Sailboat By-Wire Actuation System Layout and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation systems for sailboats, particularly in racing or competition contexts, face inefficiencies and layout constraints due to complex mechanical transmissions, and struggle with coordinating multiple grinders to effectively operate winches and hydraulic actuators.
Innovation Solution
A 'by-wire' actuation system that eliminates mechanical couplings between cranks and winches/hydraulic actuators, using electric motors and flexible electrical cables to enable virtual connections, allowing for improved control and energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanical transmission system is used to couple cranks to multiple winches, then flexibility of operation is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates (typically less than 50%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical transmission system with an electrical system consisting of a battery, controller, and electrical connections. The controller receives signals from sensors on the winches and automatically activates the appropriate winch motor, eliminating the need for mechanical couplings and gear assemblies. This substitution maintains operational flexibility through electronic control while dramatically improving system efficiency by eliminating mechanical energy losses.
2Device complexity
If straight transmission shafts are used in the mechanical system, then mechanical power transfer is simplified, but component arrangement restrictions and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates straight transmission shafts and mechanical power transfer components by substituting them with an electrical system. Electrical wires and cables can be routed flexibly through the boat's structure, requiring minimal installation space below deck. The winch motors are electrically powered from a battery system, removing the need for mechanical shafts, gears, and couplings that would consume significant installation space.
3Power
If multiple grinders operate the same winch from different pedestals, then power output and maneuver speed increase, but coordination difficulty and system control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where sensors on each winch automatically detect operational status and trigger the appropriate winch motor activation. When a grinder operates a crank, the sensor detects the motion and automatically activates the corresponding winch motor, eliminating the need for manual coordination between multiple grinders. The system serves itself by automatically matching human input to the correct actuator, maintaining high power output while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors on each winch that provide feedback to the controller about winch operational status. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically determine when and which winch to activate based on the grinders' actions. The feedback loop eliminates coordination difficulties by providing real-time information about system state, allowing multiple grinders to operate independently while the system automatically harmonizes their inputs.
4Power
If mechanical couplings are used between cranks and winches, then direct power transfer is achieved, but layout flexibility and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical couplings with an electrical control system that maintains power transfer efficiency while improving layout flexibility. Electrical wires can be routed to winches located anywhere on the boat, allowing optimal placement of winches based on sailing requirements rather than mechanical constraints. The controller precisely manages power delivery to each winch motor, maintaining control precision without the rigidity of mechanical linkages.
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 by-wire actuation system enhances efficiency, layout flexibility, and control precision, enabling advanced control strategies and allowing for energy recovery and recharging of onboard energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
each human-operated driving element 12 is coupled to a respective primary electric motor 16, which is configured to collect the motion of the same human-operated driving element 12 and transform it into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
each actuator 20, winch 21 and/or hydraulic actuator 22 is provided with a respective secondary electric motor 24, configured to receive from the electrical circuit 18 the electrical energy generated by the primary electric motor 16 and transform this electrical energy into an actuation movement of the respective actuator 20
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation system (10) for actuating actuators in a sailboat (100) comprises, on board the sailboat (100): one or more driving elements (12), operable by crew operators; one or more actuators (20), configured to be driven by the driving elements (12), wherein the driving elements (12) are provided with a respective primary electric motor (16) and the actuators (20) are provided with a respective secondary electric motor (24). The system is further provided with an electrical circuit (18) configured to electrically couple the primary (16) and secondary (24) electric motors, the primary electric motor (16) being configured to transform a driving motion of the respective driving element (12) into electric energy in the electrical circuit (18); and the secondary electric motor (24) being configured to transform electric energy in the electrical circuit (18) into an actuating motion of the respective actuator (20). The actuation system can also be associated with energy recovery functions.