Pivoting Hydrofoil Wings for Space-Saving Marine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems, such as outboard engines, stern drives, and pod drives, occupy significant space on the hull, making it difficult to fit stern swim platforms, require complex sealing arrangements to prevent water ingress, and are challenging to maintain due to their submerged location.
Innovation Solution
A marine propulsion system featuring pivotable wings with hydrofoil geometry mounted on the hull's sides, equipped with electric propulsors, which can be rotated for steering, trimming, and maneuvering, eliminating the need for conventional drive units and allowing easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional propulsion units (outboard engines, stern drives, pod drives) are mounted on the vessel, then propulsion function is achieved, but space at the stern portion is occupied making it difficult to fit stern swim platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into separate modular components: electric motor units mounted on the transom and propeller assemblies that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the propulsion function to be distributed, freeing up stern space for swim platforms while maintaining effective propulsion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system transitions from traditional horizontal mounting configurations to a vertical arrangement where electric motors are mounted on the transom and propellers extend downward. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the need for large horizontal space at the stern, enabling swim platforms to be installed in the previously occupied area.
2Volume of stationary object
If internal combustion engines are mounted within the hull to drive stern drives or pod drives, then torque transmission is achieved, but significant hull space is utilized and complex sealing arrangements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is extracted from the hull and replaced with electric motor units that can be mounted externally on the transom. This removal eliminates the need for complex sealing arrangements between the hull and drive shafts, while also freeing up significant hull volume that can be used for other purposes such as battery storage or passenger space.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical torque transmission system through the hull is replaced with an electrical propulsion system where electric motors are mounted on the transom and directly drive the propellers. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical seals and transmission shafts passing through the hull, improving reliability and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If drive units are mounted below near the waterline to achieve propulsion, then propulsion efficiency is maintained, but access during maintenance becomes difficult and visual inspection is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller assemblies are designed to be dynamically positionable and removable from their operational positions. During maintenance, the propellers can be easily detached and moved to accessible locations above the waterline, while during operation they are positioned below the waterline to maintain propulsion efficiency. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction between operational effectiveness and maintenance accessibility.
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 system provides space for additional features like stern swim platforms, reduces corrosion and maintenance challenges, and enhances maneuverability while simplifying the propulsion system's design and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
The wings have a hydrofoil shaped geometry... When the wings are in their operative positions the propulsors are mounted on submerged free ends of the respective wing
Data Source
AI summary
A marine propulsion system includes wings with a hydrofoil shaped geometry arranged for mounting on opposite side sections of a vessel comprising at least one hull adjacent the transom. Each wing includes a first section extending downwards along the side of the hull and at least partially below the waterline in its operative position. Each wing includes a second section extending towards the central longitudinal axis of the hull in its operative position. The second section each wing is arranged to support at least one propulsor. The first section of each wing is mounted rotatable about a vertical axis.