Retractable Keel Locking Mechanism for Sailboat Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting keels for ships, particularly sailing boats, face challenges in stability, manufacturing complexity, and cost due to the need for oversized jacking devices and locking mechanisms that are prone to failure during crashes and normal operation, leading to high design and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A lifting keel device with a form-fitting connection between the fin device and keel mount, utilizing conical elements and driven locking bolts that can absorb crash forces and maintain stability without relying solely on the lifting cylinder, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oversized lifting devices and horizontal locking bolts are used to ensure stability and absorb crash forces, then the keel's reliability and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by using vertically arranged locking bolts instead of horizontal ones. The locking bolts are arranged essentially in the vertical direction and can be locked in a locked position against the fin head, creating a form-locking connection that is simpler and more reliable than the complex horizontal locking system with multiple bolts and guides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the guidance function from the lifting device. The lifting device only performs the lifting function, while the form-locking connection between the locking bolts and fin head provides both locking and guidance, simplifying the overall system structure
2Reliability
If horizontal locking bolts and guidance systems are used to secure the keel, then the locking function is provided, but the guides and locking bolts wear out quickly and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the locking bolt arrangement from horizontal to vertical. The vertical locking bolts engage with the fin head in a manner that eliminates lateral wear forces, preventing the wear problems experienced with horizontal bolts while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a deformation element that can absorb crash forces through controlled deformation. This element acts as a cushion that protects the locking mechanism from damage during crashes, preventing wear and failure of the locking bolts
3Strength
If the lifting device is oversized to withstand crash forces, then the keel's crash resistance is improved, but the overall height and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force transmission path by using vertical locking bolts that directly engage the fin head. This arrangement allows crash forces to be absorbed by the deformation element and transmitted through the vertical bolts, enabling a more compact lifting device design that doesn't require excessive height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformation element as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the fin. This element absorbs crash forces through controlled deformation, protecting the lifting device and locking bolts from damage while allowing for a more compact overall design
4Reliability
If multiple horizontal locking bolts and guidance systems are used, then the locking function is ensured, but the space inside the ship is reduced and passage is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the locking mechanism design to use vertical bolts with a form-locking connection, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal guidance systems and multiple lateral locking bolts. This reduces the space required for the keel mechanism while maintaining reliable locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the guidance function from the lifting device and integrates it into the form-locking connection between the vertical locking bolts and fin head. This eliminates the need for separate guidance systems, reducing the overall space requirement
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 solution provides enhanced stability and reduced manufacturing complexity, enabling the keel to be manufactured and integrated into ships more simply and cost-effectively while withstanding crash forces and maintaining functionality, reducing the risk of damage and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation member (18) which is designed to absorb impacts of a defined magnitude
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded (elastic) element (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a retractable keel apparatus for a ship, in particular for a sailboat, comprising a lift device for a lowerable and retractable fin device having a fin (4) and a fin head plate (20) disposed thereon, the fin head plate making contact with a keel receptacle (5) provided for permanently attaching to a hull when the fin is lowered, said receptacle further having a locking device by means of which releasable locking can be produced between the fin head plate (20) and the keel receptacle (5). The invention should be designed such that, despite greater stability, including in the event of a crash, said device can be produced and integrated in ships as simply and cost-effectively as possible. For this purpose, the locking device has at least one, preferably a plurality of, preferably driven, longitudinally displaceable locking bolts (15) that can be displaced along a diagonally running displacement path.