Stowable Marine Propulsion Actuator Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retractable bow thrusters experience high strain and poor durability due to actuator strain and direct transfer of impacts, leading to potential catastrophic failures.

Innovation Solution

A stowable propulsion device with an actuator linkage that includes a first and second link forming a pivotable actuator linkage, providing mechanical advantage and reducing strain on the actuator, with a stop member limiting pivoting angles to prevent impact transfer to the actuator, allowing the propulsor to be safely moved between stowed and deployed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a retractable bow thruster is used to provide propulsion, then the vessel can be maneuvered effectively, but the actuator experiences high strain and poor durability leading to potential catastrophic failures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidactuator durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator linkage is divided into multiple segments (first link, second link, and arm) connected by pivots, allowing the system to achieve maneuverability while distributing mechanical strain across multiple components rather than concentrating it on a single actuator, thereby improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joints and linkage segments serve as intermediaries between the actuator and the propulsor, mediating the transmission of forces and reducing direct impact transfer to the actuator, which prevents catastrophic failures while maintaining maneuverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the propulsor is moved between stowed and deployed positions using a direct actuator, then the propulsion function is achieved, but impacts are directly transferred to the actuator causing failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestowed and deployed position capabilityVSAvoidimpact transfer to actuator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is positioned in advance to engage with the first link at a predetermined angle, preliminarily preventing excessive pivoting and impact transfer to the actuator before harmful forces can cause failure, while still allowing the propulsor to be moved between stowed and deployed positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stop member acts as an intermediary protective element between the pivoting linkage and the actuator, absorbing and limiting impact forces that would otherwise be transferred directly to the actuator, thus protecting the actuator while maintaining the stowed and deployed position capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the mechanical advantage of the actuator linkage, improving durability, reliability, and performance by reducing strain and locking the propulsor in the deployed position, thus preventing catastrophic failures and ensuring stable operation.

Implementation Method 1

An arm pivotably couples the propulsor to the base to move the propulsor into and between a stowed position located proximate to the marine vessel and a deployed position located relatively distal from the marine vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

An actuator linkage includes a first link that is pivotably coupled to the base and a second link that pivotably couples the first link to the arm. An actuator pivots the actuator linkage to move the propulsor into and between the stowed position and the deployed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12060144B1Stowable propulsion devices for marine vessels and methods for making stowable propulsion devices for marine vessels

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A stowable propulsion device for a marine vessel having a deck. A base is configured to be coupled to the marine vessel below the deck. A propulsor is configured to propel the marine vessel in water. An arm couples the propulsor to the base such that moving the arm moves the propulsor into and between a stowed position located proximate to the marine vessel and a deployed position located relatively distal from the marine vessel as compared to the stowed position, and such that moving the arm rotates the propulsor about the arm. An actuator comprises a first link movably coupled to the base and a second link that movably couples the first link to the arm. An actuator moves the actuator linkage to thereby move the propulsor into and between the stowed position and the deployed position.