Captive Wing Traction System with Sliding Lashing Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing captive wing traction systems face challenges in efficiently deploying and folding traction wings, particularly in complex environments like severe weather conditions, and require cumbersome line management and complex interfaces.

Innovation Solution

The proposed captive wing traction system incorporates a trajectory control steering wheel device with fixed and mobile suspension lines, a traction line connecting to a basic platform, a guide line linking the wing's attack edge to the steering wheel, and a stowage line that slides along the guide line to occupy stable positions, enabling fully automatic deployment and withdrawal without manual line manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual line manipulation is used for deploying and folding the traction wing, then the system can be operated with simple mechanical components, but the operation becomes tedious and difficult to automate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of deployment and retractionVSAvoidmanual line handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lashing means are designed to automatically engage and disengage without manual intervention. The sliding connection between the lashing line and guide line allows the system to self-lash and self-unlash during deployment and retraction cycles, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide line acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the lashing line and the traction wing. By sliding along the guide line, the lashing line can transfer forces and movements without requiring direct manual manipulation, enabling automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex interfaces are designed to conform to the shape of the traction wing for lashing, then secure holding is achieved, but the lashing mast design becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding security of leading edgeVSAvoidlashing mast interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex shaped interface is extracted from the lashing mast design and transferred to the lashing means themselves. The lashing line and guide line configuration provides the necessary geometric adaptation to match the wing's leading edge shape, while the mast retains a simple cylindrical form

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the mast complex to fit the wing shape, the solution inverts the approach by using flexible lines that can adapt to the wing shape while the mast remains simple. The lashing means conform to the wing geometry rather than the mast conforming to the wing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lashing line is permanently attached to the guide line, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot adapt to different deployment positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of lashing positionVSAvoidlashing line connection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the lashing line and guide line is made dynamic through a sliding mechanism rather than a fixed attachment. This allows the lashing line to move along the guide line and adapt to different positions during deployment and retraction while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4308451B1Hauling system involving a captive sail and a flying mooring line
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHA LTD
  • EP4308451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4308451B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4308451B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Captive-sail hauling system (1) comprising: - a flying trajectory-control device (7) attached to a hauling sail (5) by fixed shrouds (6) and mobile shrouds (6), the flying trajectory-control device (7) being able to control the mobile shrouds (6); - a hauling line (8) connecting the flying trajectory-control device (7) to the base platform (3); - a guide line (9) connecting the leading edge (16) of the hauling sail (5) to the flying trajectory-control device (7); - a mooring line (10) of which one of the ends is connected to the base platform (3) and the other of the ends of which is slidingly coupled to the guide line (9); - an angle-change transmission element (13) attached to the mooring mast (4).