Segmented Pontoon Assembly With Lift Members for Battery Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watercraft with electric propulsion systems face issues of excessive rolling and rocking due to the weight of batteries, which conventional modifications to the hull to increase buoyancy exacerbate.
Innovation Solution
A pontoon assembly with center, port, and starboard pontoons, and angled lift members that provide lift and accommodate the weight of batteries while maintaining ride quality, featuring a cooling system for the battery and motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the hull surface is increased to accommodate battery weight, then the buoyancy is improved, but the vessel stability deteriorates due to excessive rolling and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The pontoon assembly is divided into multiple separate pontoons (center pontoon, port pontoon, starboard pontoon) connected by lift members. This segmentation allows each pontoon to provide localized buoyancy while the lift members control the distribution of lifting forces, preventing excessive rolling and rocking by distributing the buoyant force across multiple connection points rather than relying on a single large hull surface.
2Force
If the hull surface is increased to accommodate battery weight, then the buoyancy is improved, but the ride quality deteriorates due to excessive rolling and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The pontoon assembly is divided into multiple separate pontoons (center pontoon, port pontoon, starboard pontoon) connected by lift members. This segmentation allows each pontoon to provide localized buoyancy while the lift members control the distribution of lifting forces, preventing excessive rolling and rocking by distributing the buoyant force across multiple connection points rather than relying on a single large hull surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift members are configured with specific angles and positioning to dynamically adjust the distribution of buoyant forces. The port lift member and starboard lift member are angled relative to the horizontal plane, allowing the system to adapt to varying water conditions and maintain optimal ride quality while supporting the battery weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If batteries are positioned low in the hull to reduce rocking, then the stability is improved, but the access and cooling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is positioned within the center pontoon structure, utilizing the internal space of the pontoon assembly. This nesting approach allows the battery to be located low in the hull for stability while still being accessible through the deck opening and integrated with the cooling system that circulates water through channels in the pontoon assembly.
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 effectively manages the weight of batteries by positioning them low in the hull, reducing rocking and rolling, and maintaining ride quality while allowing easy access and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The port lift member and the starboard lift member are configured to provide lift to the pontoon assembly as the pontoon assembly moves forward in the body of water. The port lift member and the starboard lift member are at least partially angled relative to a horizontal plane.
Implementation Method 2
The port volume and the starboard volume are at least partially filled with water with the watercraft at rest on a body of water.
Data Source
AI summary
A pontoon assembly includes center, port and starboard pontoons, a port lift member, which is connected to and extends laterally between the center and port pontoons, and a starboard lift member, which is connected to and extends laterally between the center and starboard pontoons. The port and starboard lift members are positioned vertically below a vertical midpoint of the center pontoon, and are configured to provide lift to the pontoon assembly as it moves forward in the body of water. A port channel, which extends over the port lift member, is defined by the center and port pontoons, and the port lift member. A starboard channel, which extends over the starboard lift member, is defined by the center and starboard pontoons and the starboard lift member. The port and starboard channels are at least partially filled with water with the pontoon assembly at rest on a body of water.