Modular Azimuth Thruster with Standardized Core Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional azimuth thrusters are heavy, inflexible, and costly due to their non-standardized design and material composition, making assembly, repair, and production inefficient, and they often require vessels to be dry-docked for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular azimuth thruster design featuring a standardized core unit with interchangeable hydrodynamic elements that can be configured as either a pushing or pulling thruster, using non-metallic materials for the hydrodynamic elements and a core unit housing that absorbs structural loads, allowing for late specification of hydrodynamic properties and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional azimuth thrusters are made of cast iron and steel materials, then structural strength is ensured, but weight becomes very heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster is divided into a core unit housing containing the transmission line and separate hydrodynamic elements (nozzle and fairing). This segmentation allows the heavy transmission components to be isolated in the core unit while the hydrodynamic elements can be made from lighter materials or optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials, particularly for the hydrodynamic elements like the nozzle and fairing. These elements can be manufactured from fiber-reinforced polymers or other composite materials that provide sufficient strength and hydrodynamic performance with significantly reduced weight compared to traditional cast iron and steel construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If azimuth thrusters are designed according to specific vessel requirements, then operational suitability is improved, but standardization becomes difficult and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core unit housing is designed as a standardized, universal component that can be used across different thruster configurations and vessel types. The transmission line and motor assembly are standardized to accommodate various hydrodynamic elements, enabling a single core unit design to serve multiple purposes and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the thruster into standardized core unit components and interchangeable hydrodynamic elements (nozzle, fairing), the patent enables mass production of standardized parts while allowing customization through different element combinations. This modular approach maintains vessel-specific adaptability while improving production efficiency through standardization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If azimuth thrusters are made to order for specific vessels, then operational requirements are met, but component quantities remain low resulting in higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized core unit housing and transmission line components are designed to be universally applicable across multiple thruster models and vessel types. This universality enables manufacturers to produce large quantities of standardized components that can be configured into different thruster assemblies, increasing production volume and reducing per-unit costs while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with interchangeable hydrodynamic elements allows the thruster configuration to be dynamically adjusted to meet specific vessel requirements without requiring custom manufacturing of the entire assembly. Standardized core units can be quickly configured with different nozzle and fairing combinations, enabling efficient production while maintaining adaptability.
4Strength
If traditional azimuth thrusters are designed as single integrated units, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly and repair become cumbersome requiring dry dock
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster is segmented into a core unit housing containing the transmission line and separate external hydrodynamic elements (nozzle and fairing). This segmentation allows the heavy transmission components to be concentrated in the protected core unit while external elements can be independently accessed, removed, or replaced without requiring complete disassembly or dry dock conditions, facilitating easier maintenance while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a modular azimuth thruster for propelling a vessel, having a thruster housing around which water flows, and comprising: a standardized core unit having a core unit housing forming part of the thruster housing, a transmission line arranged within in the core unit housing, comprising a propeller shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the thruster housing, and a propeller arranged outside the thruster housing and being operationally connected to the propeller shaft. The present invention further relates to a vessel comprising an azimuth thruster and a method of configuring an azimuth thruster.