propeller mechanism with the pitch adjustment mechanism, efficient propulsion and high thrust under multiple operating conditions are achieved. This solves the cavitation and efficiency problems of traditional propellers under high-speed conditions and improves structural stability and maintenance convenience.

CN121553338APending Publication Date: 2026-02-24HARBIN ENG UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511498295.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-20
Publication Date
2026-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional adjustable pitch propellers are prone to cavitation under high-speed or high-load conditions, which reduces efficiency and damages the structure, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of high efficiency and high thrust at the same time.

Method used

Design a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller, which combines an annular propeller mechanism with a pitch adjustment mechanism. Fine pitch adjustment is achieved by adjusting gears and limit sliders, and the annular blade configuration is combined to suppress cavitation and improve propulsion efficiency.

Benefits of technology

It improves the thrust performance and efficiency of the propeller, reduces noise, extends the life of the pitch adjustment structure, and simplifies maintenance and replacement. It is suitable for trawlers and tugboats operating under multiple conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller, and belongs to the technical field of ship propulsion and energy-saving equipment.The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller comprises a propeller hub, a pitch adjusting mechanism and an annular propeller mechanism, the annular propeller mechanism is connected with the pitch adjusting mechanism, and the pitch adjusting mechanism is installed on the propeller hub; the screw pitch adjusting mechanism comprises a screw pitch adjusting assembly, a limiting sliding block and an outer adjusting gear, the screw pitch adjusting assembly comprises a cylindrical limiting body, an inner adjusting gear and a screw hole, the cylindrical limiting body is mounted in the mounting hole, the outer adjusting gear is mounted on the adjusting hole, and the outer adjusting gear and the inner adjusting gear are meshed to drive the screw pitch adjusting assembly to rotate; the limiting sliding block moves in the axial direction of the fixed-pitch groove, the limiting sliding block is provided with teeth, and the limiting sliding block is meshed with the inner adjusting gear to achieve fixed pitch. Fine adjustment and limiting of the screw pitch of the propeller are achieved through axial movement of the limiting sliding blocks, the annular propeller mechanism is of a novel annular blade structure, and the thrust performance and the thrust efficiency of the propeller can be greatly improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ship propulsion and energy-saving equipment technology, specifically relating to a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller. Background Technology

[0002] A propeller whose pitch adjusts with changes in the ship's propulsion speed and load is called a controllable pitch propeller (CPP), or simply a controllable pitch propeller. Variable pitch propellers solve the problem of strong coupling between thrust and rotational speed by dynamically adjusting the blade angle, theoretically optimizing efficiency under different operating conditions without changing the rotational speed. Its core advantage lies in ensuring that the power system always operates in the high-efficiency range, while quickly responding to changes in thrust direction and magnitude. Currently, controllable pitch propellers have been applied to some extent on small inland fishing vessels.

[0003] Traditional ship controllable pitch propellers have thinner blade tips and higher loads. To ensure efficiency, the blade surface area ratio cannot be too large. Under high-speed or high-load conditions, conventional blade tips are prone to cavitation, which reduces efficiency, increases noise, damages the structure, and significantly shortens the lifespan of the controllable pitch propeller.

[0004] Traditional ship adjustable pitch propellers typically have no more than four blades, and their disk area ratio is limited to ensure efficiency. The small disk area makes it difficult for adjustable pitch propellers to simultaneously meet the characteristics of high efficiency and high thrust. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller to address the above situation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller includes: a propeller hub, a pitch adjustment mechanism, and an annular propeller mechanism, wherein the annular propeller mechanism is connected to the pitch adjustment mechanism, and the pitch adjustment mechanism is mounted on the propeller hub.

