Stowable Marine Propulsor With Manual Cable-Pulley Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowable propulsion devices for marine vessels lack a safe and convenient method for manually stowing the propulsor when the actuator fails, posing challenges especially in deep water, high waves, or strong currents, as current solutions require operators to enter the water and manually lift heavy components.
Innovation Solution
A stowable propulsion device with a dual actuation system, where a first actuator pivots the propulsor between stowed and deployed positions, and a second manual actuator, involving a cable and pulley system, allows for safe and easy stowing without requiring the operator to enter the water, providing mechanical advantage and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to pivot the propulsor between stowed and deployed positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the actuator fails in deep water or strong currents
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent actuators: a first actuator for normal operation and a second manual actuator for emergency or backup operation. This segmentation ensures that if the first actuator fails, the second actuator can still perform the stowing function, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely redundant complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual second actuator is designed to enable the operator to manually stow the propulsor without requiring external assistance or complex machinery. The operator can directly operate the second actuator to retract the propulsor even in deep water or strong currents, making the system self-service capable in emergency situations.
2Power
If the propulsor is made heavy to provide sufficient propulsion force, then the propulsion power is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when manual stowing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The second manual actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the heavy propulsor. Instead of the operator directly lifting the heavy propulsor, the manual actuator provides mechanical leverage and force multiplication, making it feasible to manually stow the propulsor even when it is heavy enough to provide sufficient propulsion power.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual actuator system is designed to reduce the effective weight burden on the operator by providing mechanical advantage through levers, pulleys, or screw mechanisms. This allows the operator to control a heavy propulsor with minimal effort, effectively creating an equipotential condition where the heavy propulsor can be easily manipulated despite its weight.
3Productivity
If the propulsor is positioned far from the base in the deployed position, then the propulsion effectiveness is improved, but the stability deteriorates when the propulsor is in the stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed as a dynamic pivotable connection rather than a fixed structure. The pivotable joint allows the arm to freely adjust its position and orientation, enabling the propulsor to be deployed far from the base for effective propulsion while automatically returning to a stable stowed position near the base when not in use. The dynamic nature of the pivot connection accommodates both extreme positions without compromising stability.
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
Enables safe and convenient stowing of the propulsor even when the primary actuator is inoperable, enhancing safety and reducing manual labor, while improving mechanical advantage and reliability, thus stabilizing the device in both stowed and deployed positions.
Implementation Method 1
a second manual actuator, involving a cable and pulley system, allows for safe and easy stowing without requiring the operator to enter the water, providing mechanical advantage and durability
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable propulsion device for a marine vessel. A base is configured to be coupled to the marine vessel. A propulsor is configured to propel the marine vessel in water. An arm pivotably couples the propulsor to the base such that the propulsor is movable into and between a stowed position and a deployed position, where the propulsor is closer to the base in the stowed position than in the deployed position. A first actuator pivots the arm so as to move the propulsor into and between the stowed position and the deployed position. A second actuator is manually actuatable to pivot the arm so as to move the propulsor towards the stowed position.