Pedestal Speed Variation System for Sailing Boat Winches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sailing boat pedestals require multiple gearboxes for speed variation, leading to increased weight and bulk on the boat, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a speed variation system within the pedestal, using a gearbox between the motion input and output shafts, and employing actuating means like a derailleur to selectively engage different diameter wheels for variable speed transmission, allowing a single system to serve multiple winches without additional components under the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gearboxes are used in each motion transmission branch downstream of the pedestal to achieve speed variation, then the rotation speed of the winches can be increased, but the weight and bulk of components onboard are multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speed variation function into a single gearbox located in the pedestal, which serves all motion transmission branches simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate gearboxes in each branch, thereby reducing the total weight and bulk of components onboard while maintaining the ability to vary winch rotation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gearbox in the pedestal is designed to provide speed variation for multiple winches through a universal mechanism. By using a common speed variation system that can selectively engage different gear ratios for different output branches, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring duplicate components for each winch.
2Speed
If gearboxes are used in each motion transmission branch downstream of the pedestal, then speed variation for each winch is achieved, but the bulk and interventions under the deck are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all speed variation mechanisms into a single location - the gearbox within the pedestal. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate gearbox installations under the deck for each winch branch, thereby reducing the total bulk and minimizing interventions required in the limited space under the deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention relocates the speed variation function from the horizontal plane under the deck to the vertical dimension within the pedestal structure. By placing the gearbox in the pedestal (above deck level) rather than distributing components under the deck, the system utilizes vertical space more efficiently and reduces the horizontal footprint and bulk under the deck.
3Speed
If multiple gearboxes are used for speed variation, then variable speed transmission is achieved, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple speed variation functions into a single gearbox unit with multiple gear sets or a variable ratio mechanism. This consolidation reduces the total number of components from multiple separate gearboxes to one integrated unit, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining the capability for variable speed transmission across all winch branches.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pedestal (1) for a sailing boat comprises a casing (2) and inside such a casing (2): at least one driving wheel (11a, 11b) associated with a motion input shaft (3), at least one driven wheel (12a, 12b) associated with a motion output shaft (4) and at least one motion transmission element (13a, 13b) from said at least one driving wheel (11a, 11b) to said at least one driven wheel (12a, 12b). The pedestal (1) further comprises, also inside the casing (2), a speed variation system selectively activatable to vary the rotation speed of the motion output shaft (4) with respect to that of the motion input shaft (3).