Electric Motor Stabilizing Fin for Watercraft Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional anti-roll stabilization systems for watercraft face inefficiencies due to dynamic limitations in hydraulic control systems, including low efficiency, noise, weight, complexity, and high power requirements, especially during stabilization at anchor, which affects the overall dynamic response and usability.
Innovation Solution
An automatic anti-roll system utilizing an electric motor and epicyclic motor reducer with a sophisticated electronic regulating system, including sensors and microprocessor control, allows for advanced algorithms and precise control of the stabilizing fin, reducing mechanical linkages and dynamic loads, and improving efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a hydraulic control system is used to drive the stabilizing fin, then the system can achieve the required driving speed and torque, but the system efficiency is low (lower than 50%) and generates excessive heat requiring cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electric motor (specifically a permanent magnet synchronous motor) to drive the stabilizing fin. This substitution eliminates the hydraulic fluid transmission losses and improves overall system efficiency while maintaining the required driving power and torque output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the hydraulic system entirely in favor of an electric motor-driven system, removing the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and associated cooling systems, thereby dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing heat generation.
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulic control system with proportional valve is used, then the system can control the fin rotation, but the system generates noise and requires high working pressure (120-135 bar)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy hydraulic proportional valve system with an electric motor control system that uses electronic control to adjust the rotation speed and angle of the stabilizing fin, eliminating hydraulic noise while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from hydraulic pressure (120-135 bar) to electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) that can be controlled more precisely and quietly, allowing for variable speed control without the noise associated with high-pressure hydraulic systems.
3Speed
If a mechanical actuator with hydraulic cylinders and rocker is used, then the system can achieve the required rotation motion, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical actuator system with hydraulic cylinders and rocker with a direct electric motor drive system. The motor directly drives the fin through a simple transmission mechanism, eliminating multiple mechanical linkages, reducing system complexity, and reducing overall weight while maintaining the required rotation speed capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the intermediate mechanical components (hydraulic cylinders, rocker, torque amplifier) from the drive system, extracting only the essential function of converting rotational motion to fin rotation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Speed
If a mechanical actuator with multiple linkages is used, then the system can convert linear motion to rotation, but the dynamic loads on mechanical components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-linkage mechanical actuator system with a direct electric motor drive that converts electrical energy directly to rotational motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and significantly reducing dynamic loads on mechanical components while maintaining the required driving speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the power source and the stabilizing fin, replacing the mechanical linkage system. This intermediary converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation more efficiently and with fewer dynamic stresses on the transmission components.
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
The system achieves higher performance and efficiency with reduced noise and structural loads, enabling effective stabilization both during navigation and at anchor, with simplified installation and enhanced reliability compared to traditional hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator assembly (14) comprising an electric motor (26) and a motor reducer (28)
Implementation Method 2
an actuator assembly (14) comprising an electric motor (26) and a motor reducer (28)
Implementation Method 3
The hydrodynamic profile impinged upon by the flow of water in relative motion with respect to the hull generates a force of hydrodynamic lift
Implementation Method 4
sensor means for detecting the motions of roll of the watercraft
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic system for anti-roll stabilization of watercraft, comprising: - a stabilizing fin (12) that can turn about an axis (18); - an actuator assembly (14), designed to govern rotation of said fin (12) about said axis (18); and - a regulating system (16), designed to govern said actuator assembly (14) as a function of signals indicating rolling of the watercraft. Said actuator assembly (14) comprises an electric motor (26) connected to said stabilizing fin (12).