Hybrid Ship Propulsion Layout for Compact Engine-Motor Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid type ship propulsion machines are larger due to the inclusion of multiple large-sized devices such as engines, motors, inverters, and power switching mechanisms, compared to non-hybrid systems.
Innovation Solution
The engine is arranged vertically with a lower extension portion, the motor positioned below and rearward, and the inverter placed behind this extension with a compact layout that minimizes gaps between components, including a power switching mechanism and drive shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple large-sized devices (engine, motor, inverter, power switching mechanism) are included in the hybrid propulsion system, then the power source versatility is improved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical arrangement of components along the upper-lower direction, transforming the traditional horizontal layout into a multi-dimensional spatial configuration. The engine is positioned in the upper portion, motor in the lower portion, and inverter in the intermediate space, utilizing the vertical dimension to pack multiple large devices into a compact footprint without increasing horizontal dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is strategically positioned in the space between the engine and motor, effectively nesting it within the gap created by the vertical arrangement of the two power sources. This nested configuration allows the inverter to occupy otherwise wasted space, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining all necessary components for hybrid operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the engine and motor are both included in the propulsion system, then the power switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power switching mechanism is merged with the transmission shaft assembly, integrating the switching function into the existing power transmission pathway. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to switch between engine and motor power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the engine, transmits power from the motor, and provides the mounting structure for the power switching mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the number of dedicated components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving power switching capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ship propulsion machine (1) includes a propeller (2), an engine (4) configured to rotate the propeller (2), the engine (4) serving as a first power source, a motor (17) configured to rotate the propeller (2), the motor (17) serving as a second power source, an inverter (19) configured to control driving of the motor (17), an engine drive shaft (21) connected to a crank shaft (6) of the engine (4), a motor drive shaft (22) connected to an output shaft (18) of the motor (17), a transmission shaft (23) connected to a propeller shaft (3) provided with the propeller (2), and a power switching mechanism (24) configured to switch a connection mode of the engine drive shaft (21), the motor drive shaft (22), and the transmission shaft (23) to switch a power source for rotating the propeller (2) between the engine (4) and the motor (17).