CA1181323A - Hydraulic steering isolation system - Google Patents
Hydraulic steering isolation systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1181323A CA1181323A CA000416610A CA416610A CA1181323A CA 1181323 A CA1181323 A CA 1181323A CA 000416610 A CA000416610 A CA 000416610A CA 416610 A CA416610 A CA 416610A CA 1181323 A CA1181323 A CA 1181323A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- starboard
- port
- activation
- steering system
- leak detector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/06—Steering by rudders
- B63H25/08—Steering gear
- B63H25/14—Steering gear power assisted; power driven, i.e. using steering engine
- B63H25/26—Steering engines
- B63H25/28—Steering engines of fluid type
- B63H25/30—Steering engines of fluid type hydraulic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/06—Steering by rudders
- B63H25/08—Steering gear
- B63H25/14—Steering gear power assisted; power driven, i.e. using steering engine
- B63H25/18—Transmitting of movement of initiating means to steering engine
- B63H25/22—Transmitting of movement of initiating means to steering engine by fluid means
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for automatically or remotely dividing a two pump unit hydraulic steering system, upon detection of dangerous loss of fluid, into two independent steering systems in order to maintain steering capacity utilizes an isolation valve for blocking interconnecting piping in conjunction with by-pass valves for relieving resistance by one ram group to motion of another. The valves and the pump units are regulated automatically or remotely by a control unit in response to detection of fluid loss to achieve steering by the ram group on the loss-free side.
An apparatus for automatically or remotely dividing a two pump unit hydraulic steering system, upon detection of dangerous loss of fluid, into two independent steering systems in order to maintain steering capacity utilizes an isolation valve for blocking interconnecting piping in conjunction with by-pass valves for relieving resistance by one ram group to motion of another. The valves and the pump units are regulated automatically or remotely by a control unit in response to detection of fluid loss to achieve steering by the ram group on the loss-free side.
Description
I l~13~
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to hydraulic steering systems, specifically to an electrohydraulic apparatus which, upon detecting dangerous fluid loss in a two pump marine steering system, automatically or remotely divides the system into two independen-t systems.
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to hydraulic steering systems, specifically to an electrohydraulic apparatus which, upon detecting dangerous fluid loss in a two pump marine steering system, automatically or remotely divides the system into two independen-t systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art Much of the steering gear presently utilized aboard ships comprises two pump units, usually one located on the vessel's port side, one on the starboard. These units are interconnected to drive a common set of hydraulic rudder actuators. Due to the common connection, a loss of fluid can render both pumps inoperable. Most such systems include manually operated valves that allow the pump units to be isolated and the hydraulic actuators to be separated into two independent steering systems. However, during failure, the journey to the steering gear chamber to shift valves wastes-precious time which may jeopardize the vessel's safety. In a catastrophic incident, such disabling loss oE fluid resulted in a super tanker running aground, breaking in two, and spilling its cargo of oil into the sea. The cost resulting from the ship's destruction and the pollution damage to fishing grounds and recreational areas has been estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
In recent years, the size of the world's tanker fleet doubled, totaling more than 7,000 vessels. Such a fleet possesses enormous destructive potential.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in recognition of the potentially catastrophic consequences of presen-t day tnarine s-teering year deficiencies, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically or remo-tely dividing a two pump unit hydraulic steerinq system, upon de-tection of dangerous loss of fluid, into two independent steering systems, in order to maintain steering capability.
In summary, the present invention comprises an isola-ting apparatus for a hydraulic fluid steering system of the type having a starboard and a port side; a starboard and a port pump unit, each capable of activation and deactivation, only one of which is normally operating at a time; a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of the pump units to each of the ram groups. It includes isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking the interconnecting piping between the pump units upon activation, and unblocking the interconnecting piping upon de-activation~ so that upon activation, the steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems.
It further comprises starboard by-pass means, capable of acti-vation and deactivation, for coupling the interconnecting pipingon the starboard side of the steering system upon activation, and uncoupling the interconnecting piping on the starboard side of the steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activa-tion, in conjunction with activation o:E the isolating means, resistance by the starboard ram group to motion by the port ram group is relieved; and port by-pass means, capable of acti-vation and deactivation, for coupling the interconnecting piping on the port side of the steering system upon activation, and uncoupling the interconnecting pipir,g on the port side of the steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of the isolating means, resis-.3 tance by the port ram group to mo-ti.on by -the starboard ram group is relieved. Control means are provided for remotely activat-ing and deactivating the iso].ating means, the starboard by-pass means, the port by-pass means, and the starboard pump unit, and the port pump unit.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a dangerous loss of fluid in the steering system is sensed~ In response, through a control unit, an isolation value is activated which blocks the interconnec-ting piping, dividing the system in two; the pump unit associated with the leak-free side of the system is operated, and a by-pass valve is activated which relieves resistance by the ram group asso-ciated with the leaking side to motion imparted by the ram group associated with the leak-free side, thus maintaining steering capability on the leak-free side of the system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, loss of fluid is sensed by a leak detection tank employing a float-type switch. The by-pass valves each comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve, and the isolation valve Z0 comprises a pilot operated directional control va]ve. The con-trol unit comprises conventional electrohydrauli.c devices for regulating the operations of the invention.
