Variable Trim Deflector With Protruding Foil for Decoupled Yaw and Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face challenges in controlling yawing and rolling forces independently, as existing trimming devices often induce unwanted motions or forces, making it difficult to decouple these forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pair of trim deflectors with multiple degrees of freedom, including protruding foils, is configured to receive control signals for roll and yaw commands, allowing for independent control of forces to induce rolling or yawing motions while counteracting unwanted forces, using a processor to manage the movement of the trim deflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional trimming devices are used to control marine vessels, then basic steering function is achieved, but unwanted yawing or rolling forces are induced that cannot be decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The trim deflector is divided into multiple independent control surfaces (first control surface, second control surface, third control surface) that can be actuated separately. Each surface can be positioned independently to generate specific hydrodynamic forces, allowing decoupling of rolling and yawing moments through differential actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
A protruding foil is added to the trim deflector structure, extending into a new spatial dimension. This foil generates additional hydrodynamic forces that counteract unwanted yawing or rolling motions, providing an extra degree of freedom for force decoupling without requiring complete reconfiguration of the basic deflector.
2Measurement precision
If existing deflector systems are used, then vessel steering is possible, but precise control at high speeds is difficult due to coupled unwanted motions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the actual positions of control surfaces and the foil, along with sensors that measure vessel motion parameters. This feedback is processed by a control system that adjusts actuator positions in real-time to achieve precise decoupling of rolling and yawing forces, enabling accurate control at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surfaces and protruding foil are designed to be dynamically adjustable during vessel operation. Actators can change the position and angle of each surface in real-time based on vessel speed, heading, and desired motion, allowing the system to optimize force decoupling across different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control surfaces are added to decouple forces, then independent rolling and yawing control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple control surfaces are designed to perform multiple functions: the first control surface primarily controls rolling, the second control surface assists in rolling control, and the third control surface primarily controls yawing. The protruding foil provides additional force generation capability that can be used for either rolling or yawing control depending on operational needs, allowing one element to serve multiple purposes.
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
This solution enables precise control of marine vessels by decoupling yawing and rolling forces, improving maneuverability and stability, particularly at high speeds, by allowing for the induction of desired forces without unwanted motions.
Implementation Method 1
a first protruding foil and a second protruding foil. The processor is configured to receive a first control signal corresponding to a roll command and in response to receiving the first control signal, control the first and second trim deflectors to induce a rolling force to the marine vessel, while at least partially countering a yawing force
Data Source
AI summary
A trim deflector apparatus for a marine vessel. The trim deflector apparatus comprises a first control surface movably coupled to the marine vessel, a second control surface movably coupled to the first control surface and configured to be moved relative to the first control surface by a first actuator, and a protruding foil attached to the second control surface.