Flush-Mount Multi-Jet Bow Drive for 360-Degree Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing externally mounted trolling motors on larger vessels are ineffective in rough weather, visually unappealing, and can cause damage to marine floors and props in shallow waters, while traditional anchoring methods are cumbersome and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mount multi-jet drive system with a fixed X-shaped jet system and a 360-degree steerable jet nozzle, controlled by an electric motor, providing 360-degree propulsion and anchoring capabilities without physical deployment, using GPS for automatic position maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring methods are used, then vessels can hold their position overnight, but it requires multiple crew members, extensive strategy, and is prone to failure with stuck or lost anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical anchor system with an electric jet drive system that uses water jet propulsion to maintain vessel position. The jet drive system with variable thrust control and 360-degree nozzle rotation eliminates the need for physical anchors, windlasses, and manual deployment operations, thereby improving reliability while simplifying operation to electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet drive system enables the vessel to maintain its own position autonomously without requiring external anchoring infrastructure or multiple crew members for deployment and retrieval. The system self-regulates thrust and nozzle direction to counteract environmental forces and maintain stationary position.
2Ease of operation
If bow mounted external trolling motors are used, then vessels can make fine position adjustments, but they are visually unappealing and ineffective in rough weather on larger vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the jet drive system within the vessel's hull structure, merging the propulsion system with the vessel's existing architecture. The jet tubes are mounted internally or flush with the hull, eliminating the external protruding appearance of traditional trolling motors while maintaining position control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a 360-degree rotatable nozzle that can dynamically adjust thrust direction in response to weather conditions and maneuvering requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to remain effective in rough weather where fixed-direction external motors would fail.
3Reliability
If longer shafts are used for deployable electric motors to keep propellers in water, then cavitation is prevented, but the motors become eyesores and cause damage to marine floors in shallow waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a jet propulsion system that expels water through nozzles rather than using propellers. This hydraulic approach eliminates the need for propellers that contact the marine floor, preventing damage to reefs and grass beds while maintaining effective thrust generation through water reaction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the propeller component entirely from the system, replacing it with an internal jet propulsion mechanism. The jet tubes are positioned to discharge water above the hull line or through controlled openings, removing the source of marine floor damage while maintaining propulsion effectiveness.
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 precise, silent, and damage-free maneuvering and anchoring in deep waters, eliminating the need for traditional anchors and reducing visual impact, while maintaining vessel control in all directions and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed X-shaped jet system made up of four or more fixed jet tubes mounted below a single impeller
Implementation Method 2
an angled interior jet nozzle capable of rotating 360 degrees located between the preferred x-shaped jet system and the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
The flush-mount multi-jet bow drive of this invention features a fixed X-shaped jet system made up of four or more fixed jet tubes mounted below a single impeller. The invention provides an isolated or divided water supply from the impeller to one or a combination of two jets in the X pattern for total 360 degree propulsion. In order to control which jets are supplied with water for propulsion, there is an angled interior jet nozzle capable of rotating 360 degrees. The jet nozzle opening is wide enough to supply 50% water pressure to two jet tubes when centered directly between the two. When the nozzle is centered with one jet tube it will be capable of supplying 100% of water pressure to a single jet tube. As the jet nozzle rotates it will supply more water pressure to the next jet tube and less from the previous. Thus, steering can be controlled in the direction that the interior jet nozzle is facing by partially dividing the jet propulsion between jet tubes as the interior jet nozzle rotates. The jet nozzle will be turned by an alternating current electric motor which will turn a gear that is attached to the jet nozzle extruding through the bottom of the impeller housing in a series of bearings and seals.