Fin Stabilizer Mounting With Vibration Damping for Low-Noise Hulls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fin stabilizers in watercraft transmit vibrations and loads into the ship's structure, causing stress and structure-borne noise, which are problematic, especially in sectors like yacht building where high precision and low noise levels are required.

Innovation Solution

A fin stabilizer with a vibration damping element that decouples the mounting section from the connecting section using vibration damping elements with different materials and designs to reduce noise and stress transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the drive unit is directly mounted to the hull wall, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but vibrations and structure-borne noise are transmitted into the ship's structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibrations and structure-borne noise
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive unit mounting section and the hull wall connecting section. This intermediary element decouples the direct mechanical connection, allowing the drive unit to remain securely mounted while preventing vibrations and structure-borne noise from being transmitted into the ship's structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the stabilizer fin exerts high forces on components, then the stabilizing performance is improved, but the precision requirements and stress on components such as gearboxes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilizing forceVSAvoidalignment and component precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration damping element acts as a stress-absorbing intermediary between the stabilizer fin and the gearbox. It provides a compliant connection that accommodates the high forces and bending moments exerted by the stabilizer fin, thereby reducing the stress transmitted to precision components like the gearbox and minimizing the impact of misalignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If a mechanical gearbox is used to reduce motor speed, then the output torque is improved, but vibrations are transmitted into the ship's structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torqueVSAvoidvibrations from rotating components
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration damping element is positioned between the gearbox mounting section and the hull wall, serving as a mediator that isolates the gearbox vibrations from the ship's structure. This allows the mechanical gearbox to deliver the necessary high output torque while preventing the vibrations generated by the rotating components from being transmitted into the ship's structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces structure-borne noise and stress on the ship's components by using vibration damping elements, ensuring redundancy and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vibration damping element is arranged between the drive-side mounting section and the hull-side connecting section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the at least one vibration damping element reduces the stress on the components that are in operative contact with the stabilizer fin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4674746A1Fin stabilizer, vibration damping member, and watercraft
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SKF MARINE GMBH
  • EP4674746A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4674746A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4674746A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a fin stabilizer for roll stabilization of a watercraft, whose drive unit is connected to a ship structure in a vibration-damping manner, a vibration damping element and a watercraft.