Diagonal Hydraulic Suspension for Vessel Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for vessels face inefficiencies in controlling the attitude of the body or chassis relative to movable hulls, particularly due to significant energy losses in fluid pumps used for adjusting roll and pitch attitudes.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with diagonal interconnection valves and actuators that control fluid flow between support compression volumes, utilizing sensors and a controller to manage the attitude of the chassis relative to the hulls, minimizing energy losses by selectively opening interconnection valves only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid pumps are used to adjust roll and pitch attitudes of the chassis, then the attitude control functionality is achieved, but significant energy losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diagonal interconnection valves as intermediary components that allow direct fluid communication between diagonally opposite support compression volumes. This mediator enables attitude adjustment by redistributing existing fluid pressure without requiring continuous pump operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining full attitude control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic pump operation rather than continuous pumping. The pumps are activated only when attitude adjustment is required, while the diagonal interconnection valves handle fluid redistribution during normal operation. This periodic action significantly reduces energy losses while maintaining effective attitude control.
2Loss of energy
If diagonal interconnection valves are selectively opened to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal interconnection valves serve multiple functions: they enable direct fluid communication between support volumes for attitude adjustment, act as flow restrictors to control fluid transfer rates, and work in conjunction with the controller to provide automated energy-efficient operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor chassis attitude and fluid pressure, providing feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to selectively open or close diagonal interconnection valves only when necessary, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining simple operational logic. This feedback mechanism automates the complex valve control decisions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pumps are used continuously to maintain attitude control, then stable attitude is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal interconnection valves provide continuous passive fluid communication pathways between support volumes, maintaining attitude stability without requiring continuous pump operation. The valves enable ongoing fluid redistribution in response to attitude changes while consuming minimal energy, thus preserving continuous useful action with reduced energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service attitude maintenance through the diagonal interconnection valves that automatically redistribute fluid in response to pressure differentials and attitude changes. This self-regulating mechanism maintains stable attitude without continuous external energy input from pumps, allowing the system to service itself with minimal energy consumption.
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 system efficiently adjusts the attitude of the chassis, reducing energy consumption and maintaining stability by selectively using pumps and valves to manage roll and pitch motions, ensuring minimal energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
each respective support ram including at least a respective support compression chamber forming at least part of a respective support compression volume
Implementation Method 2
a first diagonal actuating arrangement for controlling fluid flow between the front left and back right support compression volumes, and a second diagonal actuating arrangement for controlling fluid flow between the front right and back left support compression volumes
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a vessel with at least one left hull, at least one right hull and a chassis, the suspension system including respective front left, front right, back left and back right support rams connected between the chassis and the respective hull and including a respective compression chamber which with a respective diagonal conduit forms a respective support compression volume; first digonal support interconnection valve (59) selectively interconnects front left and back right diagonal conduits (61, 64) and support compression volumes second diagonal support interconnection valve (60) selectively interconnects front right and back left diagonal conduits (62, 63) and support compression volumes, a deck attitude control system (100) comprising a controller (102), sensors, first and second diagonal actuating arrangements (25, 26) for controlling fluid flow across the respective diagonal support interconnection valve to control a position of a point on the chassis relative to a reference (5).