BRIEF' DESCRIPTION OF T~E_DRAWINGS
The sole figure is a schematic diagrarn of the steer-ing system configured in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPT.ION OF THE PREEERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention comprises an apparatus, with testing capacity, for detecting a dangerous fluid loss in a hydraulic -Za-1 steering sys-tem having two pump units, two reservoirs, two ram groups, and interconnecting piping (which couples each of the pump units to each of the ram groups). Upon detecting such a loss, the device automatically or remotely divides the system into two independent steering systems, in order to maintain steering capability. Upon repair of the leak, the device can return the system to normal operation.
The invention comprises an isolation valve 10, capable of activation and deactivation, which upon activation blocks interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 between starboard pump unit 13 and port pump unit 14, and which upon deactivation unblocks these pipes. A s-tarboard by-pass valve 15, capable of activation and deactivation, upon activation couples inter-connecting pipes 11 and 12 on the starboard side of the isolation valve, and upon deactivation uncouples these pipes.
A port by-pass valve 16, capable of activation and deactivation, upon activation couples interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 on the port side of the isolation valve, and upon deactivation uncouples these pipes. A system leak detector 17 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the system. A starboard leak detector 18 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the isolated starboard steering system, and a port leak detector 19 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the isolated port steering system.
An alarm panel 20, responsive to each of the leak detectors, provides an alert to each of the dangerous losses of fluid.
A control unit 21, responsive to each of the leak detectors, regulates starboard pump unit 13, port pump unit 14, isolation valve 10, starboard by-pass valve 15, and port by~pass valve 16. A reset mechanism 22, upon actiuation, returns the isolated steering system, through the control unit to normal operation, A test mechanism 23, upon activation, supplies a simulated dangerous loss of fluid signal to the control unit.
In recent years, the size of the world's tanker fleet doubled, totaling more than 7,000 vessels. Such a fleet possesses enormous destructive potential.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in recognition of the potentially catastrophic consequences of presen-t day tnarine s-teering year deficiencies, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically or remo-tely dividing a two pump unit hydraulic steerinq system, upon de-tection of dangerous loss of fluid, into two independent steering systems, in order to maintain steering capability.
In summary, the present invention comprises an isola-ting apparatus for a hydraulic fluid steering system of the type having a starboard and a port side; a starboard and a port pump unit, each capable of activation and deactivation, only one of which is normally operating at a time; a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of the pump units to each of the ram groups. It includes isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking the interconnecting piping between the pump units upon activation, and unblocking the interconnecting piping upon de-activation~ so that upon activation, the steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems.
It further comprises starboard by-pass means, capable of acti-vation and deactivation, for coupling the interconnecting pipingon the starboard side of the steering system upon activation, and uncoupling the interconnecting piping on the starboard side of the steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activa-tion, in conjunction with activation o:E the isolating means, resistance by the starboard ram group to motion by the port ram group is relieved; and port by-pass means, capable of acti-vation and deactivation, for coupling the interconnecting piping on the port side of the steering system upon activation, and uncoupling the interconnecting pipir,g on the port side of the steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of the isolating means, resis-.3 tance by the port ram group to mo-ti.on by -the starboard ram group is relieved. Control means are provided for remotely activat-ing and deactivating the iso].ating means, the starboard by-pass means, the port by-pass means, and the starboard pump unit, and the port pump unit.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a dangerous loss of fluid in the steering system is sensed~ In response, through a control unit, an isolation value is activated which blocks the interconnec-ting piping, dividing the system in two; the pump unit associated with the leak-free side of the system is operated, and a by-pass valve is activated which relieves resistance by the ram group asso-ciated with the leaking side to motion imparted by the ram group associated with the leak-free side, thus maintaining steering capability on the leak-free side of the system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, loss of fluid is sensed by a leak detection tank employing a float-type switch. The by-pass valves each comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve, and the isolation valve Z0 comprises a pilot operated directional control va]ve. The con-trol unit comprises conventional electrohydrauli.c devices for regulating the operations of the invention.
