Telescopic Bow Light Structure With Screw-Driven Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light signalling devices for ship bows are structurally complex and have high technical and economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified light signalling device for ship bows using a telescopic structure with a fixed rigid tubular sleeve and multiple telescopically coupled tubular sections, operated by an electric motor with a system of helical threaded operating screws and translating plates to extend and retract the sections, ensuring safe and efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a known light signalling device with telescopic components and multiple operating screws is used, then safe operation is achieved, but structural complexity and technical/economic cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support is divided into multiple telescopic sections (first tubular section, second tubular section) that can extend and retract independently. Each section has its own operating screw (thirteen-point-one, thirteen-point-two) that controls its extension, allowing the support to achieve safe operational heights while maintaining a compact stowed profile, thus reducing overall structural complexity compared to a single long telescopic mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic telescopic sections that can extend vertically to provide stable support at operational heights and retract to minimize profile when not in use. The first and second tubular sections extend along the longitudinal axis of the hull, allowing the support structure to adapt its height dynamically based on operational requirements, maintaining reliability while reducing complex fixed structures
2Reliability
If a known light signalling device with telescopic components and multiple operating screws is used, then safe operation is achieved, but technical and economic cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second tubular section is nested within the first tubular section, and both are contained within the hull structure when retracted. This nested arrangement allows the support to achieve extended heights for safe operation while minimizing the space required in the stowed position, reducing material requirements and manufacturing complexity compared to non-nested telescopic designs
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the support into segmented telescopic sections with individual operating screws, the invention allows for modular manufacturing and assembly. Each section can be manufactured separately and assembled within the hull, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to manufacturing a single complex telescopic mechanism
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 device achieves safe operation with a simplified structure and reduced technical and economic costs while maintaining effective visibility of the light signalling means.
Implementation Method 1
Means for controlling the extension/retraction of the telescopic components comprise a plurality of externally threaded vertical rods, called operating screws
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7
AI summary
Light signalling device (10) for the bow of a ship, comprising a light signalling means (L) and a supporting structure (11) of said light signalling means (L), wherein: - said structure (11) comprises a fixed rigid tubular sleeve (11.1) and a plurality of tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3), which are coupled to slide telescopically into one another and with respect to said sleeve (11.1), so as to selectively take a first operating arrangement with minimum overall dimensions, in which said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) are telescopically retracted inside said sleeve (11.1), and a second operating arrangement, in which said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) are telescopically extended with respect to one another and to said sleeve (11.1) and the signalling means (L) is in the condition of maximum visibility with respect to the bow of the ship on which the device (10) is mounted, and wherein: - said sleeve (11.1) is integral with respect to a stationary internal base support plate (11.2), which is provided with a through hole; - said base support plate (11.2) supports a first rotating shaft (12), hereinafter drive shaft, the axis of which is oriented along the direction of telescopic extension/retraction of said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3); - said drive shaft (12) has a first axial end (12.1) extending below said base support plate (11.2), through said through hole, connected to a toothed wheel, which meshes with a reduction means, connected with respect to the output shaft of electric motor means (M); - said electric motor means (M) are supported by means of said base support plate (11.2) and are configured to rotate in the two directions of rotation; - said drive shaft (12) has a second axial end (12.2) extending above said base plate (11.2) and rigidly connected to one end of a first externally threaded coaxial operating screw (13.1), extending for a substantial part of said structure (11); - said first operating screw (13.1) has a longitudinal key groove extending for at least part of its length. The device (10) further comprises: - first translating plate supporting means (14) provided movable with respect to said first operating screw (13.1), above said base support plate (11.2), which comprise: - a first supporting plate (14.1), arranged inside said sleeve (11.1) and which comprises, in a through hole, a first lead screw (14.2) integral with said first plate (14.1) and engaged by helical coupling with respect to said first operating screw (13.1); - a first pinion (14.3) fitted on said first operating screw (13.1), below said first lead screw (14.2), which is provided integral in rotation and axially sliding with respect to said first operating screw (13.1), by means of connection key means, provided sliding in said longitudinal groove of said first operating screw (13.1); - a second shaft (14.4), hereinafter first driven shaft, supported rotatably, arranged laterally and with axis parallel with respect to the axis of said drive shaft (12), in a corresponding through hole of said first supporting plate (14.1), wherein said first driven shaft (14.4) has: - a first axial end (14.5) extending below said first supporting plate (14.1) and rigidly connected to a second pinion (14.6), coaxial to said shaft and meshing with said first pinion (14.3), from which it receives its rotation motion; - a second axial end (14.7) extending above said first supporting plate (14.1) and rigidly connected to one end of a second externally threaded coaxial operating screw (13.2), extending for a substantial part of said sleeve (11.1), when said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) are in said first operating arrangement; - a first telescopic tubular section (15.1), fixed with a lower end area with respect to said first supporting plate (14.1) inside said sleeve (11.1) and extending for a substantial part of the height of said sleeve when said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) are in said first operating arrangement; - said second operating screw (13.2) having a longitudinal key groove extending for at least part of its length; and - at least second translating plate supporting means (16) provided movable with respect to said second operating screw (13.2), above said first supporting plate (14.1), which comprise: - a second supporting plate (16.1), arranged inside said sleeve (11.1) and which comprises, in a through hole, a second lead screw (16.2) integral with said second plate (16.1) and engaged by helical coupling with respect to said second operating screw (13.2); - a third pinion (16.3), provided below said second lead screw (16.2), integral in rotation and axially sliding with respect to said second operating screw (13.2), by means of connection key means, provided sliding in said longitudinal groove of said second operating screw (13.2); - a third shaft (16.4), hereinafter second driven shaft; supported rotatably, arranged laterally with respect to said first driven shaft (14.4) and with axis parallel with respect to the axis of said drive shaft (12), in a corresponding through hole of said second supporting plate (16.1), wherein: - said second driven shaft (16.4) has a first axial end (16.5) extending below said second supporting plate (16.1) and rigidly connected to a fourth pinion (16.6), coaxial to said shaft and meshing with said third pinion (16.3), from which it receives its rotation motion; - a second telescopic tubular section (15.2), fixed with a lower end area with respect to said second supporting plate (16.1) inside said sleeve (11.1) and extending for a substantial part of the height of said sleeve (11.1), when said tubular sections (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) are in said first operating arrangement.