Vessel Propulsion Guide for Oblique Water Jet Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vessel propulsion systems face challenges in generating a water stream that can be tilted further outward than the maximum rotation angle of the deflector, leading to inefficiencies in thrust direction and steering control, particularly in reverse drive scenarios where the steering direction and turning direction of the vessel do not align.

Innovation Solution

A vessel propulsion apparatus comprising a nozzle, a rotatable deflector, and a reversible bucket that adjusts its position to divide the water flow into equal or unequal branches, allowing for oblique forward jetting in both directions, thereby enhancing the tilt angle of the water stream and aligning the steering and turning directions during both forward and reverse drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the deflector is rotated to the maximum angle, then the water stream is tilted to the maximum extent, but the stream cannot be tilted further outward than the maximum rotation angle of the deflector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust direction componentVSAvoidsteering angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The water stream is divided into two separate streams by the guide structure. One stream passes through the deflector while the other is directed by the guide to achieve additional tilt. This segmentation allows the combined effect to exceed the deflector's maximum rotation angle without requiring the deflector itself to rotate further.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the deflector and the water stream. The guide redirects a portion of the water flow to achieve the desired additional tilt angle, effectively extending the steering capability beyond what the deflector alone can provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the reverse bucket is lowered to guide water forward, then the vessel turns in one direction, but the steering direction relationship becomes inconsistent between forward and reverse drives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering control consistencyVSAvoidbucket position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using the reverse bucket to actively guide water forward during reverse operation, the invention allows water to flow naturally around the bucket. This inverted approach simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining consistent steering direction relationships between forward and reverse drives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector and guide structure work together to provide consistent steering functionality in both forward and reverse directions. The same components handle steering control for both drive modes, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and ensuring consistent steering direction relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the engine output is increased to generate greater thrust, then the thrust magnitude increases, but the system cannot achieve further outward tilt of the water stream

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine outputVSAvoidthrust direction component

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a spatial dimension to thrust control by introducing a guide structure that operates in a different plane than the deflector. This allows the water stream to be tilted in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving greater outward tilt without increasing engine power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 apparatus achieves a greater turning force in reverse drive by tilting the water stream further than the maximum deflector angle, ensuring consistent steering direction and increased thrust efficiency across all operational modes.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle that jets water rearward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet propulsion: Jet

Implementation Method 2

a deflector that is rotatable to the right and left around a substantially vertical axis... by which water jetted from the nozzle is jetted in a rearward direction or an obliquely rearward direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Implementation Method 3

the guide generates the left branch stream from a water stream that flows further to the left than a central axis of the deflector... and generates the right branch stream from a water stream that flows further to the right

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow division:

Data Source

PatentUS8702457B2Vessel propulsion apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a nozzle, a deflector, a reverse bucket, and a guide. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at a closed position and the deflector is positioned at a straight drive position, the guide generates a right branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward right direction and a left branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward left direction. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a right side, the guide generates the left branch stream. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a left side, the guide generates the right branch stream.