Power distribution / delivery module

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a power distribution / delivery module assembly, which is configured to be mounted on a ship and includes a mounting bracket connected to a housing to assist in stabilizing the ship while it is moving on water. The power distribution / delivery module assembly further includes a printed circuit board, a connector plate, and connectors, which may also be connected to various electronic components that assist in stabilizing the ship. The printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the ship (e.g., software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyroscope stabilization devices, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide the intended functionality and stability during operation of the ship).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,743, filed on July 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus useful in a system configured to stabilize a ship while it is moving on water. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a module of the system (including an assembly for mounting the module) and a method of installing the module. More specifically, the present disclosure is further directed to a power distribution / delivery module having a housing, a mounting bracket, a connector plate, a sealing gasket, connection hardware, and mounting hardware.

Background Art

[0003] A ship moving on water can rotate freely in three directions corresponding to its three main axes. The front part (bow) of the ship can rotate along its vertical axis by bending left and right (this is called yaw). The bow can rotate along the left - right axis of the ship by moving up and down (this is called pitch). The ship can rotate along the front - rear axis of the ship by tilting left and right (this is called roll). Unintended rotations along these axes are caused by water flow, waves, or wind. Yaw, roll, or pitch of a ship, if not suppressed, can lead to a decrease in movement efficiency, damage to the ship or its cargo, and can be dangerous to the humans on board the ship.

[0004] To reduce unintended yaw, pitch, or roll while in motion, ships have heretofore used various methods and devices to make sea travel smoother and safer. For example, ballast devices have been used for centuries to increase stability and reduce unintended rotation. Ballast is deliberately heavy, often bulky, and is typically placed in locations below the ship (generally below the waterline). Further, deep rudders or keels have long been used to stabilize the ship against unintended roll or pitch. The rudder or keel extends underwater beneath the outer hull of the ship and creates resistance to unintended rotation caused by water flow, waves, or wind. Many modern ships use water engagement devices (such as trim tabs, wake gates, interceptors, fins, or other similar devices) in a system that is powered by the on-board electrical system and controlled by the on-board computer system.

[0005] These conventional methods and systems for reducing unintended rotation have drawbacks. Traditional ballast is heavy and occupies limited space on the ship. Not all ships can be equipped with a deep keel or rudder due to speed limits or water depth limits. Also, motor-driven fins are limited in size and are typically attached directly to the motor, so their range of motion is limited. And all of the conventional means for reducing unintended rotation while in motion are static or at least very slow to respond to changes in circumstances. Water flow, waves, and wind are not static. Conditions on the water (especially on the ocean) can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the actions of the respective forces of water flow, waves, and wind on the ship are simultaneous, of varying degrees, and not the same in magnitude or direction, so conventional ship stabilization methods are not designed to respond accurately and sensitively to changes in water conditions. Additionally, the on-board electrical system and computer system are affected, or damaged, or disrupted by the vibrations of the ship as a result of the engine, waves, or other inputs.

[0006] Accordingly, there has long been a pressing, unmet need for a ship stabilization means that is not bulky, compatible with all ships, easy to install and remove, and capable of isolating sensitive electronic circuits from destructive vibrations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the above prior art.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted near the transom of a ship by means of a mounting bracket and corresponding mounting hardware.

[0009] One embodiment of the present disclosure may communicate with other ship stabilization components.

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a fresh water environment.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a salt water environment.

[0012] A power distribution / delivery module assembly configured to be mounted on a ship includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base plate disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions are parallel to the mounting base plate and are offset in a direction from the mounting base plate. Each of the first and second end portions includes a raised portion, and the mounting bracket is configured to be connected to the surface of the ship. The housing is defined by a plurality of surrounding partition walls and includes a centrally disposed compartment with an open top, a pair of pockets, each pocket being defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from opposing partition walls, a space defined by the surrounding partition wall extending between the pair of pockets, the rear edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship. The connection between the housing and the mounting bracket is made such that the first and second end portions are respectively disposed in one of the pockets of the pair of pockets, and the mounting base plate is disposed within the space.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installing a power distribution / delivery module on a transom of a ship includes: (1) connecting a mounting bracket to the surface of the ship, the mounting bracket including a mounting base plate disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second end portions being parallel to the mounting base plate and offset in a direction from the mounting base plate, each of the first and second end portions including a protrusion; and (2) connecting a housing to the mounting bracket, the housing including a compartment defined by a plurality of surrounding partition walls and having an open top, a pair of pockets defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from opposing partition walls, and a space defined by the surrounding partition wall extending between the pair of pockets, the rear edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship, wherein the first and second end portions are respectively disposed in one of the pockets of the pair of pockets and the mounting base plate is disposed in the space.

