Multihull Righting Mechanism Using Selective Liquid Ballast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating units such as yachts and tethered wind power generation systems are prone to capsizing due to strong winds and kite tension, necessitating effective righting mechanisms to restore them to a functioning state.
Innovation Solution
A righting device with a liquid injection and displacement system that selectively uses hulls as ballast or floats by controlling liquid injection and displacement via a control unit, automatically or semi-automatically righting the unit from a capsize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional ballast or multihull stabilization techniques are applied to floating units, then stability is improved, but the floating unit remains vulnerable to capsizing in strong winds and kite tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ballast system adjustable and responsive. The floating unit uses pumpable ballast that can be dynamically redistributed among hulls based on real-time stability requirements. This allows the system to adapt to changing wind conditions and kite tension, transforming from a static stabilization approach to a dynamic one that actively maintains stability and prevents capsizing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a floating unit is designed for energy efficiency using kite power, then power consumption is reduced, but the unit becomes more susceptible to capsizing due to strong wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulics through the use of pumpable ballast systems. Liquid ballast is pumped between hulls to dynamically adjust stability, providing a reliable capsizing prevention mechanism that does not consume significant power. This hydraulic approach allows the floating unit to maintain stability under strong wind and kite tension while keeping power consumption low, as the ballast pumping only requires energy during stability adjustments rather than continuous operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multihull configuration is used to prevent capsizing, then stability is improved, but the complexity of righting actions required in case of capsize increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic ballast redistribution systems. When a capsize is detected, the control system automatically pumps ballast between hulls to right the floating unit without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the need for complex manual righting procedures, as the system serves itself by autonomously redistributing ballast to restore stable orientation, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the multihull configuration.
4Speed
If liquid ballast is injected into hulls to right a capsized floating unit, then righting speed is improved, but the time required to restore proper floating function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through controlled ballast pumping cycles. The system pumps liquid ballast into hulls in controlled periods to achieve righting, then stops pumping and allows the floating unit to stabilize. This periodic operation—pumping followed by stabilization—optimizes both righting speed and restoration time by avoiding continuous pumping, thereby quickly achieving the righting effect while minimizing the total time lost during the righting operation.
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 device efficiently and quickly restores multihull floating units to a functioning state by converting hulls to ballast and then floats, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of capsizing.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid injection unit configured to selectively inject the liquid into the n hulls to selectively cause the n hulls to serve as ballast
Implementation Method 2
a liquid displacement unit configured to selectively displace the injected liquid from the n hulls to selectively cause the n hulls to serve as a float
Data Source
AI summary
A righting device for righting a floating unit with a plurality of hulls from a capsize in a liquid includes a valve liquid injection unit capable of selectively performing a ballast function by injection of a liquid for each of the hulls, and a liquid displacement unit capable of selectively performing a float function by displacing the injected liquid for each of the hulls.