Mast Base Assembly Tilt and Slew Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mast base assemblies for marine vessels lack efficient mechanisms for tilting and slewing sails, which limits their ability to optimize sail orientation relative to wind direction, affecting vessel efficiency and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mast base assembly with a tilt assembly and sail slew assembly that includes a worm gear system for pivoting and slewing the mast and sail, allowing for independent operation and optimal sail alignment with wind direction, incorporating a hydraulically-actuated cylinder and internal mast bearing for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mast base assembly lacks efficient tilting and slewing mechanisms, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to optimize sail orientation relative to wind direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mast base assembly is divided into functionally independent modules: a tilt assembly for mast tilting motion and a slew assembly for sail rotation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive sail orientation control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly incorporates dynamic mechanisms including a hydraulically-actuated cylinder for mast tilting and a worm gear system with motor drive for sail slew. These dynamic components enable continuous adjustment of sail orientation relative to wind direction, significantly improving adaptability while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the mast tilt assembly and sail slew assembly are integrated, then space is saved, but independent operation and precise control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt assembly and slew assembly are designed as separate, functionally independent modules that can operate autonomously. The tilt assembly handles mast positioning while the slew assembly manages sail rotation, allowing independent control of each function. This modular segmentation maintains operational independence while the compact design of each module minimizes overall space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The slew assembly is positioned to rotate about the mast coupling, with the gear housing located internally of and contoured with the lower portion of the sail. This nested arrangement allows the sail slew mechanism to be contained within the spatial envelope of the mast structure, saving space while maintaining independent operation capability.
3Measurement precision
If a worm gear system is used for pivoting and slewing, then precise sail alignment is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical gear systems with a motor-driven worm gear mechanism. The motor provides precise control of the worm gear rotation, enabling accurate sail alignment through electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains precision while simplifying the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the sail coupling. It provides the necessary mechanical advantage and precise motion transmission, enabling accurate sail alignment. The worm gear's self-locking characteristic also provides positional stability, maintaining precision without requiring additional feedback mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the sail is slewed to maximize surface area exposure to wind, then vessel efficiency improves, but fuel consumption may increase due to additional mechanical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mast tilt assembly and sail slew assembly work together as an integrated system that automatically optimizes sail orientation based on wind conditions. The hydraulically-actuated tilt mechanism and motor-driven slew mechanism can operate autonomously to capture wind energy, reducing the need for additional propulsion energy. This self-optimizing capability improves vessel efficiency while the mechanical systems are designed to minimize energy consumption during operation.
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
Enables efficient tilting and slewing of the sail to maximize surface area exposure to wind, reducing fuel consumption and improving vessel efficiency by allowing precise sail orientation based on wind direction and vessel travel.
Implementation Method 1
the sail slew assembly includes a mast slew gear fixed to a mast coupling to which a mast associated with the sail is fitted for slewing movement, the mast coupling mounted to the mast tilt assembly... the sail slew gear includes a worm, and the mast slew gear is in the form of a worm gear to which the worm is meshed for slewing of the sail
Implementation Method 2
the tilt actuator includes a hydraulically-actuated cylinder connected at opposing ends to the lever and the mast base mounting, respectively
Implementation Method 3
a mast bearing fitted internally of the mast to permit its slewing movement about the mast coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed broadly to a marine vessel (10) comprising a deck (12) mounted to a hull (14) together with a sail (16) coupled to the marine vessel (10) via a mast base assembly (18). The mast base assembly (18) comprises a mast tilt assembly (22). The mast base assembly (18) also comprises a mast base mounting (20) to which the mast tilt assembly (22) is pivotally mounted for movement about a tilt axis (24) between stowed and operative positions. The mast base assembly (18) further comprises a sail slew assembly (26) mounted to the sail (16) associated with the marine vessel (10). The sail slew assembly (26) is operatively coupled to the mast tilt assembly (22) for slewing of the sail (16). The sail (16) is rotated or slewed about a slew axis (28) of the mast tilt assembly (22) to reorient the sail (16) relative to the marine vessel (10).