Azimuthal Propelling Units Tugboat Triangular Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tugboats with azimuthal propelling units face limitations in maneuverability and draft, as increasing power requires larger propelling units, which in turn increases draft, and existing configurations are not efficient for lateral thrust and are vulnerable if one unit is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A tugboat design featuring three azimuthal propelling units arranged in a triangular pattern, with at least two units on opposite sides of the mid-sectional plane angled relative to the vertical, allowing for improved thrust distribution and reduced draft, enabling increased power with reduced draft or similar power with smaller draft, and enhanced towing behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the dimensions of propelling units are increased to produce more power, then the power producible is increased, but the draft of the ship is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional vertical propelling units to azimuthal propelling units that can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis. This dimensional change in orientation allows the propelling units to generate thrust in multiple directions (forward, backward, lateral) without increasing their vertical dimensions, thereby increasing effective power while maintaining draft constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the propulsion system into multiple independent azimuthal propelling units (typically three) arranged in a triangular pattern. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently and contributes to overall thrust vectoring, enabling the tugboat to achieve superior maneuverability and power distribution without requiring each individual unit to be oversized, thus avoiding draft increase
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tugboat configurations are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maneuverability and thrust distribution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thrust vectoring capability through azimuthal propelling units that can independently rotate and change direction. Each unit can be oriented at different angles and rotated at different speeds, allowing real-time adaptation to various maneuvering requirements. This dynamic control system enables the tugboat to achieve superior maneuverability despite the increased complexity of coordinating multiple independently controlled units
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~5A
AI summary
A tugboat (1) having azimuthal propelling units, comprising two juxtaposed azimuthal propelling units (10, 20), characterized in that each of the juxtaposed propelling units (10, 20) has a main shaft (14) with a main axis (11, 21) extending at an angle (α and/or β) relative to a main plane of symmetry (2) and/or to a transverse center plane (5) of the tug boat.