Adaptive Marine Propulsion Mount Using Electromagnetic Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastomeric mounts for marine propulsion systems have functional limitations that lead to engineering compromises in noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics, and are typically not adjustable or vessel-specific, failing to adapt to changing conditions during marine vessel travel.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic mount system with an electromagnetic fluid whose shear strength is controlled by an electromagnet, allowing the controller to adapt the mount's elasticity based on sensed conditions such as speed, acceleration, and oscillation to improve handling and reduce oscillations and hooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional elastomeric mounts are used for mounting propulsion devices, then the mounting system is simple and reliable, but the noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics deteriorate and the system cannot adapt to changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static elastomeric mounts to dynamic active mounts that can adjust their properties in real-time. The active mounts incorporate sensors to detect operating conditions (speed, acceleration, oscillation) and actively adjust mounting characteristics through actuators, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions during marine vessel travel rather than being fixed throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional passive mechanical elastomeric mounts with active mounting systems that incorporate electronic control elements. The system substitutes simple mechanical vibration isolation with an active control mechanism that uses sensors to monitor oscillations and actuators to dynamically adjust mounting stiffness and damping characteristics, thereby improving noise, vibration, and harshness performance
2Reliability
If fixed elasticity mounts are used, then the mounting system is simple to control, but the system cannot reduce oscillations and hooking under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by incorporating sensors that continuously monitor operating conditions including speed, acceleration, and oscillation characteristics. This feedback information is fed to a controller that dynamically adjusts the mounting system's elasticity and damping properties through actuators, enabling the system to actively reduce oscillations and hooking phenomena under varying operating conditions rather than relying on fixed parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the physical parameters of the mounting system during operation. The system changes elasticity and damping parameters in real-time based on sensed conditions, allowing optimal vibration isolation and oscillation reduction across different operating regimes (idle, acceleration, cruising, deceleration) rather than being constrained by fixed parameters designed for compromise performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable mounts are used, then manufacturing and installation are straightforward, but the mounts cannot be optimized for different vessel-specific conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an active mounting system that can serve multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The system incorporates sensors, actuators, and control logic that enable it to adapt to different vessel types, propulsion devices, and operating conditions, thereby replacing the need for multiple specialized mount designs with one versatile system that can be optimized for any specific application through electronic control rather than physical reconfiguration
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 solution enhances noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics, increases power and speed, and allows for tighter transom packaging by actively controlling the propulsion device's displacement and reducing the likelihood of collisions with adjacent structures during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic mount contains an electromagnetic fluid. An electromagnet is configured so that increasing an amount of electricity applied to the electromagnet increases the shear strength of the electromagnetic fluid
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnet is configured so that increasing an amount of electricity applied to the electromagnet increases the shear strength of the electromagnetic fluid in the elastic mount
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an elastic mount configured to support a propulsion device with respect to a marine vessel, wherein the elastic mount contains an electromagnetic fluid and an electromagnet and is configured such that adjusting an amount of electricity applied to the electromagnet changes a shear strength of the electromagnetic fluid in the elastic mount and thereby controls an elasticity of the elastic mount. The method includes applying a first amount of electricity to the electromagnet to produce an initial elasticity of the elastic mount measuring an oscillation of the propulsion device with a motion sensor, determining that the oscillation of the propulsion device exceeds a threshold oscillation, and adjusting the amount of electricity applied to the electromagnet to change the elasticity of the elastic mount to reduce the oscillation.