Sliding Trim Tab Fluid Hinge for Marine Craft Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trim-tab technologies in marine craft lack slidability and are limited in their ability to effectively control attitude and hydrodynamic performance, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and stability, especially under varying hydrodynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a fluid hinge system that allows the trim tab to slide and adjust along its entire length, with a tongue-like distal end captured within a fluid hinge receiver, enabling greater flexibility and control over the trim tab's position relative to the hull, and the use of actuators for selective angulation to enhance attitude control and fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed hinge trim tabs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the trim tab lacks slidability and cannot adjust along its entire length, limiting attitude control effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The trim tab system is divided into a fixed hinge portion and a movable tab portion that can slide relative to each other. The tab can be segmented into sections that move independently, allowing the distal end to slide along the entire length of the tab while the proximal end remains fixed to the hull.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim tab transitions from a static fixed-position structure to a dynamic system where the distal end can slide along the tab's length. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the trim tab to adapt its effective position and angle based on hydrodynamic conditions, improving versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If trim tabs are fixed in position, then the structure is stable and simple, but fuel efficiency and hydrodynamic performance are suboptimal under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The trim tab system allows dynamic adjustment of the distal end position along the tab's length, enabling optimization of hydrodynamic performance and fuel efficiency under varying operating conditions. The ability to slide and reposition the distal end provides operational flexibility to achieve optimal trim at different speeds and loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in the effective position parameter of the trim tab by allowing the distal end to slide along the tab's length. This parameter adjustment optimizes the hydrodynamic characteristics and fuel efficiency for different operating conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration of the trim tab structure.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are mounted at non-right angles to control fixed hinge trim tabs, then the mechanism is complex, but the trim tab can be positioned; if actuators are mounted at right angles, then the mechanism is simpler, but the trim tab cannot descend effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The trim tab is segmented into a proximal portion that receives the actuator at a simplified right angle, and a distal portion that can slide and angle independently. This segmentation allows the actuator to be mounted simply while the sliding mechanism provides the full angulation range and control versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding connection between the proximal and distal portions acts as an intermediary mechanism. It translates the simple right-angle actuator motion into complex multi-directional trim tab movement, providing both ease of actuator mounting and full adaptability of trim tab position and angle.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attitude control and stabilization of a marine craft includes at least one elongate substantially planar surface, which may be rigid or flexible, disposed on either side of and in substantial alignment with a bottom of the planing hull of the marine craft. The elongate surface, in a rigid form, includes a tongue-like distal end slidably captured as a fluid hinge upon a region of the hull about 2 to 8 feet forward of the transom. In a flexible form, a distal end of the elongate planar surface may be secured directly to the hull. The elongate surface further includes an actuation portion proximal to a transom of the craft. The system also includes an actuator selectably slidable and securable within an actuation sleeve, the sleeve secured to the transom of the craft. Also included in the system are elements, manual, hydraulic or electrical, for selectably advancing the actuator relative to the hull to induce a selectable angulation of the elongate planar surface relative the bottom of the hull of the craft.