[0008] The propeller hub has a keyed shaft hole, mounting hole, limiting hole, fixed pitch groove, and adjustment hole;

[0009] The pitch adjustment mechanism includes a pitch adjustment assembly, a limiting slider, and an external adjusting gear. The pitch adjustment assembly includes a cylindrical limiting body, an internal adjusting gear, and a screw hole. The cylindrical limiting body is installed in the mounting hole, and the external adjusting gear is installed on the adjusting hole. The external adjusting gear meshes with the internal adjusting gear, causing the pitch adjustment assembly to rotate. The limiting slider moves axially along the fixed pitch groove. The limiting slider has teeth, and the limiting slider meshes with the internal adjusting gear to fix the pitch.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting slider is connected to the cylinder, and the cylinder controls the limiting slider to move axially along the fixed pitch groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the annular propeller mechanism includes a blade mounting plate, screw holes, screws, and annular blades. The blade mounting plate is assembled with a pitch adjustment assembly via N screw holes and screws.

[0012] Furthermore, the annular blade is composed of a front blade, a rear blade, and a transition blade.

[0013] Furthermore, the number of the annular propeller mechanisms is set to 3-4.

[0014] Furthermore, the blades of the annular propeller are composed of a front section, a rear section, and a transition section forming a closed ring.

[0015] Furthermore, the keyed shaft hole extends through the propeller hub.

[0016] Furthermore, the center of the blade mounting plate is located between the front blade and the rear blade.

[0017] Furthermore, the average pitch ratio of the rear blade is greater than that of the front blade.

[0018] Furthermore, the pitch ratio of the transition section blade is smaller than that of the front section blade and the rear section blade.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0020] This invention utilizes an external adjusting gear to drive an internal adjusting gear and a propeller mechanism to achieve pitch adjustment. Axial movement of the limiting slider enables precise adjustment and limiting of the propeller pitch. The annular propeller mechanism employs a novel annular blade configuration, significantly improving thrust performance and propulsion efficiency, while also offering better noise and cavitation performance. This invention combines the multi-condition high-efficiency characteristics of an adjustable-pitch propeller with the high thrust, high efficiency, and low noise characteristics of an annular propeller, making it suitable for use in trawlers and tugboats operating under various conditions.

[0021] This invention features a modular pitch adjustment assembly. The propeller hub and the annular propeller mechanism are assembled using the pitch adjustment mechanism. The pitch adjustment mechanism has a longer lifespan than the annular propeller mechanism, and the annular propeller mechanism is easy to disassemble, significantly reducing maintenance and replacement difficulty and costs. The transmission system has a simple structure, greatly reducing the risk of damage to the pitch adjustment structure and facilitating maintenance.

[0022] This invention relates to a high-performance propeller blade configuration. The blades are annular, and a transition section connects the front and rear blade sections. This configuration can suppress the unloading of the propeller tip vortex and suppress cavitation at the propeller tip, thereby significantly improving the propeller's cavitation and noise performance. The annular blades are reconfigured based on the outboard angle parameter distribution, achieving a reasonable arrangement in the pitch-adjustable structure. Compared with traditional blade configurations, the annular blades have a greater thrust increase and improved open-water efficiency, while also having higher structural strength. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0024] Appendix Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a section at point A

[0025] Appendix Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0026] Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the propeller hub of the present invention;

[0027] Appendix Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the annular propeller mechanism of the present invention;

[0028] Appendix Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pitch adjustment assembly of the present invention;

[0029] Appendix Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the internal adjusting gear of the present invention;

[0030] Appendix Figure 8 It is attached Figure 7 AA section view;

[0031] Appendix Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting slider and the internal adjusting gear in the meshing state of the present invention;

[0032] Appendix Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional rendering of the present invention;

[0033] Appendix Figure 11 It is attached Figure 10 Perspective view.