[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure that no previously known product, manufacturing process of a product, method of using a product, or processing method is included within the scope of the present disclosure, to the extent that the applicant reserves the right and disclaims any previously known product, process, or method by this specification. As a further note, the present disclosure is intended such that no product, manufacturing process of a product, or method of using a product that does not meet the description and enablement requirements of the specification of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1) or the European Patent Office (EPO) (Article 83 of the EPC) is included within the scope of the present disclosure, to the extent that the applicant reserves the right and disclaims any previously described product, manufacturing process of a product, or method of using a product by this specification.

[0015] Note that, in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and / or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised", "comprising", etc. may have the meaning ascribed to them under United States patent law (e.g., they may mean "includes", "included", "including", etc.), and terms such as "consisting essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them under United States patent law (e.g., they allow elements not explicitly recited, but exclude elements found in the prior art or elements that affect the basic or novel characteristics of this disclosure).

[0016] These and other embodiments are disclosed, or are apparent from and included in the following detailed description.

[0017] The following brief description of the drawings, which are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described, will be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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[0019] FIGS. 1-5 schematically show the appearance of a power distribution / delivery module 100 according to one aspect of the present application. The outer portion of the power distribution / delivery module (collectively 100) includes a housing 102, a connector plate 104, a mounting bracket 106, and a hardware connector 108. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a power distribution / delivery module according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the power distribution / delivery module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the power distribution / delivery module of FIG. 1, showing the connector plate 104 and the connector 108.

[0020] The power distribution / delivery module 100 is preferably installed on the transom of the ship. This is advantageous because the power distribution / delivery module 100 is compatible with most transoms and no special equipment for use is required on the ship. Further, since the transom is usually exposed to considerable vibrations from the engine, the operating sensors and software may be placed away from the transom. The power distribution / delivery module 100 is not easily opened. This prevents the internal components from being damaged by water or other contaminants. Preferably, as a step in the manufacturing process, the interior of the power distribution / delivery module 100 may be filled with a rigid or gel-like compound.

[0021] The power distribution / delivery module 100 is equipped with several connectors 108, which are capable of receiving electronic cables from other components within the system. The user can install or remove the power distribution / delivery module 100 without disconnecting any of the electronic cables connected to the connectors 108 when the power distribution / delivery module 100 is connected to various other components. This is possible due to the shape of the mounting bracket 106 and the raised portion 114 extending from the mounting bracket 106.

[0022] The mounting bracket 106 facilitates easy mounting to the transom of a ship. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the mounting bracket 106 detached from the power distribution / delivery module 100. The mounting bracket 106 may be attached to the transom of the ship by four mounting holes 118. Screws, or any other suitable attachment means, may be used to attach the mounting bracket 106 to the transom. The mounting bracket 106 may also include a raised portion 114, which is connected to each opening 116 by a screw-type fastener or a similar device providing the same function. The shape of the mounting bracket 106 further facilitates installation of the mounting bracket onto the transom. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base plate (mounting surface) 122 disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first end portion and the second end portion are parallel to the mounting base plate and are offset in a direction (the direction indicated by arrow 103 in FIGS. 3 and 5a) from the mounting base plate 122.

[0023] As shown, the mounting base plate / surface 122 of the mounting bracket 106 is flush and horizontal with respect to the transom and includes two wing flanges 120 that extend from the mounting surface 122 of the mounting bracket 106. The wings 120 enable a user to secure the power distribution / delivery housing 102 to the mounting bracket 106, which is done by aligning the raised portion 114 with an opening in the front of the power distribution / delivery housing 102 and then applying a screw or other securing mechanism onto the raised portion 114. The power distribution / delivery housing 102 may include a pair of opposing pockets, each pocket being configured to receive and cover the first end portion and the second end portion of the mounting bracket 106, which include the raised portion 114.

