Manoeuvrable Dredging Vessel Propulsion Gearbox Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailing suction hopper dredgers face inefficiencies in propulsion during trailing mode due to constant changes in thrust requirements, leading to high power consumption and reduced propeller efficiency with controllable pitch propellers, and engine power reduction with fixed pitch propellers, making it challenging to maintain optimal engine and propeller operation.
Innovation Solution
A manoeuvrable trailing dredging vessel with a propulsion system featuring a single gear propulsion shaft, a central drive shaft, and a transmission device with a trailing and sailing transmission shaft, allowing optimal engine and propeller operation while maintaining axial support and accessibility, coupled with a controllable pitch propeller for improved thrust control and reduced fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controllable pitch propeller is used to vary propeller thrust during trailing, then thrust control is improved, but propeller efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the propeller pitch to be variable (controllable pitch propeller) rather than fixed, allowing the propeller to adapt its blade angle to optimal values for different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains better propeller efficiency across varying thrust requirements during trailing operations, resolving the contradiction between thrust adaptability and energy efficiency.
2Speed
If engine speed is reduced to maintain constant propeller speed with fixed pitch propeller, then propeller speed stability is improved, but available engine power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a controllable pitch propeller that dynamically adjusts blade pitch angle in response to varying load conditions. This allows the propeller to maintain optimal speed without requiring engine speed reduction, thereby preserving full engine power availability while adapting to changing thrust demands during trailing mode.
3Power
If a two-speed propulsion gearbox is used to reduce propeller speed, then available power during trailing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed control function from the mechanical gearbox system and transfers it to the propeller pitch control system. By using a controllable pitch propeller, the need for a complex two-speed gearbox is eliminated, as pitch adjustment provides the necessary speed and power optimization without requiring additional gear trains or speed reduction mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If the drive shaft is arranged in line with the propulsion shaft, then the transmission path is simplified, but accessibility of the propulsion shaft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the accessibility issue by transitioning from a purely longitudinal arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. The drive shaft and propulsion shaft are arranged at an angle to each other, creating spatial separation that allows operators to access the propulsion shaft from the side without interfering with the drive shaft, thus maintaining simple transmission while improving maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a manoeuvrable trailing dredging vessel comprising;a vessel propulsion member coupled with a propulsion shaft provided with a single gear for driving the propulsion member,a drive system having a central drive shaft coupled with the vessel propulsion member for providing power to the vessel propulsion member,a transmission device having at least a trailing transmission shaft provided with a trailing pinion and a sailing transmission shaft provided with a sailing pinion,wherein the central drive shaft is coupled with the single gear of the propulsion shaft through one of the trailing transmission shaft and the sailing transmission shaft.