Flettner Rotor Deck Transport Trolley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flettner rotors on vessels obstruct access to the deck, causing delays and safety hazards due to their size and location, while existing solutions do not effectively address the need for efficient movement without obstructing operations.
Innovation Solution
A transport system featuring a trolley with a chassis and wheels for rolling engagement with a railway, equipped with a load-bearing mechanism and drive mechanism, allowing for synchronized lifting and movement of Flettner rotors over the vessel deck without obstructing access, using a flexible chassis and double-flanged wheels for stability and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Flettner rotors are placed upright on the deck of a vessel, then fuel savings are achieved through Magnus effect propulsion, but access of cranes and loading machinery to the deck is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The Flettner rotor is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be transported to different positions on the deck. The transport system with trolley and railway enables the rotor to be dynamically repositioned to clear access paths while maintaining its operational benefits for fuel savings
Solution Approach 2:
A transport system comprising a trolley and railway acts as an intermediary mechanism between the Flettner rotor and the deck. This intermediary enables the rotor to be moved without requiring direct manual handling, solving the access problem while preserving the rotor's propulsion function
2Power
If Flettner rotors are positioned on the deck, then propulsion benefits are obtained, but delays occur in loading and unloading operations due to obstructed access
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor's position is made dynamic rather than static, allowing it to be quickly relocated to clear access paths during loading and unloading operations. This reduces downtime while maintaining propulsion capabilities when the rotor is in its operational position
3Loss of energy
If Flettner rotors are placed on the deck, then fuel efficient propulsion is achieved, but safety hazards arise from obstructed access
Solution Approach 1:
The Flettner rotor is extracted from its fixed position on the deck and placed on a movable transport system. This separation allows the rotor to be removed from access paths, eliminating safety hazards while preserving its fuel-efficient propulsion function when deployed
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 efficient and straightforward movement of Flettner rotors over the vessel deck, maintaining access for cranes and machinery, reducing the likelihood of wheel slippage and crabbing, and simplifying control during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a trolley for rolling engagement with a railway, the trolley comprising: a chassis with wheels for engaging the railway
Implementation Method 2
a load bearing mechanism configured to engage a base of the Flettner rotor to transfer the load of the Flettner rotor to the railway
Implementation Method 3
double-flanged wheels for stability and traction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A transport for a conveying a Flettner rotor over a deck of a vessel is described. The transport comprises a trolley for rolling engagement with a railway, the trolley comprises a chassis with wheels for engaging the railway and a load bearing mechanism configured to engage a base of the Flettner rotor to transfer the load of the Flettner rotor to the railway. Also described are a vessel, a method of conveying a Flettner rotor over a deck of a vessel and a foundation for supporting a Flettner rotor on a deck of a vessel.