BRIEF' DESCRIPTION OF T~E_DRAWINGS
The sole figure is a schematic diagrarn of the steer-ing system configured in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPT.ION OF THE PREEERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention comprises an apparatus, with testing capacity, for detecting a dangerous fluid loss in a hydraulic -Za-1 steering sys-tem having two pump units, two reservoirs, two ram groups, and interconnecting piping (which couples each of the pump units to each of the ram groups). Upon detecting such a loss, the device automatically or remotely divides the system into two independent steering systems, in order to maintain steering capability. Upon repair of the leak, the device can return the system to normal operation.
The invention comprises an isolation valve 10, capable of activation and deactivation, which upon activation blocks interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 between starboard pump unit 13 and port pump unit 14, and which upon deactivation unblocks these pipes. A s-tarboard by-pass valve 15, capable of activation and deactivation, upon activation couples inter-connecting pipes 11 and 12 on the starboard side of the isolation valve, and upon deactivation uncouples these pipes.
A port by-pass valve 16, capable of activation and deactivation, upon activation couples interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 on the port side of the isolation valve, and upon deactivation uncouples these pipes. A system leak detector 17 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the system. A starboard leak detector 18 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the isolated starboard steering system, and a port leak detector 19 senses a dangerous loss of fluid in the isolated port steering system.
An alarm panel 20, responsive to each of the leak detectors, provides an alert to each of the dangerous losses of fluid.
A control unit 21, responsive to each of the leak detectors, regulates starboard pump unit 13, port pump unit 14, isolation valve 10, starboard by-pass valve 15, and port by~pass valve 16. A reset mechanism 22, upon actiuation, returns the isolated steering system, through the control unit to normal operation, A test mechanism 23, upon activation, supplies a simulated dangerous loss of fluid signal to the control unit.
3 ~ 3 1 The steering system generally operates on only one pump unit at a time. When deactivated, a pump unit does not permit the entrance of fluid. Assuming, without loss of generality, that the steering system is initially operatiny on starboard pump unit 13, and that loss of fluid is occurring in the system, the invention functions as follows. System leak detector 17 ultimately senses a dangerous loss of fluid, and alarm panel 20 reacts by providing an alert. In response to the sensing of a dangerous loss of fluid, isolation valve 10 and port by-pass valve 16 are activated through control unit 21. Activated isolation valve 10 blocks interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 between starboard pump unit 13 and port pump unit 14, dividing the steering system in two. Activated port by-pass valve 16 couples interconnecting pipes 11 and 12 on the port side of isolation valve 10.
Assuming a leak in the piping on the port side of isolation valve 10, starboard leak detector 18 fails to sense a danger~us loss of fluid, and steering is now conducted on the starboard side of the system by starboa~d pump unit 13 operating starboard ram group 24. Activated port by-pass valve 16, which couples interconnectiny pipes 11 and 12 on the port side of isolation valve 10, relieves resistance by port ram group 25 to the motion imparted by starboard ram group 24 to tiller 26~ by permitting fluid in the port ram group to circulate between the rams.
Assuming, alternatively, a leak in the piping on the starboard side of isolation valve 10, starboard leak detector 18 ultimately senses a dangerous loss of fluid, and alarm panel 20 reacts by providing an alert. Through control unit 21, in response to the sensing of a starboard leak, starboard 3 ~ '~
1 pump unit 13 is deactivated, por~ pump unit 14 is activated, s-tarboard by-pass valve 15 is ac-tivated and port by-pass valve 16 is deactivated. Steering is now conducted on the port side of the system by port pump unit 14 operating port ram group 25. Activated starboard by-pass valve 15, which couples inter-connecting pipes 11 and 12 on the starboard side of isolation valve 10, relieves resistance by starboard ram group 24 to the motion imparted by port ram group 25 to tiller 26, by permitting fluid in the starboard ram group to circulate between the rams.
Assuming that the steering system is initially operating on port pump unit 14, the sequence of events, in response to a loss of fluid, is completely analo~ous to those described above.
Upon repair of the leak, reset mechanism 22, through control unit 2~, can return the isolated steering system to normal operation by deactivating isolation valve 10, and which-ever by-pass valve had been activated. Test mechanism 23 permits a check of the invention by supplying a simulated dangerous loss of fluid signal to control unit 21.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the by-pass valves comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve (pilot refers to regulation of the valve by hydraulic pressure). The isolation valve comprises a pilot operated directional control valve. Each oE the leak detectors comprises a tank employing a float-type level switch.
