Concave Trailing Edge Stabilizer Fin for Watercraft Roll Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional active fin stabilizer systems face challenges in applying sufficient roll reduction force without causing increased fuel consumption, reduced speed, and unwanted sway and yaw movements, especially in modern, faster, and lighter watercraft, particularly when stationary or at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
The design of stabilizer fins with a pivotally mounted base and a concave trailing edge, allowing them to pivot and direct force more effectively in the anti-roll direction, reducing size and drag while increasing force efficiency and minimizing unwanted movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If very big fins are installed to reach desired roll reduction force, then roll reduction capability is improved, but drag increases causing increased fuel consumption and reduced speed
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge of the stabilizer fin is bent away from the plane defined by the forward direction and pivot axis, creating a concave profile. This curved geometry optimizes the hydrodynamic force generation, allowing smaller fins to produce the required roll reduction force with less drag compared to traditional straight fins.
2Force
If very big fins are installed to reach desired roll reduction force, then roll reduction capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concave trailing edge design creates more efficient hydrodynamic conditions, allowing the fin to generate maximum force with smaller dimensions. This reduces both the physical size of the fin and the power consumption of the actuating units while maintaining effective roll stabilization.
3Force
If traditional fins are used to apply force impulse, then roll reduction is achieved, but unwanted sway and yaw movements are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The bent trailing edge configuration directs the hydrodynamic force more effectively in the desired anti-roll direction. This optimized force vector orientation reduces the generation of unwanted sway and yaw movements while maintaining effective roll stabilization.
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 configuration enhances roll reduction force, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes negative impacts on the watercraft, such as sway and yaw, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and space efficiency, as demonstrated by mathematical models and simulations.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizer fin (10) can pivot about a pivot axis (p)... arranged for receiving roll indication sensor signals from the roll sensor (60), and further arranged for sending control signals to the first and a second pivot means (20) to pivot the first and second stabilizer fins (10)
Implementation Method 2
the trailing edge (13) at the fin tip (30) is bent away from a plane (15) defined by the forward direction (f) and the pivot axis (p), to give the trailing edge (13) a concave profile in a lateral direction (Id) perpendicular to the plane (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A stabilizer fin (10) and an active stabilizer system for a watercraft with a hull (2). The stabilizer fin (10) comprises; - a fin base (11) arranged to be pivotally mounted to the hull with pivot means (20) and to pivot about a pivot axis (p), - a fin tip (30), - a leading edge (12), and - a trailing edge (13). A forward direction (f) of the stabilizer fin (10) is defined from the trailing edge (13) to the leading edge (12) at the fin base (11), and the trailing edge (13) at the fin tip (30) is bent away from a plane (15) defined by the forward direction (f) and the pivot axis (p), to give the trailing edge (13) a concave profile in a lateral direction (Id) perpendicular to the plane (15).