Fluid Hinge Trim Tab Connection for Hull Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trim tab technologies face challenges in achieving optimal hydrodynamic performance and fuel efficiency, particularly when mounted under the hull, due to the need for a fixed hinge that complicates actuator placement and restricts motion.

Innovation Solution

A fluid hinge system that provides a non-fixed connection between the trim tab and the hull, allowing the trim tab to rest without taking load at low speeds and enabling greater angulation and control without a physical fixation, using various designs such as Type-42, Type-52, Type-62, Type-72, Type-92, and Type-82 fluid hinges to maintain the trim tab's position relative to the hull.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed hinge is used to connect the trim tab to the hull, then the trim tab maintains stable positioning, but the actuator placement becomes complicated and the system restricts motion flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrim tab positioning stabilityVSAvoidactuator placement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional fixed hinge connection between the trim tab and hull, extracting the constraint function from the mechanical structure. The trim tab is no longer physically fixed to the hull but is instead positioned and stabilized by water pressure forces, eliminating the need for complex actuator placements and fixed hinge mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fixed hinge system with a hydrodynamic stabilization system. Instead of using mechanical constraints to maintain trim tab positioning, the system uses water pressure forces acting on the trim tab surface to provide stable positioning, substituting mechanical connection with fluid dynamic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If a fixed hinge is used to connect the trim tab to the hull, then the connection is structurally sound, but the motion flexibility and angulation control are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmotion flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed hinge connection into a dynamic system where the trim tab can move freely and is stabilized by water pressure forces that adapt to the motion state. The connection strength is provided by the hydrodynamic forces rather than mechanical fastening, allowing full motion flexibility while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the trim tab is mounted under the hull, then the hydrodynamic performance is improved, but the actuator placement becomes difficult with fixed hinge systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrodynamic performanceVSAvoidactuator placement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fixed hinge constraint that complicates actuator placement, allowing the trim tab to be mounted in optimal hydrodynamic positions under the hull without mechanical connection constraints. The actuator can be placed more freely since it only needs to provide motion control, not structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a non-fixed connection is used for the trim tab, then the actuator placement is simplified and motion flexibility is improved, but the trim tab may descend below the horizon of the hull at rest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion flexibilityVSAvoidtrim tab position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bracket structure that acts as a mechanical counterbalance or stop to prevent the trim tab from descending below the horizon position when the system is at rest. This bracket provides a physical limit that counteracts the tendency of the non-fixed connection to allow excessive movement, while still permitting full motion flexibility during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Enhances hydrodynamic performance and fuel efficiency by allowing greater bow-to-stern angulation and improved weight distribution, reducing water resistance and fuel costs at both slow and high speeds, while maintaining simplicity in attitude control systems.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid hinge uses water pressure to support the trim tab at an angle, preventing it from descending below the horizon of the hull

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10315737B2Fluid hinges for trim tab connections

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 LANGLOIS JOSEPH R

AI summary

A fluid hinge includes a first part of a two-part element including a planar surface of a trim tab and a second part of the two-part system having at least one bracket secured to the hull of a watercraft and the first and second parts of the two-part element are not physically coupled together. It also provides at least one bracket secured to the hull on which the planar surface of the trim tab may rest and the at least one bracket not taking any load from the planar surface except at rest to keep the planar surface from descending below the horizon of the hull.