Modular Marine Thrusters for Low-Speed Hull Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessel thruster systems, particularly those with a central thruster motor and propeller unit, are bulky, require significant power for maneuvering, and are cumbersome to maintain due to their single, self-contained design, leading to space constraints and high replacement costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular thruster system with independently controllable thruster motor/propeller units mounted at various hull locations, each with a small electric motor and a separate control mechanism, allowing precise maneuvering and easy replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central thruster motor and propeller unit is used, then maneuverability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by thruster system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the thruster system into multiple independent motor/propeller units distributed at different locations on the vessel hull rather than using a single central thruster. Each unit can be independently controlled to provide maneuvering thrust, eliminating the need for a large centralized thruster assembly and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a self-contained single-unit thruster system is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but maintenance becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The thruster system is segmented into multiple independent motor/propeller units that can be individually accessed, removed, and replaced. This modular architecture allows maintenance personnel to service or replace only the specific unit that requires attention rather than dealing with a single complex self-contained assembly, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single large thruster unit to multiple smaller thruster units, changing the scale parameter. This allows individual units to be more manageable in size, easier to handle during maintenance, and can be replaced without affecting the entire thruster system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If a single large thruster motor is used, then power output is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The total power output requirement is distributed across multiple independent motor/propeller units rather than requiring a single large motor. Each unit can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific power requirements, allowing the system to achieve the same total power output while consuming less energy overall due to reduced mechanical losses and more efficient operation at optimal points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of always operating one large thruster at full or partial capacity, the system can operate multiple smaller thrusters with partial action - only activating the number and power level of units needed for the current maneuvering requirement. This reduces overall power consumption by avoiding excessive power usage from a single large motor when full power is not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 modular design enhances maneuverability, reduces power consumption, minimizes interference with the main propulsion system, and lowers maintenance costs by enabling individual unit replacement without affecting the entire system.

Implementation Method 1

Each motor/propeller unit comprises a small electric motor and a propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A thruster propeller is mounted inside of the motor housing on a boom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNewton's third law (reaction): Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentUS12434805B2Thrust system for steering marine vessels

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 LIQUID PROPULSION LLC

AI summary

A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.