Hydraulic Thruster Modular Mounting and Tilt Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine thruster systems lack flexibility in adding additional thrusters, have limited propeller extension range, are difficult to ship in compact form, lack secure down-stops, and do not provide a secure mounting mechanism to the vessel deck.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic thruster design featuring a housing tiltably attached to a bracket, a cylinder rigidly attached to the housing, a tube slidably and rotatably attached to the cylinder, and means for removably attaching the bracket to the vessel deck, including extension actuators for increased range and a secure down-stop mechanism, allowing for compact shipping and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional thrusters are added to the system, then propulsion capability is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster system is divided into modular components: a power pack unit containing the diesel engine and hydraulic pump, and separate thruster units containing the propeller and hydraulic motor. This segmentation allows additional thrusters to be added independently without redesigning the entire system, simply by connecting additional thruster units to the existing hydraulic supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The power pack is designed as a universal source that can supply hydraulic power to multiple different thruster units simultaneously. The standardized hydraulic connections and control systems allow the same power pack to support various thruster configurations and additions without requiring custom integration for each new unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the propeller extension range is increased to accommodate deeper vessels, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller unit is designed with nested telescopic sections that can extend and retract along the vertical axis. The propeller assembly is housed within a cylindrical housing that contains the extension mechanism, allowing the propeller to reach greater depths while maintaining a compact stowed configuration. This nested structure achieves large extension range without proportionally increasing the base structure size.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller unit incorporates dynamic extension and retraction capability through hydraulic actuators that adjust the propeller position vertically. This dynamic adjustment allows the same thruster unit to adapt to different vessel depths and operational requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-depth units.
3Volume of stationary object
If the thruster is designed to fold into a compact size for shipping, then shipping cost is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster assembly is designed to fold and collapse into a compact configuration that reduces its volumetric footprint for shipping. The propeller shaft and housing can be folded back against the bracket mounting structure, transforming the extended three-dimensional configuration into a compressed package that fits within standard shipping container dimensions without requiring disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The thruster is designed with pre-positioned folding hinges and attachment points that enable rapid deployment and stowage. The bracket mounting structure includes predetermined fold lines and latching mechanisms that guide the folding sequence, allowing the complex folding action to be performed easily by operators without requiring complex control systems or multiple steps.
4Reliability
If a secure down-stop mechanism is added to prevent over-tilting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The down-stop mechanism is designed as a passive mechanical feature that automatically engages when the thruster reaches its maximum downward tilt angle. The stop consists of a fixed protrusion on the bracket that contacts a corresponding surface on the thruster housing, providing automatic mechanical limitation of travel without requiring sensors, actuators, or active control systems. The mechanism serves itself by using the geometry of the mounting structure to provide the stopping function.
5Ease of operation
If a removable mounting mechanism is used instead of welding, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but mounting strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket mounting structure incorporates curved or rounded contact surfaces that distribute the mechanical loads across a broader area of the vessel deck. The bracket geometry includes reinforced flanges and curved mounting surfaces that increase the effective contact area, allowing removable bolting connections to achieve mounting strengths comparable to welded connections by spreading the stress over a larger region rather than concentrating it at discrete weld points.
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 flexible addition of thruster power, increased installation flexibility for deeper vessels, reduced shipping costs and labor, stable operation, and secure attachment to the vessel deck, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic thruster for vessel which may be readily attached as required to an existing marine hydraulic thruster system
Implementation Method 2
at least one tilt actuator disposed above the bracket, in order to provide a flat-profile for the hydraulic thruster for vessel when it is completely tilted up
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster is intended for incorporation into a modular vessel thruster system, and is easily installed onto, and removed from, a vessel having such system. A housing is tiltably attached to a bracket, which in turn is removably mounted to a vessel. A cylinder is rigidly attached to the housing, and a tube is extensibly and rotatably disposed within the cylinder. A thrust means is disposed at a lower end of the tube. The instant thruster incorporates positive redundant down-tilt stop means, increased extension/retraction range, reduced shipping size, and means for securely and removably attaching the thruster to a vehicle deck.