Profiled Sail Cambering Devices With Dynamic Mast Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cambering devices for profiled sails suffer from breakage and degradation due to repeated impacts with the mast, particularly in irregular wind conditions, and removing struts to mitigate this issue compromises the rigidity of the sail.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a securing system with flexible strands and actuators that allow the cambering devices to be secured to the mast, maintaining stability and preventing impacts, while enabling the sail to be hoisted and lowered smoothly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cambering devices are allowed to move freely around the mast, then the sail can be easily hoisted and lowered, but the semi-rigid structure suffers from repeated impacts causing breakage and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a dynamic securing system that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The cambering devices are secured to the mast at specific positions using a locking mechanism, preventing unwanted movement and impacts, while still allowing controlled movement when needed for hoisting and lowering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary securing mechanism between the cambering device and the mast. This intermediary system includes locking elements that engage with the mast to prevent direct impacts, while allowing the cambering device to maintain its position and function properly.
2Reliability
If struts are removed to prevent impacts with the mast, then repeated breakage is reduced, but the rigidity of the profiled sail is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic struts that caused repeated impacts with the mast, eliminating the source of breakage. However, this extraction is compensated by implementing an alternative securing system that maintains sail rigidity through different means, such as controlled positioning and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the cambering device by introducing a secured position rather than free movement. This parameter change allows the device to maintain rigidity when locked, while preventing the harmful impacts that caused breakage in the previous free-moving configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cambering device is secured firmly to the mast, then stability is maintained and impacts are prevented, but the sail cannot move smoothly during tacking and gybing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic securing system that can switch between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the cambering device is locked to the mast for stability. During tacking and gybing maneuvers, the locking mechanism is released to allow smooth movement, then re-locked once the maneuver is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system operates periodically, locking the cambering device in stable positions during normal sailing, and unlocking during specific maneuvers like tacking and gybing. This periodic locking and unlocking maintains both stability and adaptability as needed.
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 securing system maintains mast stability, reduces structural degradation, and allows for smooth sail orientation changes during tacking and gybing, enhancing the durability and functionality of profiled sails.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible strand (71) connected to the first length section (20) by two longitudinal ends of the first strand, the first strand going around the mast from the first length section, - a second flexible strand (72) connected to the second length section (21) by two longitudinal ends of the second strand, the second strand going around the mast from the second length section
Implementation Method 2
an actuator system, activatable, internal to the structure configured to pass the first strand and the second strand into a retracted state configured to tighten the cambering device on the mast, clamped between the first strand and the second strand
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and a plurality of cambering devices (1) for a profiled sail (V), all or some of the cambering devices comprising: an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure (2) including: two length sections, extending one in front of the other, respectively forming a first length section (20) secured to a first surface (S1) of the profiled sail (V) and a second length section secured to a second surface of the profiled sail (V). All or some of the cambering devices have a securing system, able to be activated/deactivated, which is configured to secure the cambering device to the mast.