Stabilizing Fin with Multi-Axis Rotation for Vessel Roll Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active stabilization devices for vessels, such as yachts, face challenges in effectively reducing rolling motion both when moving and at rest, as they either increase drag at cruising speeds or require complex fin body designs that are not suitable for both operating states.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hinge mechanism that allows the fin body to rotate about multiple axes, enabling a lifting force to be generated for stabilization in the 'zero speed' state and reducing rolling motion, while maintaining low drag during 'underway' operations by positioning the fin body to minimize resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fin bodies are designed to extend further in the direction parallel to the rotation shaft to reduce drag during underway stabilization, then drag is reduced and fuel consumption decreases, but the distance between the shaft and the central point of engagement of forces on the fin body becomes relatively small, reducing the stabilizing moment available for zero speed stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fin body rotatable about a transverse shaft, allowing it to change orientation between underway and zero speed modes. During underway operation, the fin extends parallel to the shaft to minimize drag. During zero speed stabilization, the fin rotates to a vertical orientation where its surface is parallel to the shaft, maximizing the stabilizing moment while maintaining low drag characteristics in both states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the fin body relative to the rotation shaft depending on the operating state. In underway mode, the fin is positioned at an angle where its longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft. In zero speed mode, the fin rotates 90 degrees so its surface becomes parallel to the shaft, thereby changing the effective moment arm and stabilizing force characteristics without requiring a different fin design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fin body is positioned to generate sufficient stabilizing moment for zero speed stabilization, then rolling motion reduction improves at rest, but drag increases during underway operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fin body is designed to dynamically reposition itself between two primary orientations: during underway operation, it extends horizontally with its longitudinal axis parallel to the rotation shaft to minimize drag; during zero speed stabilization, it rotates vertically so its surface is parallel to the shaft, maximizing the stabilizing moment for rolling motion reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The same fin body structure serves dual functions: it provides low-drag configuration for underway stabilization and high-moment configuration for zero speed stabilization through rotation about the transverse shaft. This eliminates the need for separate fin designs or additional stabilization devices for different operating states.
3Device complexity
If a single fin body design is used for both underway and zero speed stabilization, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot optimize performance for both operating states simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The fin body incorporates rotational capability about a transverse shaft, enabling it to dynamically adapt its orientation to match different operating states. A single fin design achieves both underway and zero speed stabilization by changing its angular position, eliminating the need for multiple fin types or complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin body is designed as a universal component that performs both underway stabilization and zero speed stabilization functions. Through rotation about the transverse shaft, the same fin structure optimizes its configuration for each operating state, providing adaptability without increasing device complexity.
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 provides improved stabilization in both 'zero speed' and 'underway' states with reduced drag, enhancing passenger comfort and fuel efficiency without the need for complex fin body designs or additional stabilization devices.
Implementation Method 1
the fin body, in use, rotates about a first rotation axis in such a manner that the fin body generates a lifting force which stabilizes the construction at least in the second operating state
Implementation Method 2
the hinge mechanism is configured to rotate the fin body about a second rotation axis which is directed transverse to the first rotation axis, in such a manner that the rolling motion of the construction in the first operating state is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
An active stabilization device for stabilizing, for example, a vessel at sea, both in a first operating state in which the vessel moves and in a second operating state in which the vessel is in a rest position, includes at least one fin body (2) and a drive device which is connected to the fin body and is configured to drive the fin body. The device furthermore includes a hinge mechanism (5) which is connected to the fin body and is configured to position the fin body with respect to an outer side (1) of the construction by rotating the fin body about a first rotation axis 4 in such a manner that the fin body can generate a lifting force which can stabilize the construction at least in the second operating state. A vessel at sea which includes the device is also described.