Boat Stabilizing Paddles with Dynamic Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boat stabilization devices are ineffective at low speeds and often compromise performance at higher speeds, requiring complex mechanisms and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A compact, integrated electric motor and planetary reduction gearing system with paddles mounted on the transom, allowing for efficient counteracting of rolling at low speeds without affecting higher-speed performance, featuring a simple and robust design with automatic operation based on sensed parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stabilization device is activated at low speeds, then rolling comfort is improved, but performance at higher speeds deteriorates due to increased resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidboat speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle angle is dynamically adjusted based on boat speed. At low speeds, paddles are positioned at a larger angle to the water flow to maximize stabilizing effect. At higher speeds, the paddles automatically reduce their angle to minimize resistance, thus maintaining boat performance while providing stabilization when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (paddle angle) according to the operating condition (boat speed). This allows the stabilization device to adapt its effectiveness and resistance characteristics based on the speed regime, optimizing both low-speed comfort and high-speed performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a complex mechanism is used to pivot fins between modes, then stabilization capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the stabilization function with the existing transom structure. The paddles are mounted on the transom itself, utilizing the transom as part of the stabilization mechanism rather than requiring a separate complex pivoting system. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining effective stabilization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transom structure serves dual purposes: it provides the structural rear boundary of the boat and simultaneously acts as the mounting mechanism for the stabilization paddles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex pivoting mechanisms while achieving the same stabilization effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If paddles are positioned outside the transom area, then lever arm for counteracting rolling is increased, but resistance at higher speeds increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounteracting torqueVSAvoidwater resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle position and angle are dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. At low speeds, paddles extend laterally outside the transom to maximize lever arm and counteracting torque. At higher speeds, paddles are repositioned to reduce their lateral extension and angle to the water flow, minimizing resistance while maintaining sufficient stabilizing effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the geometric parameters (paddle angle, lateral position) according to boat speed. This allows optimization of the lever arm length for torque generation at low speeds, while reducing the same parameters at high speeds to minimize drag and maintain performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively stabilizes boats at low speeds while maintaining performance at higher speeds, reducing maintenance needs and costs, with a compact design suitable for space-constrained applications.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary reduction gearing for reducing the rotation of the motor to the adjustment movement of the adjustable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary reduction gearing: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

a rotating electric motor having a rotor and a stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

the rotation of these will create reaction forces and torque that effectively can be used to counteract the rolling at low speeds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic reaction force: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3298302B1An adjustable device and a boat provided with a stabilizing device
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 HUMPHREE A
  • EP3298302B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3298302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3298302B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustable device, pivotally arranged about a pivot axis (230, 230a, 230b) by means of a rotating electric motor (213) having a rotor (215) and a stator (216) via a reduction gearing (214) for reducing the rotation of the motor to the adjustment movement of the adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b), wherein the reduction gearing (214) is a planetary gearing, the axis of the electric motor (213) is coaxial with the axis of said reduction gearing (214) and with the pivot axis (230,230a, 230b) of said adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b) and the reduction gearing (214) and the electric motor (213, 213a, 213b) to form a compact construction.