Semi-Continuous Composite Rigging System Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standing rigging systems for sailboats face challenges in reducing weight, elongation, wind drag, and the need for frequent replacements of tensioning members, with continuous shrouds being more difficult and expensive to replace than discontinuous shrouds, and terminal coupling devices increasing weight and windage.
Innovation Solution
A semi-continuous composite rigging system combines continuous and discontinuous shrouds, using non-terminal coupling devices at intermediate locations of continuous shrouds to reduce weight and windage, and hybrid coupling devices to minimize the number of terminal coupling devices, thereby achieving a balance of performance considerations such as weight, reliability, and ease of replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous shrouds are used, then reliability and lifespan are improved, but weight and windage increase due to terminal coupling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous shroud is divided into multiple sections that can be independently replaced. The shroud system includes a first continuous shroud and a second continuous shroud, each comprising multiple shroud sections. This segmentation allows replacement of individual worn sections without replacing the entire continuous shroud, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing the need for frequent full replacements and associated weight increases from multiple terminal coupling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal coupling devices are designed to perform multiple functions: they secure the shroud sections, allow for tensioning adjustments, and provide attachment points for replacement sections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall weight and windage while maintaining the reliability benefits of continuous shrouds.
2Reliability
If terminal coupling devices are used to secure shrouds, then reliability is improved, but weight aloft and windage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal coupling devices are designed with aerodynamic fairings that enclose the coupling mechanism. The fairings are shaped to minimize wind resistance while allowing the coupling devices to maintain secure attachment. This local modification of the coupling device structure reduces windage in the specific area where the shroud attaches to the mast, without compromising the reliability of the connection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous shrouds are used, then lifespan is improved, but cost and difficulty of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous shroud is divided into multiple replaceable sections connected by coupling devices. When a section becomes worn or damaged, only that specific section needs to be replaced rather than the entire continuous shroud. This segmentation maintains the lifespan benefits of continuous shrouds while significantly reducing the cost and complexity of replacement, as individual sections are smaller, lighter, and easier to handle during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud sections are pre-assembled with coupling devices attached during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly allows the sections to be tested and certified before installation, ensuring reliability while simplifying the field replacement process. The pre-assembled sections can be quickly installed by simply connecting them to existing sections, reducing the skill level and time required for replacement operations.
4Weight of moving object
If fewer terminal coupling devices are used, then weight and windage are reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shroud functions are combined into fewer terminal coupling devices. The coupling devices are designed to handle both the continuous shrouds and the discontinuous shrouds, consolidating attachment points. This merging reduces the total number of terminal coupling devices needed, thereby reducing weight and windage, while the distributed load across the remaining coupling devices maintains structural integrity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including at least one discontinuous shroud and one continuous shroud. The discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud are coupled at their end portions to attachment points on a sailboat or other structure by terminal coupling devices. The continuous shroud is further coupled to the sailboat at one or more intermediate locations between its first end portion and its second end portion. These intermediate locations are coupled to the boat by non-terminal coupling devices. A hybrid coupling device may be used in place of a terminal and a non-terminal coupling device at one or more attachment points on the sailboat. The semi-continuous rigging system provides for achieving a desired balance of certain performance characteristics of a sailboat by utilizing a combination of discontinuous shrouds, continuous shrouds, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminal coupling devices.