Continuous Fiber Composite Rigging for Sailboat Masts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sailboat rigging systems, particularly those using discontinuous fiber composite members, face challenges in reducing weight, wind drag, and the number of metallic terminal fittings, which limit their efficiency and performance due to inherent weaknesses at bends and the need for multiple terminal fittings.

Innovation Solution

A continuous fiber composite rigging system is designed with tapered cross-sections and reduced terminal fittings, where fiber composite tension members are manufactured to have uniform stress and strain capabilities, allowing for multiple bends without significant strength loss, and utilizing spreader end fittings that eliminate the need for multiple terminal connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discontinuous fiber composite tension members are used with multiple terminal fittings, then the rigging system can accommodate directional changes and spreader support, but the weight and number of metallic terminal fittings increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate directional changes and spreader supportVSAvoidweight of terminal fittings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete tension members and terminal fittings into a single continuous fiber composite tension member. The continuous member passes through spreader end fittings without requiring terminal fittings at each directional change point, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining the ability to accommodate directional changes and spreader support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous fiber composite tension member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tension support, accommodates directional changes, and interfaces with spreaders through the continuous path, all without requiring separate terminal fittings at each function point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple terminal fittings are used to connect discrete tension members, then the rigging system can be assembled, but the wind drag and aerodynamic resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidwind drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete components into a continuous tension member that passes through spreader end fittings. This eliminates the need for multiple terminal fittings that would create aerodynamic resistance, resulting in a smoother, more streamlined rigging system with reduced wind drag while maintaining assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If straight fiber composite tension members are bent to create continuous rigging paths, then the number of terminal fittings is reduced, but weak points are created at the bend areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of terminal fittingsVSAvoidstrength at bend areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing structural reinforcement specifically at the bend areas of the continuous fiber composite tension member. The reinforcement ensures that the bend areas, which are potential weak points, have sufficient strength to handle the tensile loads without compromising the overall reliability of the rigging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If discontinuous rigidging with multiple discrete tension members is used, then each member can be optimized for its specific segment, but the overall system weight and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment optimization capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete tension members into a single continuous fiber composite tension member that passes through spreader end fittings. This reduces the number of parts from multiple separate members with terminal fittings to a single continuous member, while the ability to optimize for specific segments is maintained through the continuous design that can vary properties along its length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7540250B2Fiber composite continuous tension members for sailboat masts and other tensioning member supported structures

Publication Date: 2009.06.02 AIRLOG ACQUISITION CORP

AI summary

A continuous composite rigging system for sailboats. The rigging has a branched shroud rigging harness having a plurality of generally straight and elongate portions and at least one branched portion and at least one spreader end fitting for engaging the at least one branched portion of the branched shroud rigging harness.