[0034] In the attached diagram: 1. Propeller hub, 2. Keyed shaft hole, 3. Pitch adjustment assembly, 4. Mounting hole, 5. Limiting hole, 6. Fixed pitch groove, 7. Adjustment hole, 8. Limiting slider, 9. External adjusting gear, 10. Cylindrical limiting body, 11. Screw hole, 12. Internal adjusting gear, 13. Screw, 14. Propeller blade mounting plate, 15. Annular blade, 16. Front blade, 17. Rear blade, 18. Transition blade, 19. Cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] This invention provides a marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller, characterized in that, as shown in the appendix... Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes: a propeller hub 1, a pitch adjustment mechanism, and an annular propeller mechanism. The annular propeller mechanism is connected to the pitch adjustment mechanism, and the pitch adjustment mechanism is mounted on the propeller hub 1.

[0037] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the propeller hub 1 has a keyed shaft hole 2, a mounting hole 4, a limiting hole 5, a fixed pitch groove 6, and an adjusting hole 7; the keyed shaft hole 2 penetrates the propeller hub 1.

[0038] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the annular propeller mechanism includes a blade mounting plate 14, screw holes 11, screws 13, and annular blades 15. The blade mounting plate 14 is assembled with the pitch adjustment assembly 3 through N screw holes 11 and screws 13. The annular blades 15 are composed of a front blade 16, a rear blade 17, and a transition blade 18.

[0039] The blade mounting plate 14 is disposed at the lower end of the annular propeller mechanism. The lower end of the blade mounting plate is provided with a square limiting key that cooperates with the limiting groove. The blade mounting plate and the mounting plate are connected by bolts, and the lower end of the bolts passes through the screw holes on the blade mounting plate and the mounting plate.

[0040] Preferably, the number of the annular propeller mechanisms is set to 3-4.

[0041] Furthermore, the blade mounting plate is assembled with the pitch adjustment assembly via screw holes and screws, which facilitates disassembly and reduces the cost of replacing propeller blades.

[0042] In this embodiment, the blades of the annular propeller are formed into a closed ring by a front section 16, a rear section 17, and a transition section 18. The center of the blade mounting plate 14 is located between the front section blade 16 and the rear section blade 17. The average pitch ratio of the rear section blade 17 is greater than that of the front section blade 16. The pitch ratio of the transition section blade 18 is smaller than that of the front section blade 16 and the rear section blade 17.

[0043] As attached Figure 6As shown, the pitch adjustment mechanism includes a pitch adjustment assembly 3, a limiting slider 8, and an external adjusting gear 9. The pitch adjustment assembly 3 includes a cylindrical limiting body 10, an internal adjusting gear 12, and a screw hole 11. The cylindrical limiting body 10 is installed in the mounting hole 4, and the external adjusting gear 9 is installed on the adjusting hole 7. The external adjusting gear 9 meshes with the internal adjusting gear 12, driving the pitch adjustment assembly 3 to rotate. The limiting slider 8 moves axially along the fixed pitch groove 6. The limiting slider 8 has teeth. The limiting slider 8 meshes with the internal adjusting gear 12 to fix the pitch, achieving precise pitch adjustment of <5°, thereby improving the adjustment accuracy of the pitch adjustment structure.

[0044] In this embodiment, the limiting slider 8 is connected to the cylinder 19, and the cylinder 19 controls the limiting slider 8 to move axially along the fixed pitch groove 6.

[0045] The pitch adjustment operation mode of the present invention:

[0046] When adjusting the propeller pitch, a brushless motor and other equipment drive the outer adjusting gear 9 to rotate, which in turn drives the inner adjusting gear and the pitch adjustment assembly. The 6:1 gear ratio between the inner and outer gears allows for more precise pitch adjustment. Operators can finely adjust the calculated pitch of the pitch adjustment system based on the ship's speed and required thrust, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the ship under operating conditions.

[0047] The fixed pitch operation mode of the present invention:

[0048] After the pitch adjustment system is switched to the required blade pitch, the pitch adjustment mechanism needs to be fixed to bear the huge load on the propeller under high-speed rotation. During the fixing operation, the limit slider 8 moves axially along the fixed pitch groove 9 and meshes with the inner adjusting gear 12. The arc of a single tooth of the inner adjusting gear is about 2°. Therefore, the limit slider can easily achieve precise adjustment of the pitch adjustment system within 5°, thereby increasing the pitch adjustment accuracy and improving the structural stability.

