Multihull Vessel Side Hull Transverse Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multihull vessel retraction systems, such as the Farrier trimaran folding system and the swing-arm trimaran retraction system, face limitations in reducing the overall beam of the vessel between extended and retracted positions, which hinders storage, transportation, and berthing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transversely retracting side hulls of trimaran and center pod catamaran vessels, utilizing deployable and retractable beam assemblies connected to a center hull via deployment and retraction systems, allowing the overall beam to be reduced without altering the vessel's longitudinal length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If longitudinal rotation axes are used to translate width into height during retraction, then the retraction mechanism is mature and practical, but the overall beam reduction is limited and side hulls rotate into undesirable canted orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal rotation (converting width to height) to transverse rotation (converting width to length). The side hulls rotate about transverse axes located at or near the center of gravity, allowing the hulls to swing from a lateral extended position to a longitudinal retracted position along the vessel's length, thereby achieving significant beam reduction without increasing overall length
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating side hulls about longitudinal axes (Farrier system), the patent inverts the approach by rotating about transverse axes. This inversion changes the retraction geometry fundamentally, allowing hulls to swing parallel to the centerline and achieve beam reduction while maintaining hull orientation parallel to the centerline in both extended and retracted positions
2Ease of manufacture
If swing-arm retraction system with vertical rotation axes is used, then the system is mature and practical, but the overall length increases in retracted position equal to the reduction in half-beam dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotation axis from vertical (swing-arm system) to transverse horizontal. This dimensional change allows the side hulls to rotate within the horizontal plane rather than swinging upward, converting the retraction movement from a vertical plane operation to a horizontal plane operation, thereby avoiding length increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic retraction mechanism where the side hulls can transition between extended and retracted positions through controlled rotation about transverse axes. The system includes hydraulic or mechanical actuation mechanisms that enable smooth, controlled movement of the hulls along arcs defined by the transverse rotation axes, allowing the vessel to adapt its beam and length dimensions as needed
3Length of moving object
If transverse horizontal tubular sleeves with sliding booms are used, then beam reduction is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the side hull assembly into segmented components that can rotate independently about transverse axes. Each side hull is equipped with its own rotation mechanism and actuation system, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall design compared to a single complex sliding boom-sleeve assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sliding booms within fixed sleeves (complex mechanical guide system), the patent inverts the approach by using fixed transverse rotation axes with rotating hull assemblies. This simplifies the guidance mechanism from a complex sliding interface to a simpler rotational joint, reducing device complexity while achieving the same beam reduction effect
Data Source
AI summary
A multihull vessel includes four main beam assemblies connected a central hull with two outer hulls and a deployment/retraction system which operates on the principle of converting transverse width of the beams into the longitudinal dimension, within the overall length of the vessel. An overall length of the multihull vessel is approximately the same when the four main beam assemblies are deployed and when four main beam assemblies are retracted.