Self-supporting Test Apparatus for Ship Propeller Pod Ice Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a test rig capable of performing full-scale external load testing on ship propeller pods, particularly for ice loading conditions, necessitating individual testing of each pod to ensure compliance with regulations, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting external loading test apparatus with a platform and pillars, featuring a test subsystem with a pod actuator interface and actuator structure, allowing for controlled force application and rotation, enabling full-scale external loading simulations, including ice loading tests, without requiring complex civil engineering works.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If scaled down prototypes are used for ice loading tests, then testing cost and complexity are reduced, but testing accuracy and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is divided into modular components: a support structure with pillars, a platform for mounting the pod, and separate actuators for applying forces in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to handle full-scale pods while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and independent test subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces actuator structure interfaces as intermediaries between the actuators and the pod actuator interface. These interfaces include means forming a rotational joint that allow the actuator to be anchored to the structure while retaining at least one degree of rotation, enabling controlled force application without direct rigid connection.
2Reliability
If individual full-scale pod testing is performed, then compliance reliability is improved, but testing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is designed as a universal platform capable of testing different full-scale pods with the same regulatory compliance requirements. The support structure, platform, and actuator system can accommodate various pod designs, allowing multiple pods to be tested on the same apparatus, thereby improving productivity through repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic capabilities through actuators that can apply forces in different directions and magnitudes, and a pod actuator interface that allows rotation. This enables the system to simulate various ice loading conditions dynamically, improving testing efficiency by covering multiple test scenarios in a single setup.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex civil engineering works are used for test infrastructure, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is designed to be self-supporting through its own structure consisting of pillars and a platform, rather than relying on external civil engineering infrastructure. The structure serves its own stability needs, with the pillars providing support for the platform and the entire assembly being capable of withstanding the forces applied during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure, platform, and test subsystems are merged into a single integrated apparatus. The structure with at least three pillars directly supports the platform, which in turn supports the pod and actuator system, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure components and reducing overall complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the actuator is rigidly fixed to the structure, then force application precision is improved, but adaptability to different loading directions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator connection is designed with rotational capability through the actuator structure interface, which includes means forming a rotational joint. This allows the actuator to maintain precise force application along its axis while adapting its orientation to apply forces in different directions, combining precision with versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the actuator through rotational joints while maintaining the precision of force application along the actuator's longitudinal axis. The pod actuator interface can rotate to align with different loading directions, and the actuator structure interface allows the actuator to pivot while maintaining controlled force application.
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
Enables efficient and compliant full-scale external load testing of ship propeller pods, ensuring each pod meets regulatory standards without the need for extensive infrastructure, allowing for continuous, variable, or cyclic loading in various directions, thus reducing costs and improving testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can be a hydraulic jack
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can be a magnetic actuator
Implementation Method 3
The actuator can be an Archimedes screw
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
External loading test apparatus comprising: - a structure with at least three pillars (2) supporting a platform (3), the platform being configured to receive a podded electric propulsion motor (4) in a hanging position while allowing operation of said pod, - at least a test subsystem (5a,5b), for applying a force on the pod to simulate full scale external loading.