Modular Marine Propulsion System for Compact Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel propulsion systems face challenges in achieving silent operation and reducing mechanical and energy conversion losses, with integrated thrust bearings and fluid distribution units being limited to light-duty vessels and being complex and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system is designed with separate components, including an electric motor, hydraulic unit, and thrust bearing, allowing for use in vessels of various sizes and facilitating easier maintenance and retrofitting, with a controllable pitch propeller and fluid distribution unit for hydraulic fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If thrust bearing and fluid distribution unit are integrated into the electric motor, then the propulsion system achieves compact structure, but the system becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated propulsion system into separate modular components: the electric motor, the thrust bearing assembly, and the fluid distribution unit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently maintained and replaced, reducing overall maintenance complexity while preserving the compact arrangement through coordinated positioning of the modular units.
2Volume of moving object
If integrated thrust bearing design is used, then the propulsion system is compact, but it is limited to light-duty vessels only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electric motor and thrust bearing assembly with scalable capabilities that can accommodate different vessel sizes and duty requirements. The modular architecture allows the same basic design to be adapted for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vessels by adjusting component dimensions and specifications rather than requiring fundamentally different integrated designs.
3Volume of moving object
If components are integrated into the electric motor, then the structure is compact, but field replacement of parts requires interrupting vessel operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates independently accessible modular components including the thrust bearing assembly and fluid distribution unit that can be removed and replaced without dismantling the entire electric motor. This segmentation enables field replacement of worn or damaged parts while the vessel remains operational or with minimal interruption, significantly improving ease of repair.
4Ease of repair
If separate components are used instead of integrated design, then maintenance becomes easier, but the system occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the separately designed modular components (electric motor, thrust bearing, fluid distribution unit) in a coordinated compact arrangement where they occupy adjacent spaces efficiently. While the components are separate for maintenance purposes, their spatial arrangement merges them into a compact overall structure that minimizes the total volume occupied by the propulsion system.
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 system enables efficient operation in vessels of all sizes, reduces maintenance complexity, and allows for field replacement of parts without interrupting vessel operation, while providing flexible and efficient propulsion control.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (26) including a motor shaft (28) drivably connected to the propeller shaft (22)
Implementation Method 2
a fluid distribution unit (40) configured to supply a flow of hydraulic fluid to control the pitch of the propeller blades
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A propulsion system (10) for a marine vessel (100) is provided. The propulsion system (10) is easy to service, as respective components of the same, i.e. an electric motor (26), a thrust bearing (30) and a fluid distribution unit (40), are provided separately and connected to each other by a plurality of couplings (32, 34). Hydraulic fluid is supplied to a propeller (24) via hydraulic conduits formed in shafts (28, 36) of the electric motor (26) and the thrust bearing (30). The propulsion system (10) can be used for marine vessels (100) of different sizes and in applications ranging from light to heavy and extreme duty applications by selecting appropriate components such as an appropriate thrust bearing (30).