Watercraft Propulsion with 360-Degree Thrust Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft lack 360° thrust vectoring capability, leading to instability and capsizing when navigating through waves, as centrally located propulsion systems cannot counteract broaching and are ineffective in rough waters.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion apparatus with a propeller extending below the water surface, connected to foot pedals and a drive shaft system with concentric conduits, allowing for 360° directed thrust vector control through a crank gear assembly and propeller gear assembly, enabling the operator to adjust thrust direction horizontally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centrally located propulsion system is used, then the watercraft can be propelled forward, but it cannot counteract broaching and provide 360° thrust vectoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is made dynamically adjustable through a rotating conduit assembly that can change the thrust direction in 360 degrees. The lower conduit is rotatably connected to the upper conduit, allowing the operator to rotate the lower conduit to direct propeller thrust in any horizontal direction while the propeller continues to rotate and provide propulsive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides forward propulsion, lateral movement, and anti-broaching control all through a single integrated system. The ability to vector thrust in any direction allows the same propeller to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
2Reliability
If the propeller is positioned at the stern, then it can provide propulsion, but it becomes ineffective when the stern rises out of the water during broaching
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion apparatus is positioned forward of the watercraft's center, and the operator can preemptively apply directed thrust to counteract the broaching tendency before it fully develops. By rotating the lower conduit to direct thrust appropriately, the operator can prevent the stern from swinging forward and rising out of the water.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable lower conduit acts as an intermediary between the fixed upper conduit and the propeller, allowing the thrust direction to be adjusted independently of the propeller's rotational axis. This intermediary mechanism enables the propulsion system to remain effective even when the watercraft's orientation changes during wave interaction.
3Device complexity
If a fixed directional propulsion system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide directed thrust to prevent stern from laterally swinging ahead of the bow
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is segmented into two separate conduits: an upper fixed conduit and a lower rotatable conduit. This segmentation allows the thrust direction to be independently adjusted from the propulsion mechanism itself, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower conduit is nested within or alongside the upper conduit, with the lower conduit rotatably connected to the upper conduit. This nested arrangement allows for directional adjustment while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion apparatus adapted to be installed in a watercraft may include a propeller extending below the water surface adapted to provide three hundred sixty degrees (360°) of directed vector thrust. The propulsion apparatus may include foot pedals operable by an operator in a cycling motion operatively connected to the propeller by a drive shaft interconnecting a crank gear assembly to a propeller gear assembly. The drive shaft may extend through vertically aligned concentric upper and lower conduits. The upper conduit may be fixedly secured to the watercraft and the lower conduit rotatably connected to a lower distal end of the upper conduit. The lower conduit may be rotated to direct propeller thrust to a desired direction.