A lifting wing sail based on a foremast of a ship

Abstract

A lifting wing type sail based on a ship foremast belongs to the technical field of ship design. The sail supports the lower sail leaf and the motor platform support structure at the bottom of the foremast through an electric rotary mechanism, and integrates the upper sail leaf and the rack tube with the built-in rack. The upper sail leaf is driven to ascend and descend along the built-in slide rail of the lower sail leaf by the meshing of the motor gear and the rack, and the whole sail body is driven to rotate around the foremast by the electric rotary mechanism, effectively solving the problem that some ships cannot be matched with traditional sails, so that the sail device can be flexibly configured to improve the wind energy utilization rate. By combining the sail function with the foremast, the navigation function of the foremast is increased on the basis of retaining the lighting capacity of the top, and through the synchronous driving of the three-section rack and the corresponding gear and the reasonable structure size setting, the stability of the sail leaf lifting, the adaptability of the structure and the convenience of the later maintenance are considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a liftable airfoil sail based on the foremast of a ship, which belongs to the field of ship design technology. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the shipping industry, the cost pressure and environmental problems caused by fuel consumption are becoming increasingly prominent, making wind-assisted navigation technology, which utilizes wind energy as auxiliary power for ships, a research hotspot. Some existing ships (such as Supramax bulk carriers) are not designed with wind-assisted navigation devices, relying solely on main engine propulsion, resulting in high fuel consumption, high operating costs, and significant carbon emissions. For these ships, the installation space and load-bearing capacity of wind-assisted devices are insufficient, preventing some ships from being equipped with wind-assisted devices and thus hindering the achievement of energy conservation and emission reduction goals using wind energy. Furthermore, existing wind-assisted devices often require dedicated masts or large-scale modifications to the main mast, while the foremast, as an inherent and underutilized structure of the ship, differs significantly from dedicated masts in size and load-bearing characteristics, lacking suitable wind-assisted navigation solutions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a device that can accommodate wind-assisted navigation on the foremast of such ships.

[0003] Existing technologies are not suitable for some ships due to insufficient installation space and load-bearing capacity for sail systems, making it impossible for some ships to be equipped with sail systems and thus unable to utilize wind energy to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction goals. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an airfoil sail with two sections of sail blades added to the foremast of a ship, which is driven to raise and lower by a motor and gear rack. This allows some ships that cannot be adapted to traditional sails to be equipped with sail devices, improving wind energy utilization and increasing the functionality of some ship foremasts, enabling them to not only provide lighting capabilities but also serve as sails for navigation.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: a liftable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast, wherein the foremast is mounted on the forecastle deck via a base structure, and the bottom of the foremast supports the lower section of the sail and the motor platform support structure via an electric slewing mechanism, and the motor is fixedly supported at the end of the motor platform support structure; the lower section of the sail and the motor platform support structure are an integral structure, and the outer side of the lower section of the sail is the lower sail edge; The upper sail blade and rack tube are an integral structure, with the outer side of the upper sail blade forming the upper sail edge. A rack is installed inside the rack tube, and the fixed motor gear meshes with the rack, driving the upper sail blade and rack tube to move up and down as a whole. The upper sail edge moves up and down relative to the lower sail edge along the built-in slide rail. The diameter of the rack tube is larger than the diameter of the motor platform support structure. The electric slewing mechanism drives the sail to rotate around the foremast.

[0006] Furthermore, an inspection door is provided at the bottom of the foremast, and a lighting device is provided at the top of the foremast.

[0007] Furthermore, a maintenance vertical ladder and a vertical ladder railing are installed inside the foremast.

[0008] Furthermore, the rack tube is provided with 3 racks, with a 120° interval between adjacent racks.

[0009] Furthermore, each rack corresponds to a fixed motor gear, and the three sets of gear and rack systems drive the upper sail and the integrated rack and pinion tube structure to rise and fall synchronously.