[0024] Attaching the power distribution / delivery module 100 to the mounting bracket 106 or removing it from the mounting bracket 106 can be done without disconnecting any of the electronic cables or power cables connected to the connector 108 on the adjacent side of the power distribution / delivery module. Therefore, the positional relationship between the mounting bracket 106 and other outer components of the power distribution / delivery module is advantageous.

[0025] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are views of the housing 102 drawn from various directions. The housing 102 includes a centrally located compartment defined by a plurality of surrounding partition walls and having an open top, a pair of pockets, each pocket being defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from opposing partition walls, a space defined by the surrounding partition walls extending between the pair of pockets, the rear edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship. The connection between the housing and the mounting bracket 106 is made such that the first and second end portions of the mounting bracket 106 are respectively disposed within one of the pockets of the pair of pockets, and the mounting base plate is disposed within the space of the housing. The housing 102 is of a custom shape designed to protect the hardware and printed circuit board (not shown in FIG. 4) inside the power distribution / delivery module 100. The housing 102 cannot be easily removed from the other parts of the power distribution / delivery module 100 to ensure the safety of the internal components. The shape of the housing 102 is capable of accommodating the mounting bracket 104 (shown in FIG. 11), thereby facilitating the direct connection of the power distribution / delivery module to the transom of the ship.

[0026] Figures 5a and 5b schematically depict two views of the mounting bracket 106. The mounting bracket 106 includes a mounting base plate 122, a pair of wing flanges 120, mounting holes 118, and raised mounting holes 116. The mounting base plate 122 may be placed flat and horizontally with respect to the transom when fully installed and secured by the mounting holes 118. Connecting the power distribution / delivery module 100 to the bracket 106 is done by aligning an opening at the front of the power distribution / delivery module 100 with a raised portion 114 (shown in FIG. 5a) and securing the module 100 with a set of screws.

[0027] Figures 6a and 6b schematically depict two views of the connector plate 104. The connector plate facilitates electrical connections with other system components not described herein. For example, the connector plate may communicate with a system monitor, a central computer system, a stabilization actuator, a motor, or other electronic functions necessary for the propulsion and stabilization of a ship. The connector plate 104 depicted in FIGS. 6a and 6b includes connectors 108 for coupling or interfacing with stabilization components on a ship. FIG. 6a depicts the outward-facing side of the connector plate 104. FIG. 6b depicts the inward-facing side of the connector plate 104.

[0028] Figures 7 - 9 generally relate to the internal components of the present disclosure. Generally, the internal components of the power distribution / delivery module 100 include a gasket 112, a printed circuit board 110, and connection hardware 108. The connector 108 is coupled to the printed circuit board 110 generally to facilitate a communication connection between the connector 108 and the printed circuit board 110.

[0029] Figures 7a and 7b depict two views of the internal components of the power distribution / delivery module 100 with the outer components omitted.

[0030] Figures 8a and 8b depict a printed circuit board 110. The printed circuit board 110 communicates with other stabilization components on the ship to provide sufficient power and control to counteract any unwanted rotational forces acting on the ship. The printed circuit board 110 may be a printed circuit board or other similar printed circuit board system, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The printed circuit board 110 may be capable of interfacing with connectors from various electronic components (e.g., software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyroscopic stabilization devices, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide the intended functionality). The printed circuit board 110 may be pre-programmed so that it is ready to use as soon as it is taken out of the shelf.

[0031] Figure 9 depicts a sealing gasket 112. The gasket 112 prevents water from entering the internal components of the power distribution / delivery module 100 during use.

[0032] All documents cited herein, including published documents, patent applications, and patents, are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification to the same extent as if each document were individually and specifically shown herein and set forth in its entirety.