The alarm panel comprises lights and horns which simultaneously provide a visual and audio alert of the particular dangerous loss of fluid. Both the test and reset mechanisms comprise toggle switches and associated circuitry. The control unit 1 comprises conventional hydraulic and electrical devices for regulating the operations of the invention as described above.
In particular, the control unit comprises a pilot pressure pump unit which supplies hydraulic pressure for regula-ting the isolation and by-pass valves. The electric circuitry of the control unit comprises a time delay relay, responsive to the system leak detector, which initiates isolation of the steering system only after an appropriate delay, to preclude mere sloshing of fluid from precipitating such action. The electric and hydraulic couplings between the various components of the invention comprise conventional devices.
The operations of the control unit are carried out automatically in response to the various leak detectors, or remotely in response to the various alerts provided by the alarm panel, or partly automatically and partly remotely.
Assuming a leak in the piping on the port side of isolation valve 10, starboard leak detector 18 fails to sense a danger~us loss of fluid, and steering is now conducted on the starboard side of the system by starboa~d pump unit 13 operating starboard ram group 24. Activated port by-pass valve 16, which couples interconnectiny pipes 11 and 12 on the port side of isolation valve 10, relieves resistance by port ram group 25 to the motion imparted by starboard ram group 24 to tiller 26~ by permitting fluid in the port ram group to circulate between the rams.
Assuming, alternatively, a leak in the piping on the starboard side of isolation valve 10, starboard leak detector 18 ultimately senses a dangerous loss of fluid, and alarm panel 20 reacts by providing an alert. Through control unit 21, in response to the sensing of a starboard leak, starboard 3 ~ '~
1 pump unit 13 is deactivated, por~ pump unit 14 is activated, s-tarboard by-pass valve 15 is ac-tivated and port by-pass valve 16 is deactivated. Steering is now conducted on the port side of the system by port pump unit 14 operating port ram group 25. Activated starboard by-pass valve 15, which couples inter-connecting pipes 11 and 12 on the starboard side of isolation valve 10, relieves resistance by starboard ram group 24 to the motion imparted by port ram group 25 to tiller 26, by permitting fluid in the starboard ram group to circulate between the rams.
Assuming that the steering system is initially operating on port pump unit 14, the sequence of events, in response to a loss of fluid, is completely analo~ous to those described above.
Upon repair of the leak, reset mechanism 22, through control unit 2~, can return the isolated steering system to normal operation by deactivating isolation valve 10, and which-ever by-pass valve had been activated. Test mechanism 23 permits a check of the invention by supplying a simulated dangerous loss of fluid signal to control unit 21.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the by-pass valves comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve (pilot refers to regulation of the valve by hydraulic pressure). The isolation valve comprises a pilot operated directional control valve. Each oE the leak detectors comprises a tank employing a float-type level switch.
The alarm panel comprises lights and horns which simultaneously provide a visual and audio alert of the particular dangerous loss of fluid. Both the test and reset mechanisms comprise toggle switches and associated circuitry. The control unit 1 comprises conventional hydraulic and electrical devices for regulating the operations of the invention as described above.
In particular, the control unit comprises a pilot pressure pump unit which supplies hydraulic pressure for regula-ting the isolation and by-pass valves. The electric circuitry of the control unit comprises a time delay relay, responsive to the system leak detector, which initiates isolation of the steering system only after an appropriate delay, to preclude mere sloshing of fluid from precipitating such action. The electric and hydraulic couplings between the various components of the invention comprise conventional devices.
The operations of the control unit are carried out automatically in response to the various leak detectors, or remotely in response to the various alerts provided by the alarm panel, or partly automatically and partly remotely.
Claims (13)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An isolating apparatus for an hydraulic fluid steering system of the type having a starboard and a port side; a star-board and a port pump unit, each capable of activation and deactivation, only one of which is normally operating at a time;
a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved; port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon deactiv-ation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; alarm means, coupled to said system leak detector means, said starboard leak detector means, and said port leak detector means, for providing, respectively, an alert of said dangerous fluid loss;
control means, independent of said starboard and port pump units, for, in response to an operator, remotely activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit.
a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved; port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon deactiv-ation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; alarm means, coupled to said system leak detector means, said starboard leak detector means, and said port leak detector means, for providing, respectively, an alert of said dangerous fluid loss;
control means, independent of said starboard and port pump units, for, in response to an operator, remotely activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising reset means, responsive to an operator, for returning said steering system to normal operation by deactivating said isolating means and deactivating whichever of said by-pass means is activated.
3. An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said isolating means comprises a pilot operated directional control valve, said port and starboard by-pass means each comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve, and said control means comprises a pilot pressure pump.
