Modular Vessel Stabilizer Assembly for Low-Noise Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel stabilizers generate noise and structural vibrations, are difficult to modify post-installation, and face challenges in shallow water operations, with limited space and potential for failure, requiring costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vessel stabilizer design with vibrationally floating drive units, insulated by compressible elements to reduce noise and vibrations, allowing for modular assembly and fail-safe operation, and featuring a strain wave gear system for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fin stabilizers are operated, then roll stabilization is achieved, but noise is generated for crew and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber element is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the fin stabilizer. This rubber element acts as a vibration-damping mediator that absorbs mechanical vibrations and noise generated during stabilizer operation, while still transmitting the necessary driving forces to maintain roll stabilization functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizers are permanently fixed to the hull, then installation stability is achieved, but modifications require cutting and re-making the hull
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system is segmented into modular components: the drive unit, the rubber element, and the fin stabilizer. This segmentation allows the fin stabilizer to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the permanently fixed drive unit in the hull, enabling modifications while maintaining installation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the drive unit and fin stabilizer is made dynamic through the rubber element, which allows for easy detachment and reattachment. This dynamic connection enables the fin stabilizer to be adjusted or replaced based on different operational requirements without permanent structural modifications to the hull.
3Volume of moving object
If the stabilizer size is reduced to fit limited hull space, then space utilization is improved, but torque capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is designed with a nested structure where the motor and reduction gear are coaxially arranged within a compact housing. This nesting allows the drive unit to achieve high torque output in a minimized volume, fitting efficiently into limited hull space while maintaining sufficient torque capability for effective roll stabilization.
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
Significantly reduces structural noise and vibrations, facilitates easy modifications without hull rework, enhances safety in shallow water, and lowers maintenance costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber element arranged between the drive unit and the fin stabilizer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
A vessel stabilizer (1) comprising;- a base unit (10) configured to be fixedly mounted to a hull (100) of the vessel,- a drive unit (20) comprising an upper part (210) releasably assembled to a lower inner part (220), wherein the drive unit comprises a motor (211) and an output element (221), wherein the motor (211) is configured to rotationally drive the output element (221) and the output element (221) is configured to be fixed to a stabilizer element outside the hull, and - a first insulation element (30) arranged between the base unit (10) and the drive unit (20), wherein the base unit is vibrationally insulated from the drive unit by the first insulation element (30).