[0049] The component installation process and operation of this invention: The annular blade adjustable pitch propeller has a complex structure and a relatively rigorous assembly process, requiring additional explanation; First, install the limiting slider 8 and move it away from the limiting hole via motor control. Then, install the pitch adjustment assembly, axially fixing its lower cylindrical limiting body 10 to the limiting hole 5; after that, install the external adjusting gear and the annular propeller mechanism, and fix the annular propeller mechanism to the pitch adjustment assembly with screws.

[0050] Precautions for operating the pitch adjustment system of this invention:

[0051] Before implementing pitch adjustment propeller operation, the target pitch must be calculated based on the operating conditions. During ship navigation, before the pitch adjustment system is put into operation, the limit slider 8 should be controlled to move away from the limit hole 5. When the pitch adjustment system is in operation, the ship speed should be ≤5kn to prevent excessive resistance of the pitch adjustment system from causing motor overload and other problems.

[0052] Routine maintenance and upkeep of this invention:

[0053] Regularly inspect the annular propeller mechanism and pitch adjustment structure, including surface damage to the annular blade 15 and the working condition of the limit slider, to promptly identify and repair potential problems. During dry-docking repairs, periodically perform pitch adjustment tests on the pitch adjustment structure to check its working condition and motor performance.

[0054] This invention utilizes precision machining of new materials in manufacturing processes. It employs a five-axis linkage large CNC machine tool to perform precision machining on new marine stainless steel, solving the core problem of manufacturing annular propellers using traditional casting and sand casting processes. At the same time, the stainless steel propeller has good corrosion resistance and high structural strength, making it suitable for harsh working environments such as ice-covered propellers.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller, characterized in that, include: The propeller hub (1), the pitch adjustment mechanism, and the annular propeller mechanism are connected to the pitch adjustment mechanism, and the pitch adjustment mechanism is installed on the propeller hub (1). The propeller hub (1) has a keyed shaft hole (2), a mounting hole (4), a limiting hole (5), a fixed pitch groove (6), and an adjustment hole (7); The pitch adjustment mechanism includes a pitch adjustment assembly (3), a limiting slider (8), and an external adjusting gear (9). The pitch adjustment assembly (3) includes a cylindrical limiting body (10), an internal adjusting gear (12), and a screw hole (11). The cylindrical limiting body (10) is installed in the mounting hole (4), and the external adjusting gear (9) is installed on the adjusting hole (7). The external adjusting gear (9) meshes with the internal adjusting gear (12) to drive the pitch adjustment assembly (3) to rotate. The limiting slider (8) moves axially along the fixed pitch groove (6). The limiting slider (8) has teeth. The limiting slider (8) meshes with the internal adjusting gear (12) to achieve pitch fixation.

2. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting slider (8) is connected to the cylinder (19), and the cylinder (19) controls the limiting slider (8) to move axially along the fixed pitch groove (6).

3. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The annular propeller mechanism includes a blade mounting plate (14), screw holes (11), screws (13), and annular blades (15). The blade mounting plate (14) is assembled with the pitch adjustment assembly (3) through N screw holes (11) and screws (13).

4. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 3, characterized in that, The annular blade (15) is composed of a front blade (16), a rear blade (17), and a transition blade (18).

5. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the annular propeller mechanisms is set to 3-4.

6. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blades of the annular propeller are composed of a front section (16), a rear section (17), and a transition section (18) forming a closed ring.

7. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 6, characterized in that, The keyed shaft hole (2) passes through the propeller hub (1).

8. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The center of the blade mounting plate (14) is located between the front blade (16) and the rear blade (17).

9. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 8, characterized in that, The average pitch ratio of the rear blade (17) is greater than that of the front blade (16).

10. The marine annular blade adjustable pitch propeller according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pitch ratio of the transition section blade (18) is smaller than that of the front section blade (16) and the rear section blade (17).