Self-adjustable marine propeller blade pitch mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed pitch propellers fail to provide optimal thrust under changing marine vessel conditions such as varying load and speed, requiring complex and costly control mechanisms for adjustable pitch propellers, and existing self-adjustable solutions are impractical for frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjustable pitch propeller design featuring a cylindrical hub with radially extending blades, an actuator for linear motion, motion transmission means, and a resilient member, allowing for manual adjustment of blade pitch using a wrench, enabling adaptation to existing propeller shafts and optimizing thrust without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable pitch propellers are used to improve performance under changing conditions, then thrust efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complex control and drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blade automatically adjusts its pitch angle through self-weight adjustment mechanism. The blade's weight and centrifugal force during rotation cause it to pivot about the radial axis, changing the pitch angle according to operating conditions without requiring external control systems or drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blade is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the pitch angle to change continuously during operation. The blade can rotate about a radial axis passing through the hub center, enabling the pitch to adapt to varying rotational speeds and load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are simplified for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adjustment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete notches on the radial axis. The blade can be positioned at specific pitch angles corresponding to these notches, providing both ease of manual adjustment and sufficient precision for different operating conditions.
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 simple and cost-effective adjustment of propeller pitch according to changing conditions, improving thrust efficiency and reducing fuel consumption by allowing manual adjustment of blade pitch, thus enhancing performance across varying marine vessel loads and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member (12) communicating with said actuator (4)
Implementation Method 2
at least one motion transmission means (10.2) communicating with said actuator (4) and each blade (10) for converting the linear motion of the actuator (4) into the rotational motion of each blade (10) in a radial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-adjustable pitch marine vessel propeller attached to a shaft driven by an engine of a marine vessel, comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the hub and being capable of rotating around an axis being in a radial direction relative to the hub. The propeller according to the present invention comprises an actuator movable linearly along the axis of the hub and at least one motion transmission means communicating with the actuator and each blade for converting the linear motion of the actuator into the rotational motion of each blade in a radial direction relative to the axis of the hub and a resilient member communicating with the actuator.