Adjustable Angular Gear Drive for Sail Winch Layout Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion transmission systems for manoeuvring sail ropes in sailing vessels suffer from fixed geometric constraints, leading to inefficiencies and increased power dissipation due to the 90° angular drive, which also occupies significant deck space.
Innovation Solution
A motion transmission system with adjustable angular drive comprising a train of gears, including a first and second gear mounted on supports with an adjustable hinge axis, allowing adaptation to vessel layouts and reducing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a 90° angular drive is used to transmit motion from pedestal to winch, then motion transmission is achieved, but the kinematic path length increases and power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed 90° angular drive with a dynamic, adjustable angular drive that can adapt its geometry to the specific vessel layout. This allows optimization of the kinematic path length and reduction of power dissipation by eliminating unnecessary motion transfers and cardan joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular drive's geometric parameters (angles, positions) are made variable through adjustment mechanisms, allowing the system to be optimized for each specific vessel configuration. This reduces the kinematic path length and associated energy losses compared to the fixed 90° geometry.
2Reliability
If a 90° angular drive with cardan shaft is used to overcome misalignment, then motion transmission is achieved, but power dissipation increases due to cardan joint absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cardan shaft and cardan joints from the motion transmission path by designing the angular drive to directly interface with the winch input axis. This removes the source of power dissipation while maintaining reliable motion transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable angular drive acts as an intermediary that directly couples the pedestal output to the winch input without requiring cardan joints. By being adjustable, it can accommodate misalignment directly through its geometry rather than through power-absorbing cardan mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a 90° angular drive is used for motion transmission, then functional capability is achieved, but the usable height of rooms below deck is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable angular drive can be configured in different geometric arrangements, allowing it to be adapted to fit within the available vertical space in various vessel designs. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to maintain functionality while occupying less fixed volume below deck.
4Device complexity
If the kinematic path geometry is fixed by 90° angular drive, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to specific vessel layouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the angular drive's geometry, transforming it from a fixed-structure component to one that can be configured for different vessel layouts. This adds some complexity but enables adaptation to specific spatial requirements while maintaining relatively simple mechanical principles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances power transmission efficiency and flexibility in configuring motion paths, minimizing deck space occupation and synchronizing multiple winch operations.
Implementation Method 1
the angular drive includes a train of gears which mesh together for transmitting a rotary motion from the drive means to the winch
Data Source
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AI summary
A motion transmission system (1) for manoeuvring sail ropes in sailing vessels, comprising at least one winch (2), at least one winch drive means (3) and kinematic connection means (4) between said at least one drive means and said at least one winch. The kinematic connection means comprise at least one angular drive (5) including a train of gears (6) which mesh together for transmitting a rotary motion from said drive means to said winch. The train of gears comprises a first gear (11) rotatably mounted around a first axis (X1) and a second gear (12) rotatably mounted around a second axis (X2). The angular drive comprises a first and a second supports (21, 22) hinged to each other around a hinge axis (X3) and adjustment means (7) of the relative angular position (A) between said supports (21, 22) around said hinge axis. The first and second gears (11, 12) are respectively mounted on said first and second supports (21, 22) in such a manner as to allow adjustment of the relative angular position (A) between said first and second axes (X1, X2) around said hinge axis (X3) through said adjustment means.