Mast Stabilizing Device Using Submerged Counterweight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Masts on moving platforms, such as ships or buoys, experience signal degradation due to motion, and existing solutions like gyroscopically stabilized platforms are costly and power-consuming, while traditional mast stabilizing methods require large foundations or complex guy-wire systems.

Innovation Solution

A mast stabilizing device featuring a gimbal device, a counterweight submerged in water, and an extendable mast that pivots to maintain the mast vertical, using a counterweight to dampen motion and reduce the need for large foundations, with optional features like constant tension winches and deflectors to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a gyroscopically stabilized platform is used to counteract motion, then signal accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mast stabilizing device uses the platform's own motion to drive the counterweight system. The counterweight moves in response to platform motion, creating restoring moments that automatically stabilize the mast without requiring external power sources or active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A counterweight is attached to the mast and allowed to move freely with the platform. This counterweight creates restoring moments that counteract the destabilizing effects of platform motion, providing passive stabilization that eliminates the need for power-consuming gyroscopic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a freestanding structure is used to react to wind load, then mast stability is improved, but foundation size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast stabilityVSAvoidfoundation size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight system provides a righting moment that counteracts wind-induced moments on the mast. This allows the use of a smaller, non-freestanding structure since the counterweight compensates for the stability requirements that would otherwise require a large foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Device complexity

If a guy-wired supported system is used, then mast structure is simplified, but ground area required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast structureVSAvoidground area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight provides the necessary stabilizing moment without requiring guy wires. This eliminates the need for extensive ground-area-consuming guy wire attachments while maintaining a simple mast structure that can be mounted on a small platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

The solution effectively reduces motion-induced signal degradation, minimizes foundation size, and enhances energy efficiency by using a passive counterweight system, allowing for cost-effective and reliable sensor positioning on moving platforms.

Implementation Method 1

a counterweight (e.g., 408) coupled to the mast (e.g., 402). The counterweight (e.g., 408) is configured to be submerged in water when the mast stabilizing device (e.g., 400) is operational and/or positioned in a body of water (e.g., sea, ocean). The counterweight (e.g., 408) is configured to counteract a force (e.g., wind loading force) applied to an upper portion (e.g., first portion 402a) of the mast (e.g., 402).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The counterweight (e.g., 408) is configured to counteract a force (e.g., wind loading force) applied to an upper portion (e.g., first portion 402a) of the mast (e.g., 402).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The counterweight (e.g., 408) and the mast (e.g., 402) form a pendulum that is free to swing in a body of water (e.g., sea, ocean). The pivot structure (e.g., 406) is configured to allow the mast (e.g., 402) to pivot in the mast stabilizing device (e.g., 400).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoment balance: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS9233733B2Mast stabilizing device

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 MARITIME APPLIED PHYSICS CORP

AI summary

Some implementations feature a mast stabilizing device that includes a mast comprising a first portion and a second portion, a sensor coupled to the first portion of the mast, and a pivot structure coupled to the mast. The pivot structure is configured to allow the mast to pivot in the mast stabilizing device. The mast is coupled to the pivot structure so as to pivot along a pivot portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device also includes a mass coupled to the second portion of the mast. The mass is configured to counteract a force applied to the first portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device further includes a platform coupled to the pivot structure, the platform configured to operate on a body of water. In some implementations, the pivot structure is a gimbal device.