Wingsail Tail Actuation Mechanism for Precise Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for controlling the angle of attack of self-trimming wingsails are inefficient and unreliable due to the wing's free rotation around the mast, necessitating a more robust and efficient method for precise control.
Innovation Solution
A self-trimming wingsail system with a tail control mechanism comprising a motor, slidable collar, and cables or pulleys to transmit linear force to the adjustable tail, allowing precise control of the angle of attack, and a controller to adjust based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wingsail is allowed to rotate freely around the mast, then the wingsail can adapt to different wind conditions, but the angle of attack becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tail as an intermediary element that mediates between the free-rotating wingsail and the control system. The tail acts as a lever arm that amplifies small control forces into significant trimming moments, enabling precise angle of attack control without restricting the wingsail's free rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism operates in a different dimensional space by controlling the tail angle rather than directly controlling the wingsail rotation. This indirect control through the tail dimension provides mechanical advantage and enables precise angle adjustment while maintaining free rotation capability
2Ease of operation
If existing control mechanisms are used, then some level of angle control is achieved, but the mechanisms are inefficient and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simplified cable-pulley mechanism. This substitution eliminates unreliable mechanical linkages and uses tension-based cable control, which is more reliable and easier to maintain while providing sufficient control authority through the tail leverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential control function to a simple tail-pulley-cable system, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity from the control mechanism. This extraction improves reliability by focusing only on the critical control elements needed for effective angle adjustment
3Measurement precision
If a complex control mechanism is implemented, then precise angle control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into independent modular elements: the tail assembly, pulley system, and cable mechanism. This segmentation allows for simple individual components that work together to achieve precise control, avoiding the need for a single complex integrated mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The tail acts as a counterbalancing element that provides mechanical leverage. By positioning the tail appropriately and using its moment arm, the system achieves precise angle control with minimal actuation force, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining high precision
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 provides efficient, reliable, and energy-saving control of the wingsail angle, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, maneuverability, and reducing heeling, suitable for autonomous navigation and various sailing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a collar cable having a first end connected to the motor and a second end connected to the slidable collar
Implementation Method 2
a tail cable having a first end connected to the slidable collar and a second end connected to the adjustable tail
Implementation Method 3
the tail control mechanism further comprises a series of pulleys configured to facilitate a change in direction of the force applied to the slidable collar and the adjustable tail
Implementation Method 4
a motor, and a slidable collar connected to the motor via a collar cable
Data Source
AI summary
A self-trimming wingsail system, comprising a wingsail body mounted on a mast and configured to rotate freely around the mast, an adjustable tail connected to the wingsail body, and a tail control mechanism configured to adjust an angle of the adjustable tail. The tail control mechanism comprising a motor, and a slidable collar connected to the motor via a collar cable and connected to the adjustable tail via a tail cable. Movement of the slidable collar transmits a linear force via the tail cable to the adjustable tail to adjust the angle of the adjustable tail.