Vertical Retracting Thruster for Pontoon Boats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical retracting tunnel thrusters (VRTTs) face challenges in being installed within the limited vertical space of smaller vessels like pontoon boats, as they require a significant vertical stroke to deploy and retract, which is not feasible due to the restricted hull height.
Innovation Solution
A compact vertical retracting thruster design with a fixed length drive shaft, a height adjustment mechanism using a gearbox and lead screw system, and a steering arrangement to control the propeller's direction, allowing for a smaller footprint and increased thrust capability within the limited hull space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional vertical retracting tunnel thruster is used, then lateral thrust capability is achieved, but the vertical space requirement exceeds the available hull height in pontoon boats
Solution Approach 1:
The movable base assembly containing the motor, drive shaft, and propeller is nested within the fixed base structure. When retracted, the entire movable assembly fits inside the fixed base, minimizing the vertical profile to approximately the propeller diameter plus clearance, enabling installation in pontoon boats with limited vertical space
2Force
If the propeller diameter is increased to provide greater thrust, then thrust capability improves, but the vertical stroke requirement increases beyond available hull space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical stroke motion to horizontal retraction motion. The movable base assembly moves horizontally into and out of the fixed base rather than moving vertically, allowing the propeller to achieve full diameter thrust capability without requiring vertical clearance equal to the propeller diameter
3Length of stationary object
If a compact design with reduced vertical footprint is implemented, then installation feasibility in pontoon boats improves, but the propeller diameter and thrust capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable base assembly that can dynamically reposition the propeller between a retracted position (within the fixed base, minimal vertical profile) and a deployed position (extending outward, full propeller diameter exposed). This dynamic positioning allows the same compact structure to accommodate both small and large propellers depending on operational requirements
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 the installation of a thruster system that provides lateral thrust and steering control within the pontoon boat's hull, enhancing maneuverability and reducing the overall height requirement, thus accommodating a larger propeller diameter for increased thrust.
Implementation Method 1
Known actuators for vertically moving the propeller relative to the hull comprise a lead screw and lead screw follower, where the lead screw extends in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
They comprise a motor, a drive shaft, a propeller and an actuator for axially moving the propeller in a vertical direction relative to the hull
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical retracting thruster for providing thrust to a vessel is disclosed, suitable for mounting within a hull of the vessel. The vertical retracting thruster comprises a fixed base and a movable base. A vertical height adjusting assembly is configured to move the movable base relative to the fixed base in a vertical direction. A thrust motor is mounted to the movable base. The vertical retracting thruster has a retracted configuration, in which the propeller is retracted into the hull, and a deployed configuration, in which the propeller projects from the hull. The vertical retracting thruster is operable to move between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.