[0010] Furthermore, the diameter of the motor platform support structure is 100-200mm larger than the diameter of the front mast.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper and lower sections of the sail are at the same height.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages: The sail supports the lower section of the sail blade and the motor platform support structure at the bottom of the foremast using an electric slewing mechanism, and integrates the upper section of the sail blade with the rack tube containing the built-in rack. The upper section of the sail blade is driven to rise and fall along the built-in slide rail of the lower section of the sail blade by the meshing of the motor gear and the rack. At the same time, the electric slewing mechanism drives the entire sail body to rotate around the foremast, effectively solving the problem that some ships cannot be adapted to traditional sails, allowing them to flexibly configure sail devices to improve wind energy utilization. This design combines the function of the sail with the foremast, adding the navigational aid function of the foremast while retaining its top lighting capability. Furthermore, through the synchronous drive of the three-section rack and corresponding gears, the reasonable structural size design, and the setting of maintenance ladders and maintenance doors inside the mast, the stability of the sail blade raising and lowering, the adaptability of the structure, and the convenience of later maintenance are all taken into account.

[0013] Existing sail devices mostly rely on dedicated masts and do not incorporate a composite design for modifying and adding sails to the foremast of ships. This utility model designs an airfoil sail device based on the foremast of a ship, enabling some ships that cannot be adapted to traditional sails to be equipped with sail devices, improving wind energy utilization, and increasing the functionality of some ship foremasts, thus adding sails to the foremast for navigation and improving wind energy utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liftable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA view.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB view.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 CC view.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the process of storing the sail.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Forecast deck, 2. Base structure, 3. Inspection door, 4. Electric slewing mechanism, 5. Inspection vertical ladder, 6. Vertical ladder railing, 7. Lighting device, 8. Foremast, 9. Rack, 10. Upper sail section, 11. Upper sail edge, 12. Internal slide rail, 13. Fixed motor gear, 14. Motor platform support mechanism, 15. Lower sail section, 16. Lower sail edge, 17. Rack tube. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this utility model or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0026] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] This utility model is a liftable airfoil sail based on the foremast of a ship, mainly including a foremast, lighting device, upper sail blade, lower sail blade, fixed motor gear, rack, maintenance vertical ladder, vertical ladder railing, built-in slide rail, electric rotation mechanism, motor platform support structure, maintenance door, and base structure.

[0029] Sail Assembly: The sail assembly employs a two-section structure, comprising an upper sail section and a lower sail section. Both sections are identical in structure and size. A longitudinal guide rail is located on the inward chord direction of the upper sail section, allowing the bottom of the upper sail section to be inserted into the lower sail section along the rail. The guide rail is parallel to the airfoil's chord direction, ensuring that the overall streamlined shape of the airfoil is not disrupted during retraction. The upper sail section and rack mechanism are integrated; during sail raising and lowering, a motor drives the gear to rotate, causing the rack mechanism and upper sail section to rise and fall synchronously. The sail section and electric slewing device are fixed as a single unit; when the electric slewing device rotates, it rotates the sail body while keeping the mast stationary.

[0030] Lifting drive assembly: Employs a motor-driven rack and pinion mechanism. The entire rack mechanism has a tubular base, with a rack positioned every 120° circumferentially around the outside of the tube. The top of the rack mechanism connects to the upper sail section, forming an integrated structure. The diameter of the rack tube must be larger than the mast diameter, with sufficient space allocated for the motor gear unit. A motor gear platform is positioned between the rack mechanism and the mast, with three motor gear units on the platform, each corresponding to one of the three racks. A motor gear unit is positioned every 120° around the rack unit (e.g.,...). Figure 1 (CC.SEC), the lifting process involves the synchronous operation of three motors, which drive the upper sail and the entire rack mechanism to lift synchronously through three gear and rack systems.

