Fin Stabilizer Drive Coupling for Low-Load Shaft Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic drives for pivoting stabilizer fins in ships require high torques and complex, load-bearing fixing mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A drive device comprising an electric motor, transmission, and a fixing device that uses a metal bellows coupling and toothed rings to allow a low-load, electromagnetically released fixing of the stabilizer fin, with a compact design that reduces mechanical interaction and incorporates a securing element for precise angle indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic drives are used to pivot the stabilizer fin, then large torques can be generated, but the system becomes complex and prone to leakage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric motor drive system. The electric motor (14) directly drives the transmission (6) which pivots the stabilizer fin, eliminating hydraulic fluid, seals, and associated leakage problems while maintaining the ability to generate large torques through the transmission mechanism
2Reliability
If fixing devices act directly on the fin shaft, then the stabilizer fin can be locked in pivot positions, but the fixing mechanism becomes complex and load-bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the transmission input shaft (22) as an intermediary element. The fixing device (10) acts on the transmission input shaft rather than directly on the fin shaft (2), transferring the locking force through the transmission system. This reduces the complexity and load on the fixing mechanism itself while maintaining reliable positioning of the stabilizer fin
3Volume of moving object
If a compact coupling is used to connect the motor output shaft to the transmission input shaft, then space requirements are reduced, but the connection must still transmit high torques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the coupling (8) inside the cavity (19) of the motor output shaft (18). This nested arrangement allows the coupling to connect the motor output shaft to the transmission input shaft (22) in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall volume of the drive device while maintaining the ability to transmit high torques through the coupling mechanism
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
Enables low-load, precise, and maintenance-free fixation of the stabilizer fin in any pivot position, with enhanced control and reduced space requirements, while ensuring reliable locking even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
The cancellation of the locking is effected electromagnetically. A low-energy locking is ensured by the mechanical locking force and the electrically generated release or counter force.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device of a fin stabilizer is for pivoting a stabilizer fin about its fin shaft axis. The drive device includes a drive motor with an output shaft and a transmission including an input shaft. A fixing device for fixing the stabilizer fin in a pivot position acts directly on the transmission input shaft. A coupling is for conjoint-rotation connection of the transmission input shaft to the motor output shaft disposed at least sectionally in an interior of the motor output shaft. The coupling is connected to a free end of the transmission input shaft and has a flange connected to an annular end surface of the motor output shaft.