Vessel Damping Device Using Pendular Mass and Winch-Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vessels at sea experience undesirable motions due to wind, waves, and currents, particularly when the natural period of waves matches the vessel's natural period, leading to substantial roll angles that hinder operations.
Innovation Solution
A damping device is integrated into the vessel, comprising a support structure and an elongate suspension organ that allows the mass to move pendularly, with an energy dissipation system using winches and generators to dissipate energy and maintain tension in the suspension lines, thereby reducing vessel motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a damping device is introduced to reduce vessel motion, then vessel stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is segmented into distinct functional components: support structure elements connected to the vessel, suspension organs (cables/lines) connecting support points to the mass, and the mass itself. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while collectively achieving vibration reduction through controlled pendular motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes mechanical vibration principles by allowing a mass to execute controlled pendular oscillations in response to vessel motion. The suspension organs permit the mass to swing freely along a trajectory, creating a passive damping effect that counteracts vessel vibrations without requiring active control systems or complex mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure allows significant mass movement for damping, then vibration reduction is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides localized constraints at specific support points on the vessel while allowing freedom of motion for the mass along its pendular trajectory. The suspension organs are configured with specific lengths and attachment points that create the desired damping characteristics, providing precise local control over the damping behavior without restricting the overall motion needed for vibration reduction.
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 damping device effectively reduces vessel roll motions, allowing operations to continue in adverse weather conditions by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy and maintaining line tension, thus enhancing operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a generator which is coupled to the winch and which is constructed to operate as: a dynamo when the line is spooled off the winch when the mass moves away from the support point, thereby generating electric power
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor when the mass moves in the direction of the support point, thereby spooling the line onto the winch by providing electric power
Implementation Method 3
at least one elongate damping organ which connects at least one support point on the hull with the mass and which is constructed to apply a damping force on the mass
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vessel comprising:-a hull,-a support structure connected to said hull, the support structure configured for supporting the mass, the support structure being constructed to allow the mass to make a back and forth movement relative to said hull along a trajectory between opposite ends of said trajectory,-a damping device configured to dampen the movement of the mass relative to said hull. The present invention also relates to a method for damping the movements of a vessel or of a mass.