Cam-Based Sail Orientation for Automated Sailing Vessel Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sailing vessels require manual intervention or complex, expensive hardware to control sail orientation and vessel speed, which is inefficient and costly, especially in autonomous or semi-autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cam mounted to the mast, an adjustable tensioner assembly, and a control unit that automatically adjusts the force of a cam follower against the cam to control sail orientation and vessel speed, using mechanical energy storage means to generate a counter-torque that maintains the sail at an optimal angle relative to the apparent wind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motors or actuators are used to control sail orientation, then automated control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized actuation systems with a passive cam-based mechanical system. The cam profile, when rotated, directly controls the sail orientation through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics while achieving automated response to wind conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes periodic rotation of the cam mechanism to cyclically adjust sail orientation. The cam's rotating profile creates periodic changes in sail angle that correspond to changing wind conditions, enabling continuous automated adaptation without complex control systems
2Device complexity
If crew members manually control the sail, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based system is self-regulating and requires no human intervention. As the cam rotates in response to wind forces on the sail, it automatically adjusts the sail orientation to optimal positions, making the system serve itself without crew input while maintaining high productivity
3Reliability
If expensive motors and actuators are used, then reliability in harsh marine environments is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive cam components made from durable but low-cost materials. These passive mechanical elements are far more reliable in harsh marine environments than expensive motors and actuators, as they have no moving parts that can fail, no electronics to corrode, and require no maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex motorized actuation subsystem from the sail control system. By eliminating motors, actuators, sensors, and control electronics, the system achieves marine environment reliability through simple passive cam mechanics that are inherently resistant to corrosion, salt spray, and extreme temperatures
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 allows for automatic control of sail orientation and vessel speed without human intervention, optimizing speed and reducing operational costs by maintaining the sail at an optimal angle, even in changing wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable tensioner assembly, comprising a base housing, an actuator located within the base housing and a movable extension arm comprising a first end in contact with the actuator inside the base housing and a second end external to the base housing, comprising a cam follower in contact with the cam. The system further comprises a control unit configured to adjust a force created by the actuator against the movable extension arm and transfer the force via the movable extension to the cam follower against the cam.
Implementation Method 2
a cam mounted to a mast of the sailing vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to system, method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a sailing vessel. The speed of a sailing vessel is controlled by varying a force of a cam follower against a perimeter of a cam mounted to either a rotatable mast, or a rotatable sleeve concentrically mounted to a fixed mast, of the sailing vessel. In some embodiments, an onboard control unit determines conditions such as vessel speed, weather conditions, threats, etc. and automatically causes a sailing vessel to achieve predetermined vessel speeds based on the determined conditions.