Marine Trim Tab Bracket With Multi-Axis Pivot Load Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trim tab actuator assemblies with two actuators face issues due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to unequal loading and potential damage or failure of the actuators.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bracket with a main body that pivots about multiple axes to facilitate equal loading of the first and second rods of the actuator assembly, coupled with a linking member that can pivot relative to the main body and the rods, ensures balanced loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trim tab actuator assemblies with two actuators are used, then the trim tab can be actuated, but manufacturing tolerances lead to unequal loading and potential damage or failure of the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with pivoting capability about multiple axes, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation based on the relative positions of the two actuators. This dynamic adaptation compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures equal loading distribution regardless of actuator variations
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket changes its geometric parameters (orientation angles about different axes) to accommodate variations in actuator positions. By allowing the bracket to pivot about a first axis and a second axis, the system adjusts its configuration to maintain equal loading conditions despite manufacturing tolerances
2Device complexity
If a rigid bracket is used to couple two actuators, then the structure is simple, but manufacturing tolerances cause unequal loading on the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket transitions from a rigid fixed-orientation structure to a dynamic structure capable of pivoting about multiple axes. This allows the bracket to automatically adjust its orientation to compensate for actuator position variations, ensuring equal loading without requiring complex active control systems
3Reliability
If the bracket pivots about multiple axes to facilitate equal loading, then actuator reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket's multiple-axis pivoting mechanism is designed to automatically self-adjust to equalize loading on the actuators. The system uses its own degrees of freedom to compensate for manufacturing tolerances without requiring external control inputs or complex sensing systems, making the complexity inherent but functional
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket (40, 140) for coupling an actuator assembly (10, 110) having a first rod (20) and a second rod (20) to a pivotable component of a marine vessel (4) comprises a main body (42, 142) with a first end (43, 143) configured to be pivotally coupled to the first rod (20) and an opposite second end (45, 145) configured to be pivotally coupled to the second rod (20). The main body (42, 142) pivots about at least one axis (49, 149, 150) to thereby facilitate equal loading of the first rod (20) and the second rod (20), and a linking member (60, 160) is pivotally coupled to the main body (42, 142) and is configured to be coupled to the pivotable component.