Canister Thruster Guide Module for Stable Marine Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Canister type thrusters on special ships like drillships face challenges in stable installation, maintenance, and waterproofing due to their large size and heavy components, making upward/downward movement and precision management difficult, especially when repairs are needed at sea.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a canister type thruster with a guide module system that includes lower and upper guide units, a lift unit, and a sealing device to facilitate smooth upward/downward movement, precision management, and the formation of a waterproof structure between the canister and the hull, utilizing guide brackets, lateral guide pads, toothed-part guide pads, and a sealing device with an elastically deformable member for secure and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a canister type thruster is used to enable easy repair and replacement at sea, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for guide modules, lift units, and sealing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster system is divided into a removable canister component and a fixed hull component. The canister contains the propeller assembly and can be independently extracted for repair or replacement without affecting the hull structure, enabling easy maintenance at sea while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Guide modules with guide pads and toothed guide pads act as intermediaries between the canister and hull. These guide structures facilitate controlled movement and positioning of the canister during installation and removal, simplifying the repair process while managing the complexity of the interaction mechanism
2Volume of moving object
If the canister is made as a giant structure with width of 5-6 meters and height of 10 meters to accommodate thruster components, then the volume is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in handling and raising/lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The large canister structure is divided into manageable segments with guide pads positioned at strategic locations. The guide modules break down the handling operation into controlled steps, making the large-volume canister easier to operate despite its size
Solution Approach 2:
Guide pads and toothed guide pads serve as intermediaries that facilitate the raising and lowering of the large canister. These guide structures provide contact points and control the movement path, reducing the operational difficulty of handling the giant structure
3Manufacturing precision
If guide units with guide brackets and guide pads are installed to guide rack movement, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide brackets and guide pads are installed at specific local positions on the canister and hull where precision is most needed. The guide structures provide localized precision control for rack movement during canister installation and removal, achieving manufacturing precision only where required rather than throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function is segmented into multiple independent guide units positioned at different locations. Each guide unit with its bracket and pads provides localized guidance, and the combination of segmented guide units achieves overall precision while keeping individual components simple
4Reliability
If a waterproof structure is formed using a sealing device with an elastically deformable member between the canister and hull, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device utilizes an elastically deformable member that changes its physical parameter (shape) in response to compression forces. When the canister is installed, the sealing member deforms to conform to the mating surface, creating a reliable waterproof seal without requiring complex gasket systems or precision machining
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device employs an elastically deformable member made from elastomeric or polymeric materials that combine flexibility with sealing capability. This composite material approach achieves reliable waterproofing through material properties rather than complex structural design
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
This solution enables easy installation, stable upward/downward movement, precise management, and a reliable waterproof structure, improving productivity and durability of the canister type thruster, allowing for efficient maintenance and operation in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing device configured to form a waterproof structure between the canister and the trunk, including a sealing member that is elastically deformable
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a canister type thruster for implementing smooth upward/downward movement and improving productivity and an installation method thereof. The canister type thruster includes a guide module for guiding upward/downward movement of a canister. The guide module includes: a guide unit that is installed on an inner surface of a trunk so as to support a rack installed on an outer surface of the canister in parallel with a lifting direction to guide the upward/downward movement of the canister; a sliding pad that relieves an impact or a friction applied to the guide unit; and a support protrusion that is provided between the guide unit and the sliding pad to support the sliding pad.