Angled Transom Marine Vessel Propulsion Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessel propulsion systems face limitations in maneuverability due to restricted steering capabilities, particularly when trying to lead the bow during sidle translation, caused by the configuration of propulsion devices and transom portions, which restricts the necessary outboard steering angle.

Innovation Solution

The marine vessel features an elongated hull with transom portions mounted at a non-perpendicular outboard angle, allowing the propulsion devices to be steerable inwardly and providing thrust axes that intersect aftwardly of the center of turn, increasing the available steering angle and maneuvering capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If propulsion devices are mounted on conventional perpendicular transom portions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the steering angle is restricted and maneuverability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angleVSAvoidtransom configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transom portions are configured at non-perpendicular angles relative to the centerline of the vessel, creating an asymmetric mounting arrangement that enables greater steering angles. This asymmetric geometry allows the propulsion devices to be positioned such that their thrust vectors can be oriented more effectively for maneuvering, particularly for leading the bow during lateral translations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new geometric dimension by angling the transom portions outwardly from the perpendicular position. This dimensional change in the mounting structure creates additional steering authority without requiring more complex mechanical steering mechanisms, effectively using spatial geometry to overcome the steering angle limitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the center of turn is close to the transom, then the vessel can achieve tight turning radius, but the available steering angle becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning rateVSAvoidsteering angle

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The non-perpendicular transom configuration creates an asymmetric thrust vector arrangement that provides sufficient steering angle even when the center of turn is positioned close to the transom. This geometric arrangement ensures that the propulsion device thrust lines can effectively intersect near the transom area while maintaining adequate angular range for maneuvering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9493222B1Marine vessels and propulsion systems for marine vessels having steerable propulsion devices mounted on outwardly angled transom portions

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A marine vessel comprises an elongated hull that extends along a center axis from an aftward end to a forward end. A first transom portion and a second transom portion are located closer to the aftward end than the forward end. A first propulsion device is connected to the first transom portion and steerable about a first steering axis. A second propulsion device is connected to the second transom portion and steerable about a second steering axis. The first and second transom portions each has a mounting face that is set at a non-perpendicular outboard angle to the center axis. A controller is configured to steer the first and second propulsion devices inwardly towards a center of pressure of the marine vessel so that during certain lateral translations of the marine vessel the first and second propulsion devices can provide thrusts along axes that intersect aftwardly of the center of pressure.