Cycloidal Marine Propulsion Force Measurement Using Wheel Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cycloidal marine propulsion systems require more accurate feedback for high-precision maneuvering and improved hydrodynamic efficiency to reduce fuel costs and emissions, with a need for precise control and force direction indication.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement system comprising distance sensors and a force determining unit to measure the direction and magnitude of forces acting on the cycloidal marine propulsion system, using a rotating wheel and electrically driven blades, with sensors determining distances between components to calculate forces and improve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive torque data is used for control, then the system can operate, but control precision is insufficient for high-precision maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force sensors with a mechanical substitution approach: using distance sensors to measure displacement of the rotating wheel, then calculating forces through mathematical models based on known system parameters (blade pitch, rotation speed, hydrodynamic coefficients). This substitutes direct mechanical measurement with optical/electronic distance measurement plus computation, achieving high precision without mechanical sensor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach: instead of directly measuring forces on the rotating wheel, it measures the intermediate parameter (distance/displacement of the wheel from its neutral position) and uses this as a mediator to infer the actual forces. The distance sensors measure wheel position, which serves as an intermediary variable that correlates with thrust and side forces through hydrodynamic models.
2Reliability
If more accurate feedback is implemented, then control precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the distance between the rotating wheel and the vessel hull using distance sensors, comparing this measured position with the desired position, and using the difference (error) to adjust blade pitch and rotation speed. This closed-loop feedback system provides accurate control without requiring complex sensor arrays, as it uses simple distance measurements combined with model-based force calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback systems with a substitution approach: using non-contact distance sensors (optical or electromagnetic) to measure wheel position, then substituting mechanical force measurement with mathematical calculation of forces based on measured displacement and known hydrodynamic relationships. This achieves high reliability feedback without mechanical complexity.
3Loss of energy
If force measurement is improved, then hydrodynamic efficiency increases, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes direct mechanical force measurement with a combination of simple distance sensing and mathematical modeling. By measuring the displacement of the rotating wheel from its neutral position and using hydrodynamic force coefficients, the system calculates thrust and side forces without requiring complex mechanical strain gauges or load cells. This reduces measurement system complexity while providing accurate force data for optimizing blade pitch and rotation speed to maximize hydrodynamic efficiency and minimize fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wheel displacement (measured by distance sensors) as an intermediary variable that correlates with actual hydrodynamic forces. Instead of directly measuring complex three-dimensional forces on rotating blades, the system measures the intermediate parameter of wheel position relative to the hull, then uses this intermediary measurement combined with mathematical models to infer the forces acting on the propulsion system, enabling energy optimization without complex measurement hardware.
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
Enhances control accuracy, reduces mechanical overload, and improves hydrodynamic efficiency by providing precise force data for optimized operation and reduced wear-and-tear.
Implementation Method 1
at least two distance sensors, each being configured to determine a signal of a distance between a first component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system, that is rotatable with respect to a second component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system, and the second component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
A force measurement system for a cycloidal marine propulsion system is provided. The force measurement system comprises a rotating wheel, rotatable with respect to a hull of a marine vessel, and a plurality of electrically driven rotating blades attached to the rotating wheel and rotatable with respect to the rotating wheel, the force measurement system comprising at least two distance sensors, each being configured to determine a signal of a distance between a first component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system, that is rotatable with respect to a second component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system, and the second component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system; and a force determining unit, configured to determine a direction and/or a magnitude of a force acting upon the first component of the cycloidal marine propulsion system using the signals of the distance sensors.