Ship Rudder Toe Angle Verification via Real-Time Energy Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the toe angle of ship rudders require numerous manual test runs and cannot provide a continuous, automated check, leading to inefficiencies in minimizing flow resistance and optimizing ship speed.
Innovation Solution
A method that electronically adjusts the rudders stepwise to determine the optimum toe angle in real-time, measuring energy consumption to identify the angle with minimum flow resistance, which can be continuously monitored and adjusted based on ship and environmental parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual test runs are used to determine toe angle, then the determination can be performed, but numerous test runs are required and continuous monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and observation with an electronic control device that automatically adjusts rudder angles and an evaluation device that electronically processes data to determine optimal toe angles, eliminating the need for numerous manual test runs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors rudder position, energy consumption, and ship performance parameters, using this feedback to automatically adjust toe angles and determine optimal settings in real-time, enabling continuous monitoring rather than discrete manual tests
2Loss of energy
If numerous manual test runs are performed, then toe angle can be determined, but flow resistance cannot be continuously minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts rudder toe angles in real-time based on continuously monitored environmental conditions and ship performance, allowing flow resistance to be minimized adaptively rather than relying on fixed manual determinations
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device continuously processes data from the electronic control device to maintain optimal toe angles at all times, ensuring continuous minimization of flow resistance and continuous optimization of ship speed without interruption
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed toe angle is set, then mechanical loads are reduced, but changing environmental conditions cannot be adapted to
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors environmental conditions and self-adjusts toe angles without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the control system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple operational interfaces
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
This approach allows for continuous, automated determination of the toe angle that minimizes flow resistance, increasing ship speed and reducing mechanical loads on the control system, while adapting to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the rudders are electronically adjusted via a control device... the required energy consumption of an associated electrical actuator
Implementation Method 2
a flow moment acting on the rudder due to hydrodynamic forces to maintain the rudder in the predetermined steering position... a measure of the forces occurring, or rather, the flow resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for verifying the toe angle of at least one port side rudder (1) and at least one starboard side rudder (2) of a ship, which are adjusted electronically by means of a control unit. According to said method, different toe angles are set for the rudders (1, 2) and an optimum toe angle is determined from said angles in real time for each rudder (1, 2).