[0031] Foremast: The mast stands on the base structure of the forecastle deck. Its original radial diameter needs to be appropriately increased (approximately 100-200mm) to facilitate the installation of the motor rack and pinion structure. The height remains the same as the original foundation height required for lighting, with an additional 2-3m extension to accommodate two-end sail installations. High-strength alloy steel is used to ensure increased load-bearing capacity to accommodate the sail components. A vertical maintenance ladder is installed inside the mast along its height, forming a maintenance passage running through the top and bottom of the mast. Space is reserved inside the passage for lighting and cable routing. An access door is located at the bottom of the mast. Example 1

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 A liftable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast is shown. The foremast 8 is mounted on the forecastle deck 1 via a base structure 2. The bottom of the foremast 8 supports the lower sail blade 15 and the motor platform support structure 14 via an electric slewing mechanism 4. The motor is fixed at the end of the motor platform support structure 14. The lower sail blade 15 and the motor platform support structure 14 are an integral structure. The outer side of the lower sail blade 15 is the lower sail edge 16.

[0033] The upper sail 10 and rack tube 17 are an integral structure, with the outer side of the upper sail 10 forming the upper sail edge 11. A rack 9 is installed inside the rack tube 17, and a fixed motor gear 13 meshes with the rack 9, driving the upper sail 10 and rack tube 17 to move up and down as a unit. The upper sail edge 11 moves up and down relative to the lower sail edge 16 along the built-in slide rail 12. The diameter of the rack tube 17 is larger than the diameter of the motor platform support structure 14. Three racks 9 are installed inside the rack tube 17, with a 120° interval between adjacent racks 9. Each rack 9 corresponds to a fixed motor gear 13, and the three sets of gears and racks drive the integrated structure of the upper sail 10 and rack tube 17 to rise and fall synchronously.

[0034] The electric slewing mechanism 4 drives the sail to rotate around the foremast 8.

[0035] An inspection door 3 is installed at the bottom of the foremast 8, and a lighting device 7 is installed at the top of the foremast 8. An inspection vertical ladder 5 and a vertical ladder railing 6 are installed inside the foremast 8.

[0036] The diameter of the motor platform support structure 14 is 100-200mm larger than the diameter of the front mast 8.

[0037] The storage process is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the three motor gear rack systems operate simultaneously, driving the upper sail 10 and rack tube 17 to move downwards synchronously. That is, the upper sail 10 is nested into the lower sail 15 along the built-in slide rail 12 to complete the storage. During this process, the positions of the mast and motor gears are fixed, and the rack device moves downwards with the upper sail.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A type of liftable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast, wherein the foremast (8) is mounted on the forecastle deck (1) via a base structure (2), characterized in that: The bottom of the foremast (8) supports the lower section sail (15) and the motor platform support structure (14) through an electric slewing mechanism (4). The motor is fixed at the end of the motor platform support structure (14). The lower section sail (15) and the motor platform support structure (14) are an integral structure. The outer side of the lower section sail (15) is the lower sail edge (16). The upper sail (10) and rack tube (17) are an integral structure. The outer side of the upper sail (10) is the upper sail edge (11). A rack (9) is installed inside the rack tube (17). The fixed motor gear (13) meshes with the rack (9) to drive the upper sail (10) and rack tube (17) to move up and down as an integral structure. The upper sail edge (11) moves up and down relative to the lower sail edge (16) along the built-in slide rail (12). The diameter of the rack tube (17) is larger than the diameter of the motor platform support structure (14). The electric slewing mechanism (4) drives the sail to rotate around the foremast (8).

2. The retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the front mast (8) is provided with an inspection door (3), and the top of the front mast (8) is provided with a lighting device (7).

3. A retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 2, characterized in that: The foremast (8) is equipped with a maintenance vertical ladder (5) and a vertical ladder railing (6).

4. A retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rack tube (17) is provided with 3 racks (9), with a 120° interval between adjacent racks (9).

5. A retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each rack (9) corresponds to a fixed motor gear (13), and the three sets of gear rack systems drive the upper section of the sail (10) and the rack tube (17) integrated structure to rise and fall synchronously.

6. A retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diameter of the motor platform support structure (14) is 100-200 mm larger than the diameter of the front mast (8).

7. A retractable airfoil sail based on a ship's foremast according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper section of the sail (10) and the lower section of the sail (15) are at the same height.

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