Integrated Marine Drive Unit for Trim and Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern marine propulsion systems are complex and costly due to the separation of propulsion and motion control systems, which complicates vessel operation and increases expenses.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit that integrates propulsion and motion control functions, allowing for simultaneous thrust generation and motion control through rotatable propulsion units and a control unit that adjusts azimuth and elevation angles to manage trim, roll, and pitch, eliminating the need for additional motion control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate propulsion and motion control systems are used, then each system can be optimized independently, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propulsion system and motion control system into a single integrated drive unit. The pod propulsor combines the main propulsion function with motion control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate systems. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize overall system performance through coordinated control of thrust magnitude and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides main propulsion forward thrust, controls vessel trim by adjusting thrust angle, and enables roll stabilization through differential thrust between left and right pod propulsors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate motion control systems are added, then motion control functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pod propulsor is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple motion control functions. By controlling the magnitude and direction of thrust from the pod propulsors, the system can simultaneously achieve propulsion, trim control, and roll stabilization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic thrust vectoring capability where the pod propulsors can independently adjust their thrust magnitude and direction. This dynamic control allows a single system to adapt to different operational requirements and provide multiple motion control functions without adding fixed structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated drive unit with rotatable propulsion units is used, then motion control freedom is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit incorporates dynamic rotation capabilities where pod propulsors can independently adjust their azimuth and elevation angles. This dynamic positioning capability provides extensive control freedom for generating thrust in different directions and creating roll and pitch moments, while the modular pod design keeps the mechanical complexity manageable through standardized rotation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for propulsion and trim control of a marine vessel. The drive unit extends in use from the vessel along a vertical axis to a base plane normal to the vertical axis, and spanned by orthogonal longitudinal and lateral axes. The drive unit includes a first propulsion unit and a second propulsion unit arranged separated along the lateral axis and intersected by the base plane. The first propulsion unit and the second propulsion unit are jointly rotatable about the vertical axis, where the first propulsion unit and the second propulsion unit are individually rotatable about the lateral axis.