Integrated Marine Thruster Layout for Shallow-Draft Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bow thrusters are not suitable for shallow draft marine vessels due to low hull displacement, and existing electric trolling motors are frail, complex, unsightly, and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A thruster system with an electric motor and a pump housing that generates thrust force perpendicular to the propeller direction, using a rotatable member or paddle wheel to maneuver shallow draft vessels, with thrusters mounted permanently and operating underwater without requiring deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a regular bow thruster is mounted on a shallow draft boat, then lateral control capability is improved, but the ducted propeller is placed in the air rendering it useless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal propeller arrangement (parallel to water surface) to a vertical impeller arrangement (perpendicular to water surface). This dimensional change allows the thrust mechanism to operate effectively with the propeller/impeller positioned below the waterline while the motor housing can be mounted higher on the hull, solving the shallow draft problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor housing and propeller assembly into an integrated thruster unit where the motor is positioned directly above the impeller. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms and ensures that the thrust is generated at the optimal depth while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If electric trolling motors with actuators are used for near dock maneuverability, then control capability is improved, but the apparatus becomes complex and frail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex actuator deployment mechanism from the system. Instead of using electric trolling motors that require actuators to deploy and control the propellers, the invention uses a permanently mounted integrated thruster with a vertical impeller that operates continuously underwater, eliminating the need for deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated thruster design is self-sufficient, with the motor and impeller permanently mounted and always ready for operation. The system does not require external actuators or deployment mechanisms, as the thrust is generated continuously by the water-driven vertical impeller, making the system simpler and more reliable.
3Ease of operation
If electric trolling motors are mounted on shallow draft boats, then maneuverability is improved, but the motors become unsightly and clunky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the motor housing and impeller in specific locations on the hull where they are less visually prominent. The vertical impeller configuration allows the thrust-generating components to be submerged and less visible, while the motor housing can be integrated into the hull structure or positioned in areas that minimize aesthetic impact.
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
Provides effective maneuverability and control at low speeds without damaging components, offering a clean and aesthetically pleasing solution for shallow draft boats.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable member operatively coupled to, and driven by, the output shaft of the electric motor, wherein rotation of the rotatable member results in water brought into the housing through the first housing opening and expelled through the second housing opening to generate a thrust force
Implementation Method 2
a pump housing having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening defining an intake, the second opening defining a discharge opening, wherein rotation of the rotatable member results in water brought into the housing through the first housing opening and expelled through the second housing opening
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor having an output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A thruster system for a marine vessel includes an electric motor having an output shaft. The thruster system also includes a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening, the first housing opening defining a water intake, the second housing opening defining a water discharge. The thruster system further includes a rotatable member operatively coupled to, and driven by, the output shaft of the electric motor, wherein rotation of the rotatable member results in water brought into the housing through the first housing opening and expelled through the second housing opening to generate a thrust force in a direction that is greater than 45 degrees relative to a propeller direction of the marine vessel.