Steerable Propeller Tie Bar for Collision-Free Independent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessel propulsion systems with multiple steerable propellers face challenges in independently controlling each propeller while preventing collisions and efficiently managing thrust forces in various directions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a telescoping concentric tube assembly, sliding bar arrangement, or adaptive tie bar with mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical locking, allowing independent control of steerable drives while maintaining a minimum distance and providing thrust forces as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If steerable drives are allowed to move independently to improve maneuverability, then control flexibility is improved, but the risk of collision between drives increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A tie bar is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element connecting the steerable drives. This tie bar acts as a mediator that allows independent movement of drives while physically preventing them from colliding, thus resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and collision risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tie bar is designed with telescoping sections that can dynamically adjust their length. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to accommodate independent movement of steerable drives while maintaining safety margins, enabling both flexibility and collision prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a rigid connection between steerable drives is used to prevent collision, then safety is improved, but the ability to move independently is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidindependent movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tie bar incorporates telescoping sections with locking mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adjust between extended and retracted states. This dynamic design maintains collision prevention while permitting independent movement of steerable drives within safe limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tie bar is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate independent drive movement while maintaining overall connection and collision prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical linkages are used to connect steerable drives, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlinkage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical linkage is divided into modular telescoping sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250229885A1System for controlling marine craft with steerable propellers

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 VECTOR CONTROLS

AI summary

An apparatus and method for use with a marine vessel having a first steerable propeller and a second steerable propeller is disclosed. The apparatus and method providing for movement of the first and second steerable propellers relative to each other and also maintains a minimum distance between the first and second steerable propellers so as to prevent the first and second steerable from contacting each other. Also disclosed is a control system and method to control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to provide the fixed distance between the first and second steerable propellers and so as to individually control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propellers to allow the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to move relative to each other.