[0033] The use of the articles "a", "an", and "the", and similar indicatives, in the context of describing the present disclosure (in particular, in the context of the following claims) should be construed to include both the singular and the plural, unless specifically indicated otherwise herein or clearly inconsistent with the context. The terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing" should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise specified. The recitation of numerical ranges herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand reference for individually referring to each value falling within the range, and each value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, unless specifically indicated otherwise herein or clearly inconsistent with the context. The use of any examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely intended to clarify the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise claimed. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

[0034] This specification describes preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations of these preferred embodiments upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors envision that those skilled in the art will appropriately adopt such variations, and intend for the present disclosure to be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure encompasses any modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto, as permitted by applicable law. Further, unless otherwise specifically noted herein or clearly inconsistent with the context, all possible combinations of the above-described elements in all possible variations of the preferred embodiments are included in the present disclosure.

[0035] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it will be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described preferred embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly inconsistent with the context, the disclosed matter defined by the paragraphs above is not limited to the specific details set forth in the foregoing description, as many obvious variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A power distribution / delivery module assembly configured to be mounted on a ship, a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including a mounting base plate disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second end portions being parallel to the mounting base plate and offset in a direction from the mounting base plate, each of the first and second end portions including a raised portion, the mounting bracket being configured to be connected to the surface of the ship, the mounting bracket; a housing including a centrally disposed compartment defined by a plurality of surrounding partition walls and having an open top, a pair of pockets, each pocket being defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from opposing partition walls, and a space defined by the surrounding partition wall extending between the pair of pockets, the back edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship; comprising; the connection between the housing and the mounting bracket is made such that the first and second end portions are respectively disposed within one of the pair of pockets and the mounting base plate is disposed within the space; a power distribution / delivery module assembly.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the housing.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing gasket disposed within the housing.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the power distribution / delivery module is filled with a rigid or gel-like compound so that the internal components of the power distribution / delivery module are not damaged or exposed to danger by water or other contaminants.

5. The printed circuit board of claim 2 is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the ship (e.g., software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyroscopic stabilization devices, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components capable of providing intended functionality and stability during operation of the ship).

6. A method of installing a power distribution / delivery module on a transom of a ship, A step of connecting a mounting bracket to the surface of a ship, wherein the mounting bracket includes a mounting base plate disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second end portions are parallel to the mounting base plate, and are offset in a certain direction from the mounting base plate, and each of the first and second end portions includes a raised portion, the step of connecting the mounting bracket; A step of connecting a housing to the mounting bracket, wherein the housing includes a compartment defined by a plurality of surrounding partition walls and having an open top, a pair of pockets, each pocket being defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from the opposing partition walls, a space defined by the surrounding partition wall extending between the pair of pockets, the rear edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship, and the first and second end portions are respectively disposed in one of the pockets of the pair of pockets, and the mounting base plate is disposed in the space, the step of connecting the housing; A method including the above.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed in the housing.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising a sealing gasket disposed in the housing.

9. The printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the ship (e.g., software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyroscope stabilization devices, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide intended functionality and stability during the operation of the ship). The method according to claim 7.

10. A ship, A power distribution / delivery module assembly connected to the surface of the ship, A mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including a mounting base plate disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second end portions being parallel to the mounting base plate and offset in a direction from the mounting base plate, each of the first and second end portions including a raised portion, the mounting bracket being configured to be connected to the surface of the ship, the mounting bracket and, A housing, the housing including a central compartment defined by a plurality of peripheral partition walls and having an open top, a pair of pockets, each pocket being defined by a plurality of pocket walls extending from opposing partition walls, the pair of pockets, and a space defined by the peripheral partition wall extending between the pair of pockets, the rear edge of the housing, and the surface of the ship, the connection between the housing and the mounting bracket being made such that the first and second end portions are respectively disposed in one of the pockets of the pair of pockets and the mounting base plate is disposed within the space, the housing and, The power distribution / delivery module assembly further including A ship including

11. The ship according to claim 10, further including a printed circuit board disposed within the housing.

12. The ship according to claim 10, further including a sealing gasket disposed within the housing.

13. The ship according to claim 10, wherein the interior of the power distribution / delivery module is filled with a rigid or gel-like compound so that the internal components of the power distribution / delivery module are not damaged or exposed to danger by water or other contaminants.

14. The ship according to claim 11, wherein the printed circuit board is further configured to interface with various electronic components on the ship (e.g., software control modules, engine control modules, navigation systems, gyroscope stabilization devices, water engagement devices, engines, and other similar components that can provide intended functionality and stability during operation of the ship).

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