Ship Propulsion Machine Vertical Motor Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to prevent a ship propulsion machine from becoming significantly larger when equipped with two motors and a mechanism that switches propeller rotation modes.
Innovation Solution
The ship propulsion machine includes a power unit with two vertically aligned motors, a connecting member that moves vertically to switch the connection mode of the motor shafts and drive shaft, and a switching mechanism that allows selection from three modes: both motors connected, one motor connected, or the other motor connected to the drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two motors are provided as power sources and a switching mechanism is added, then propeller rotation mode can be switched between multiple modes, but the ship propulsion machine becomes significantly larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement of motor shafts and drive shafts. The first and second motor shafts extend vertically, and the drive shaft also extends vertically, allowing the switching mechanism to operate in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change enables compact packaging of multiple components without increasing horizontal footprint, thus maintaining small overall size while achieving multi-mode operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the switching mechanism is positioned between the first and second motors vertically, and the connecting member moves along the vertical axis to engage different motor shafts with the drive shaft. The components are arranged concentrically and vertically stacked, with the drive shaft passing through the switching mechanism, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes space occupation while enabling mode switching functionality.
2Power
If two motors are provided as power sources, then power output can be increased, but device complexity increases due to switching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the connecting member can move vertically between different positions to engage or disengage connections between motor shafts and the drive shaft. This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition between different power transmission modes (both motors connected, first motor only, second motor only) without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple clutch mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual-motor power capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a ship propulsion machine, a power unit includes a connecting member and a switching mechanism which are arranged between a first motor and a second motor arranged above the first motor. The power unit includes a lower end portion configured to be connected to an upper end portion of a first motor shaft; and an upper end portion configured to be connected to a lower end portion of the second motor shaft. The switching mechanism is configured to switch a connection mode by moving the connecting member upward or downward, so as to be selectable from at least two modes of a mode (a) in which both the first motor shaft and the second motor shaft are connected to the drive shaft, a mode (b) in which the first motor shaft is connected, and a mode (c) in which the second motor shaft is connected.