Profiled Sail Cambering Assembly With Mast-Securing Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profiled sail assemblies suffer from breakage and degradation due to repeated impacts between the mast and semi-rigid cambering devices, particularly when subjected to irregular wind conditions, which is exacerbated by the freedom of movement around the mast.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a securing system with flexible strands and an actuator system that allows the cambering devices to be secured to the mast, maintaining a stable position and preventing direct impacts, while enabling movement and orientation changes during maneuvers.
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 positioned, but the repeated impacts between the mast and semi-rigid structure cause breakage and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The cambering device incorporates a dynamic securing system with flexible strands and actuators that can transition between locked and unlocked states. During hoisting, the device is unlocked for free movement; during operation, it locks to prevent impacts. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A securing system with flexible strands acts as an intermediary between the mast and the semi-rigid structure. The strands provide a compliant connection that allows controlled movement while preventing direct impacts, mediating between the need for mobility and the need for protection against damage.
2Reliability
If the spacers are removed to prevent impacts with the mast, then the damage from repeated impacts is reduced, but the rigidity of the profiled sail deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strands serve as intermediaries that replace the function of spacers in preventing impacts, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for sail rigidity. The strands provide compliance during impacts while the spacers maintain geometric stability when not under impact load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the connection between the semi-rigid structure and mast from rigid (spacers) to flexible (tensioned strands). This parameter change allows the structure to absorb impacts through elastic deformation of the strands while maintaining overall geometric stability for sail rigidity.
3Reliability
If the mast is held at a distance from the semi-rigid structure by tensioned strands, then direct impacts are prevented, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is designed to be self-adjusting through the natural tensioning of flexible strands. The strands automatically adjust to maintain optimal distance and tension without requiring complex control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protection functionality.
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 stabilizes the mast within the semi-rigid structure, reducing damage and allowing smooth operation under varying wind conditions, facilitating seamless orientation changes during tacks and gybes.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible strand connected to the first length section by two longitudinal ends of the first strand, the first strand circumventing the mast from the first 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 clamp the cambering device on the mast
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices (1) for a profiled sail (V), all or part of the cambering devices comprising: an elastically-deformable semi-rigid structure (2) including: two length sections, extending in front of one another, 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 part of the cambering devices have a securing system, activatable/deactivatable, configured to ensure securing of the cambering device on the mast.