Rotating Captive Wing Base With Internal Storage for Auto Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing captive wing traction systems require complex and manual deployment and retraction procedures, necessitating operator intervention and ship maneuvering, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially for large vessels.

Innovation Solution

A captive wing traction system with a base platform mounted on a pivot joint, incorporating a deployment and retraction structure, allowing fully automated orientation and storage of the traction wing without human intervention, using a rotating base platform and simplified mechanical linkage for wind alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual deployment and retraction procedures are used with complex mechanical devices, then the traction wing can be deployed and retracted, but operator intervention is required and ship maneuvering is necessary which is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of deployment and retractionVSAvoidcomplexity of deployment and retraction structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base platform is made rotatable on the base via a pivot joint, allowing dynamic reorientation of the deployment and retraction structure to face the apparent wind. This dynamic capability enables automated operation without requiring ship maneuvering, as the structure itself can adapt its orientation to wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base platform serves multiple functions: it supports the deployment and retraction structure, provides rotational capability for wind alignment, and houses an internal storage space for the traction wing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual operations and ship maneuvering, enabling fully automated deployment and retraction.

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

2Ease of operation

If the base platform is rotatably mounted on the base via a pivot joint, then automated orientation relative to wind is achieved, but the system requires additional mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated wind alignmentVSAvoidmechanical components of pivot joint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable base platform enables the deployment and retraction structure to automatically orient itself toward the apparent wind without requiring external manual intervention or complex control systems. The system self-adjusts its orientation based on wind direction, simplifying operation while the pivot joint provides the necessary mechanical capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the base includes an internal storage space for the traction wing, then the system footprint is reduced and exposure to external disturbances is minimized, but access to the storage space requires a storage window opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem footprintVSAvoidstorage window mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traction wing is stored within the internal storage space of the base, nesting the wing inside the base structure. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall system footprint and protects the wing from external disturbances when not in use. The storage window provides controlled access to this nested storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Extent of automation

If fully automated deployment and retraction is implemented, then human intervention is eliminated, but complex control systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of deployment operationsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves full automation through the inherent mechanical capability of the rotatable base platform to orient toward the apparent wind. This self-orienting capability, combined with the internal storage space, allows automated deployment and retraction operations without requiring complex electronic control systems or human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables safe, automated, and efficient deployment and retraction of traction wings, reducing the system's footprint and exposure to external disturbances, while minimizing manual handling and ship maneuvering requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The base platform is rotatably mounted on the base via a pivot joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4436871B1Traction system with captive wing, having a base with internal storage space
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHA LTD
  • EP4436871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4436871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4436871B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tethered-wing traction system, comprising: - a traction wing (2); - a trajectory control flying device (5); - a base platform (8) on which a structure for deploying and folding the traction wing (2) is mounted; and - a traction line. The traction system comprises a stand (12) which includes a mounting base (13) on a traction support, this stand (12) further comprising an internal storage space (20) for the traction wing (2). The base platform (8) is rotatably mounted on the stand (12) via a pivot connection. The base platform (8) has a storage window opening into the internal storage space (20), this storage window being located at the foot of the deployment and folding structure.