Rotatable Stabiliser Fin for Small Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizing systems for small waterborne vessels are complex, expensive, and not easily adaptable for temporary installation, affecting the maneuverability and docking ease of these vessels, and they do not scale down effectively for smaller craft like motorboats and cabin cruisers.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing apparatus with a rotatable main body, a stabilizing fin member, and a drive apparatus, mounted via a two-piece bracket that allows for easy attachment and detachment, featuring a motor and transmission mechanisms for controlling the fin's rotation to counteract vessel motion, and a PID controller for active stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stabilisers are fitted to reduce unwanted motions of ships, then stabilisation effect is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser system is divided into modular components: a stabiliser unit with fin and drive apparatus that can be independently attached to different locations on the vessel. This segmentation allows the complex stabilisation function to be achieved through simpler, distributed modules rather than a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A two-piece bracket mounting apparatus serves as an intermediary between the stabiliser unit and the vessel structure. This mounting bracket simplifies the attachment process and reduces the complexity of integrating the stabiliser with the vessel, while still achieving effective stabilisation.
2Reliability
If stabilisers project significantly outwardly beyond the hull to have significant effect, then stabilisation effect is improved, but vessel beam and draught increase affecting maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser fin is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its projection distance from the hull. The fin can extend outwardly when stabilisation is needed, and be rotated closer to the hull when maneuverability is prioritized, optimizing performance across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabiliser unit is pre-configured with the drive apparatus and mounting bracket, allowing it to be quickly deployed and attached to the vessel when stabilisation is anticipated, rather than requiring permanent installation that would always increase beam and draught.
3Ease of operation
If stabilisers are made foldable or retractable to maintain maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser fin's rotation about the vertical axis provides a simple dynamic mechanism to adjust the fin's position. This single rotational degree of freedom allows the fin to be moved inboard for maneuverability without requiring complex folding or retractable mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If stabiliser systems are designed for permanent installation, then stabilisation effect is improved, but adaptability to different vessels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser system is designed as a self-contained modular unit with integrated mounting brackets, allowing it to be easily attached to and detached from different vessels. This segmentation enables the same stabiliser unit to be adapted to various vessel types and sizes without permanent installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket design provides universal adaptability, allowing the stabiliser unit to be installed at different locations on different vessel types. The bracket can be configured for various mounting surfaces and positions, making the system versatile across multiple applications while maintaining effective stabilisation.
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 effective stabilization for small waterborne vessels in rough seas without increasing the vessel's beam or draft, maintaining maneuverability and ease of docking, while being cost-effective and scalable for various craft sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a stabilising fin member (202) rotatably coupled to said main body (201) about a first axis of rotation (213)... the stabilising fin member (202), main body (201), and drive apparatus (203), are rotatable as a unit relative to said mounting apparatus (216) about said further axis of rotation (222)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A stabilising apparatus (102) for a waterborne vessel is disclosed, the stabilising apparatus comprising a stabiliser unit (107), said stabiliser unit comprising: a main body (201) suitable for attachment to said a waterborne vessel; a stabilising fin member (202) rotatably coupled to said main body about a first axis of rotation (213); and a drive apparatus (203) attached to said main body and operatively coupled to said stabilising fin member.