Ship Propulsion System With Retractable Propeller And Detachable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship propulsion systems face challenges in maintaining and accessing propeller components, particularly due to sealed containers that require ventilation and are inaccessible for routine checks, and the inability to dismantle the propeller at sea.
Innovation Solution
A ship propulsion system with a vertically adjustable propeller and a freely accessible drive motor, allowing for easy maintenance and the propeller to be removed at sea, featuring a detachable coupling and hydraulic cylinders for vertical movement within an air-filled hull, enabling the propeller to be lifted out using a crane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive motor is housed in a sealed watertight container, then the propeller can be retracted into the hull, but the container requires ventilation and is inaccessible for routine maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional zones: the drive motor remains in the engine room with full accessibility, while the propeller and its retraction mechanism operate independently in the water. The coupling mechanism allows the propeller to be disconnected from the drive shaft, enabling separate maintenance of each component without compromising the watertight integrity of either zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is extracted from the sealed container environment and positioned externally below the hull. This allows the propeller to be accessed, inspected, and maintained independently without opening or venting any sealed containers, while the drive motor remains in its accessible location in the engine room.
2Productivity
If the propeller is positioned below the hull for propulsion, then the ship can move forward efficiently, but the propeller cannot be dismantled at sea and requires dry dock
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller system is made dynamically adjustable through the retraction mechanism. The propeller can be extended below the hull for efficient propulsion and retracted into the hull for maintenance. The detachable coupling further enables dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the propeller to be disconnected and removed from the vessel while at sea without requiring dry dock.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive shaft and the propeller. This coupling allows the propeller to be easily connected and disconnected from the drive system, enabling rapid replacement or maintenance of the propeller at sea without affecting the drive motor or requiring specialized dry dock facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the propeller is retracted into the hull to reduce draft, then the ship can travel in shallower waters, but the propeller becomes inaccessible for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the propulsion function (propeller below hull) from the inspection function (drive motor in engine room). The propeller can be retracted into the hull for shallow water operation while maintaining its accessibility for maintenance through the extension/retraction mechanism. The detachable coupling allows the propeller to be completely removed if needed, providing multiple levels of accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller positioning system is made dynamic and adjustable. The propeller can be extended below the hull for propulsion in shallow waters and retracted into the hull for maintenance access. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt between operational and maintenance states, providing both shallow water capability and inspection accessibility.
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
Facilitates easy maintenance and allows propeller removal at sea, improving accessibility and safety by eliminating the need for ventilation and enabling operation in shallower waters with reduced drag.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic cylinders for vertical movement within an air-filled hull
Implementation Method 2
detachable coupling and hydraulic cylinders for vertical movement
Implementation Method 3
air-filled hull, enabling the propeller to be lifted out using a crane
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a marine propulsion system for driving a ship having a walkable, air-filled hull with a ship's bottom, comprising a propeller which can be driven about an at least substantially horizontal axis of rotation; an adjusting device by means of which the propeller can be positioned in a first extended position for driving the ship below the ship's bottom and in a second retracted position above the ship's bottom within the ship's hull; an at least substantially vertical drive shaft of the propeller; a drive motor which is connected to the upper end of the drive shaft and is freely accessible from the interior of the ship's hull for inspection and maintenance.The ship propulsion system according to the invention is characterized in that the drive shaft has at least one detachable coupling which is positioned in an air-filled space accessible from the interior of the ship's hull for decoupling the propeller or the propeller together with a lower part of the drive shaft.