Hinged Mast Base Articulation for Ship Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for retracting large ship masts are complicated by the mass and forces involved, requiring mechanized maneuvers and posing risks of accidental falls, especially when embedded in the ship and secured to the balestron, with no known solution for tilting without removing sails or boom.
Innovation Solution
A folding mast system with a permanently fixed boom and integral base articulation, allowing rotational movement around a pivot point, reducing the need for sail removal and minimizing forces required for tilting, using a jack or motor actuated system housed within a spar for safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable and winch system is used to rotate the mast, then the mast can be retracted, but the system becomes unreliable and risks causing the mast to fall in case of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable and winch system from the mast retraction mechanism, eliminating the reliability risks associated with these components. Instead, the mast is rotated using a simple pivoting joint at its base that allows direct mechanical rotation without intermediate transmission elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast utilizes its own weight and the counterbalancing effect of the boom and sail assembly to facilitate rotation. The system is designed so that the mast can be tilted and retracted through its inherent mechanical properties rather than requiring external power systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mast is embedded in the ship with the balestron integral to it, then structural stability is improved, but mast tilting becomes greatly complicated and requires sail removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the mast rotation function from the sail support function by introducing an independent pivoting joint at the mast base. This allows the mast to rotate independently while the sail remains attached to the boom, which can also pivot independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic pivoting joints that allow the mast and boom to rotate independently. The mast pivots at its base while the boom pivots at its connection point, enabling flexible movement configurations that accommodate both structural stability and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent mast tilting is required, then maneuverability is improved, but the risk of accidents and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates safety features that prevent catastrophic failure. The simple pivoting joint design eliminates the risk of cable snap-back or winch failure. The system is designed to fail safely, with the mast able to be controlled even if components are damaged, reducing accident risk during frequent operations.
4Strength
If the boom is permanently fixed to the mast, then structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of mast retraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mast and boom into a single rigid structure with permanent fixation. This simplifies the retraction mechanism because the entire assembly rotates as one unit at the base pivot, eliminating the need for separate boom detachment or complex articulation mechanisms.
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 safe and efficient tilting of the mast without removing sails or boom, significantly reducing operational forces and risks of accidents, with the actuator being accessible for maintenance, and allowing partial mast retraction to clear obstacles like bridges.
Implementation Method 1
A folding mast system with a permanently fixed boom and integral base articulation, allowing rotational movement around a pivot point, reducing the need for sail removal and minimizing forces required for tilting, using a jack or motor actuated system housed within a spar for safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the inclined mast is compensated by the weight of another part of the associated rigging (such as the boom and the balestron)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ship (1) comprising a deck (P) and which is equipped with at least one mast (2) provided with a boom (3), characterized in that said mast (2) is integral with a base (4) installed in said deck (P), and in that this mast (2) and this base (4) are provided with mutual articulation means (A), so that said mast (2) is shaped to be moved from a substantially vertical position and perpendicular to said deck (P) in which its lower end (20) is completely engaged in said base (4), to an at least partially tilted position in which said lower part (20) of said mast (2) is at least partially out of said base (4), the tilting direction of the part of the mast (2) which extends above said articulation means (A) being oriented opposite to said boom (3).