Counter-Rotating Propeller Pod with Shared Bearings and Interdependent Drives
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pod propulsion systems for marine vessels are heavy, large, lack redundancy, and suffer from inefficiencies due to hydrodynamic flow rotational losses and independent motor operation failures.
Innovation Solution
A CRP pod propulsion system with interdependent propulsion modules, utilizing a single bearing arrangement and compact, modularized components, including two electric motors with a shared drive system for redundancy and improved hydrodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pod propulsion systems use independent shaft lines with two sets of bearings for each shaft, then the system can operate two counter-rotating propellers, but the weight and size of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing functions by implementing a single shared bearing support structure that serves both shaft lines, eliminating the need for separate bearing sets for each propeller shaft. This consolidation reduces the overall weight and size of the propulsion system while maintaining the capability to independently operate both counter-rotating propellers.
2Ease of operation
If conventional CRP pods use two independent shaft lines with separate bearings, then each propeller can be controlled independently, but the system lacks redundancy in the event of motor or drive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal shared bearing support structure that serves both shaft lines, creating a common platform that enhances system reliability. This multi-functional design allows the single bearing assembly to support both propeller shafts, providing structural redundancy while maintaining independent motor control capability.
3Reliability
If conventional pod propulsion systems use larger internal components to ensure reliability, then the system can handle critical failures, but the overall size and weight of the pod increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single integrated bearing support structure, reducing the volume required for bearing arrangements while maintaining reliability. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate bearing sets for each shaft, thereby reducing the overall pod size and weight without compromising the system's ability to handle critical failures.
4Reliability
If conventional CRP pods use two independent shaft lines with separate bearing sets, then each shaft can be supported independently, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing support functions into a single integrated structure that supports both shaft lines, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and assembly procedures. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, making the production process more efficient while maintaining reliable shaft support for both propellers.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a pod propulsion system including first and second counter rotating propellers for providing thrust to propel a marine vessel. The pod propulsion system includes a first electric motor (i) for rotating the first propeller and (ii) electrically coupled to a first drive, the first drive being configured to control the first motor and a second electric motor (i) for rotating the second propeller and (ii) electrically coupled to a second drive, the second drive being configured to control the second motor. The first and second drives respectively control the first and second motors interdependently.