Integrated Bow Thruster Hull Cavity Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bow thruster installations in marine vessels require drilling large holes in the hull, compromising structural integrity, being inefficient, costly, and labor-intensive, and are incompatible with modern manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of bow thruster tunnels and motors directly into the boat hull during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate fiberglass tubes and using a molded 'keystone' insert to complete the tunnel, with the thruster motor mounted on a stabilizing inner liner for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fiberglass tubes are installed through drilled holes in the hull, then the thruster can be accommodated, but the structural integrity of the hull is compromised and the manufacturing process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thruster tunnel structure with the hull itself by integrating the tunnel into the hull's molded cavity. The hull is designed with an integrated cavity that directly forms the thruster tunnel, eliminating the need for separate fiberglass tube installation. This integration combines the hull structure and thruster tunnel into a single unified component, resolving the contradiction by maintaining structural integrity while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the thruster tunnel cavity into the hull mold during the initial hull manufacturing process. The cavity is pre-formed as part of the hull structure before the thruster components are installed. This preliminary integration eliminates subsequent modification steps and ensures the hull structure is optimized for thruster installation from the outset, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity.
2Productivity
If large holes are drilled through the hull for thruster installation, then the thruster tunnel can be created, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thruster tunnel creation process with the hull manufacturing process. By integrating the tunnel cavity into the hull mold, the tunnel is formed simultaneously with the hull structure during a single molding operation. This eliminates the need for separate drilling, tube installation, and finishing operations, thereby increasing productivity and reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the thruster tunnel cavity as an integral part of the hull mold during initial manufacturing. This preliminary integration of the tunnel structure into the hull design allows for simultaneous production of both the hull and tunnel, eliminating subsequent time-consuming modification steps and reducing overall manufacturing time.
3Ease of operation
If separate fiberglass tubes are used for the thruster, then the thruster can be installed, but multiple skill sets and labor are required for completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thruster tunnel structure with the hull by integrating the tunnel into the hull's molded cavity. This integration eliminates the need for separate fiberglass tube installation and associated finishing work. The unified structure requires fewer specialized skills and reduces process complexity, as the tunnel is formed as part of the hull manufacturing process rather than as a separate installation task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the thruster tunnel cavity into the hull mold during the initial hull manufacturing process. This pre-integration of the tunnel structure eliminates the need for subsequent specialized installation work by finishers, laminators, and detail personnel. The tunnel is ready for thruster installation without requiring complex finishing operations, thereby simplifying the overall process and reducing the need for multiple skill sets.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for providing integrated boat thrusters which eliminates interfering with the integrity of the hull, and undesirable drilling and cutting of the hull to accommodate separate glass tubes or pipes that are conventionally used to form thruster tunnels. The instant system provides integrally molded thruster tunnel sections within the hull, and unique keystone inserts which are complementary to the molded thruster tunnel sections and complete the water flow chambers through the hull about the propellers. Separate tubes are not utilized. Thruster motors and mounting mechanisms are securely fastened in flat planes enhancing strength, performance and maintenance of the assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the keystone insert is generally wedge shaped to provide a secure fit and bond within the molded tunnel section having angled walls.