Rotary Actuated Vessel Hatch With Internal Watertight Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hatch systems for vessels, particularly those on luxury yachts, suffer from space inefficiency due to protruding drive cylinders, limited actuation angles, complex installation requirements, and compromised watertight integrity, with existing solutions often requiring significant interior space and precise alignment, and vulnerable cable routing.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable hatch design with a compact actuating mechanism housed within the hatch body, utilizing a rotary actuator and load transfer structure to minimize intrusion, facilitate easier alignment, and ensure watertight integrity through integrated power and control routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drive cylinders are located on the sides of the hatch, then the hatch can be actuated between closed and open positions, but valuable interior space is taken up and the maximum width of the hatch is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is nested within the hatch body itself, with the drive cylinder and transmission components housed inside the hatch structure. This allows the hatch to be actuated while minimizing intrusion into the vessel's interior space, as the mechanism is contained within the hatch's own volume rather than protruding outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the actuating mechanism from a lateral arrangement (on the sides of the hatch) to a longitudinal arrangement (within the hatch body). By utilizing the internal volume of the hatch along its length, the design eliminates the need for side protrusions, effectively moving the mechanism to a different spatial dimension that does not compromise interior space or hatch width.
2Ease of operation
If drive cylinders are located in the interior space of the vessel, then the hatch can be actuated, but significant challenges arise for interior design to hide or camouflage the actuating mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is nested within the hatch body, eliminating the need to locate drive cylinders in the vessel's interior space. This containment approach removes the requirement for interior design camouflage, as the mechanism is housed within the hatch structure itself rather than being exposed in living areas.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lever designs are used, then the hatch can be actuated, but the actuation angle is limited to approximately 110 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional lever-based mechanical transmission with a direct rotary actuation system. The drive cylinder is connected directly to the hinge shaft, eliminating the intermediate lever mechanism that limits actuation angle. This substitution enables larger opening angles while maintaining simple actuation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual cylinder and lever designs are used, then larger actuation angles can be achieved, but even more space inside the vessel is required and hydraulic requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex dual-cylinder lever system with a single drive cylinder directly connected to the hinge shaft. This mechanical substitution achieves large actuation angles without requiring the additional space and hydraulic capacity needed for dual-cylinder systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple cylinders and levers into a single integrated actuating mechanism. The drive cylinder is directly coupled to the hinge shaft, combining the actuation and transmission functions into one compact unit that achieves large angles without the space requirements of separate components.
5Ease of operation
If conventional hatch systems are installed, then the hatch can be actuated, but precise alignment between the hatch and vessel structure is required during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a universal coupling interface between the drive cylinder and hinge shaft that accommodates minor misalignments. The coupling mechanism is designed to be tolerant of installation variations, allowing the hatch to be properly installed and actuated without requiring extremely precise alignment between the hatch and vessel structure.
6Ease of operation
If conventional hatch systems are used, then the hatch can be actuated, but additional openings or penetrations in the vessel hull are required for power and control connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the power and control connections with the existing hatch structure and actuating mechanism. Electrical conduits and hydraulic lines are routed through the hatch body and coupling interfaces that are already part of the watertight structure, eliminating the need for additional penetrations in the vessel hull and preserving watertight integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is related to an actuatable hatch for a vessel, the hatch comprising a hatch body configured to be rotatably coupled around a rotational axis to a vessel at a primary side, at least one load transfer structure at least partially arranged in at least one coupling area, and at least one actuating mechanism for actuating the hatch between a closed and an opened position. The actuating mechanism comprises at least one hinge shaft at least partially carried by or suspended in the load transfer structure, and at least one rotary actuator accommodated within the hatch body, wherein an output shaft of said rotary actuator is connected to the at least one hinge shaft. The invention is also related to a vessel comprising such a hatch and a kit of parts for forming such a hatch.