Integrated Thruster and Ballast System for Marine Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boats with separate thruster and ballast systems are costly, complex, and reduce reliability due to additional parts, requiring separate packaging, piping, electronics, and controls, which complicates their integration and operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thruster and ballast system is developed, where a conduit within the hull allows for selective fluid communication between a thruster, ballast tank, and the body of water, using valves to switch between thruster operation and ballast filling/emptying modes, providing both propulsion and stability adjustments in a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated thruster and ballast systems are used, then reliable operation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thruster system and ballast system into a single integrated system where one thruster unit serves dual purposes: providing propulsion/thrust when needed, and filling or emptying ballast tanks when configured differently. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining the reliability of both functions through a unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The thruster unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in different modes: as a propulsion thruster providing thrust in various directions, and as a ballast pump filling or emptying tanks. The system achieves universality by using the same hardware component for multiple functions, thereby reducing the number of parts needed while ensuring reliable operation of both thruster and ballast functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated thruster and ballast systems are used, then specific functions are achieved, but packaging volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thruster and ballast systems into a single integrated unit, eliminating duplicate packaging requirements. The same thruster housing and mounting structure serve both propulsion and ballast functions, significantly reducing the total volume required compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated thruster unit achieves universality by incorporating multiple functions within a single compact design. The thruster can be configured to provide propulsion, lateral thrust, and ballast tank filling/emptying capabilities, all within one packaging volume, thereby reducing the overall space required while maintaining full functional capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated thruster and ballast systems are used, then specialized performance is achieved, but additional parts and piping are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piping systems for thruster operation and ballast operation into a single integrated piping network. The same conduits and fluid pathways are used for both propulsion and ballast functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated piping systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system achieves versatility through multi-functional components. The thruster unit can be configured to provide various operational modes (propulsion, lateral movement, ballast management) using the same hardware and control systems, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while reducing the complexity of additional parts and piping
4Adaptability or versatility
If valve transitions occur during operation, then system reconfiguration is achieved, but water hammer effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing flow reduction measures before valve transitions occur. The system reduces water flow through the thruster conduit prior to valve switching, which prevents sudden pressure surges and water hammer effects during reconfiguration between thruster and ballast modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or staged valve transition sequences rather than abrupt single-step switching. By controlling valve transitions in a staged manner with flow reduction, the system achieves mode switching capability while minimizing harmful water hammer effects through controlled, periodic action
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
This integrated system simplifies boat operations, reduces complexity and cost, enhances maneuverability, and improves reliability by combining thruster and ballast functions, allowing for simultaneous thrust and ballast adjustments, while minimizing the effects of water hammer during valve transitions.
Implementation Method 1
A thruster is disposed within the conduit and configured to move water through the conduit... the thruster is configured to provide a thrust to the boat athwartships to push the boat in a port direction or a starboard direction
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated thruster and ballast system in accordance with some examples herein may include a conduit disposed within a hull of the boat. The conduit includes a first opening in fluid communication with a body of water, a second opening in selective fluid communication with the body of water, and an outlet disposed within the boat. The integrated thruster and ballast system includes a ballast tank in selective fluid communication with the conduit via the outlet, a thruster disposed within the conduit and configured to move water through the conduit, a first valve disposed in the conduit and configured to selectively divide or establish the fluid communication between the conduit and the ballast tank; and a second valve disposed in the conduit and configured to selectively divide or establish the fluid communication between the second opening and the body of water.