Paired Masts with Force Equalizer Spars for Wind-Propelled Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sailboat designs with centerline masts and extensive rigging hinder the use of space for superstructure, cargo, and human activities, and pose challenges for accessibility and sailing performance, especially for larger vessels and those with limited mobility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of paired, side-by-side masts with force equalizer spars that rotate independently around their vertical axis, eliminating the need for side-to-side rigging and allowing for 360-degree sail rotation, which reduces heeling forces and enhances sailing performance while freeing up deck space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional centerline masts with extensive rigging are used, then the masts can hold sails in proper position and manage wind loads, but the space for superstructure, cargo, and human activities is significantly impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast stability and sail positioningVSAvoiddeck space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single centerline mast into multiple smaller masts (typically three masts arranged in a triangle). This segmentation distributes the rigging requirements across multiple smaller structures rather than one large centerline mast, freeing up the central deck space for superstructure, cargo, and human activities while maintaining the necessary sail positioning capabilities through the distributed mast arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single vertical dimension (centerline mast) to a three-dimensional triangular arrangement of multiple masts. This spatial redistribution moves the mast structures from occupying central vertical space to being distributed across the deck plane, allowing the central area to be utilized for other purposes while the masts maintain their height and sail-holding function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional fore-and-aft rigging is implemented, then the masts can be oriented and maintained in upright position, but the rigging structure becomes complex and occupies substantial space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast orientation and upright maintenanceVSAvoidrigging structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rigging system into multiple smaller rigging sets corresponding to each individual mast in the triangular arrangement. Each mast has its own simplified rigging system rather than one complex centerline rigging system, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the ability to orient and maintain masts in upright positions through distributed support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If masts are positioned on the centerline, then the sailing propulsion function is achieved, but the footing and supporting structure significantly impair space utilization for other purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesailing propulsion capabilityVSAvoidusable deck space

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the propulsion function across multiple smaller masts distributed in a triangular arrangement rather than concentrating it in a single centerline mast. This allows the sailing propulsion capability to be maintained through the collective sail area on multiple masts while the decentralized footing and supporting structures minimize interference with deck space utilization for superstructure, cargo, and human activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances sailing performance, improves accessibility for all users, and optimizes space utilization by minimizing the need for traditional mast and rigging structures, allowing for more versatile use of deck space and reduced environmental impact through wind-powered propulsion.

Implementation Method 1

the connector imparts a dynamic force upon connected spars that responsively pulls the connected ones of the inward ends of the spars to their nearest position when tops of the masts to which the spars are fixably attached move away from a relative nearest position to a paired one of one set of paired masts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDynamic force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS11772765B2Wind-propelled boat having parallel self-righting paired masts for wind-assisted propulsion for boats

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 HIGGINSON TIMOTHY B

AI summary

A wind-propelled vessel is described herein. The vessel includes at least one hull and at least one set of paired masts. Each paired mast of the at least one set of paired masts has a first mast located to one side of the vessel and a second mast located on the opposite side of the vessel. Also, each mast of the at least one set of paired masts has a spar located at or near the top of the mast. Moreover, each one of the spar located at or near the top of the mast extends inwards towards a center plane of the vessel, and an inward end of the spar is connected by a connector to another inward end of another one of the each one of the spar located at or near the top of the mast. In accordance with the illustrative examples provided herein, the connector imparts a dynamic force upon connected spars that responsively pulls the connected ones of the inward ends of the spars to their nearest position when tops of the masts to which the spars are fixably attached move away from a relative nearest position to a paired one of one set of paired masts.