4. An isolating apparatus for an hydraulic fluid steering system of the type having a starboard and a port side; a star-board and a port pump unit, each capable of activation and de-activation, only one of which is normally operating at a time;
a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved; port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering sys-tem upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting pip-ing on said port side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; control means, independent of said starboard and port pump units, coupled to said system leak detector, said starboard leak detector and said port leak detector, for activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit so that in response to said dangerous fluid loss sensed by said system leak detector means said control means automatically activates said isolating means, automatically activates a first of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on a first of said sides of said steering system, a first of said pump units being operating on a second of said sides of said steering system, and in response to a dangerous fluid loss sensed by a first of said leak detector means in a first of said independent steering systems comprising said first of said pump units, automatically deactivates said first of said pump units, automatically activates a second of said pump units, automatically activates a second of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on said second of said sides of said steering system and automatically deac-tivates said first of said by-pass means for uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said first of said sides of said steering system, each activated valve remaining activated until deactivated in response to an operator.
a starboard and a port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved; port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering sys-tem upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting pip-ing on said port side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; control means, independent of said starboard and port pump units, coupled to said system leak detector, said starboard leak detector and said port leak detector, for activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit so that in response to said dangerous fluid loss sensed by said system leak detector means said control means automatically activates said isolating means, automatically activates a first of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on a first of said sides of said steering system, a first of said pump units being operating on a second of said sides of said steering system, and in response to a dangerous fluid loss sensed by a first of said leak detector means in a first of said independent steering systems comprising said first of said pump units, automatically deactivates said first of said pump units, automatically activates a second of said pump units, automatically activates a second of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on said second of said sides of said steering system and automatically deac-tivates said first of said by-pass means for uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said first of said sides of said steering system, each activated valve remaining activated until deactivated in response to an operator.
5, An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said control means comprises time delay relay means, coupled to said system leak detector means, for initiating isolation of said steering sys-tem after a predetermined delay, to preclude mere sloshing of hydraulic fluid from precipitating isolation.
6. An apparatus as in claim 5 further comprising reset means, responsive to an operator, for returning said steering system to normal operation by deactivating said isolating means and deactivating said second of said by pass means.
7. An apparatus as in claim 6 further comprising test means, coupled to said control means, for supplying, upon operator activation, a simulated dangerous fluid loss signal to said control means.
8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said isolating means comprises a pilot operated directional control valve, said port and starboard by-pass means each comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve, and said control means comprises a pilot pressure pump.
9. An isolating apparatus for an hydraulic fluid steering system of the type having a starboard and a port side; a star-board and a port pump unit, each capable of activation and de-activation, only one of which is normally operating at a time;
a starboard and port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved, port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering sys-tem upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; alarm means, coupled to said system leak detector means, said starboard leak detector means, and said port leak detector means, for providing, respectively, an alert of said dangerous fluid loss; control means, indepen-dent of said starboard and port pump units, coupled to said system leak detector, for activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit so that in response to said dangerous fluid loss sensed by said system leak detector means said control means automatically activates said isolating means, automatically activates a first of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on a first of said sides of said steering system, a first of said pump units being operating on a second of said sides of said steering system, and isolating means and said first of said by-pass means remaining activated until deactiv-ated in response to an operator and said control means is cap-able, in response to an operator, of remotely activating and deactivating said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit.
a starboard and port ram group; and interconnecting piping, which couples each of said pump units to each of said ram groups; comprising: isolating means, capable of activation and deactivation, for blocking said interconnecting piping between said pump units upon activation, and unblocking said inter-connecting piping upon deactivation, so that upon activation, said steering system is divided into independent starboard and port steering systems; starboard by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said starboard side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said starboard ram group to motion by said port ram group is relieved, port by-pass means, capable of activation and deactivation, for coupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering sys-tem upon activation, and uncoupling said interconnecting piping on said port side of said steering system upon deactivation, so that upon activation, in conjunction with activation of said isolating means, resistance by said port ram group to motion by said starboard ram group is relieved; system leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said steering system; starboard leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent starboard steering system; port leak detector means for sensing a dangerous fluid loss in said independent port steering system; alarm means, coupled to said system leak detector means, said starboard leak detector means, and said port leak detector means, for providing, respectively, an alert of said dangerous fluid loss; control means, indepen-dent of said starboard and port pump units, coupled to said system leak detector, for activating and deactivating said isolating means, said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit so that in response to said dangerous fluid loss sensed by said system leak detector means said control means automatically activates said isolating means, automatically activates a first of said by-pass means for coupling said interconnecting piping on a first of said sides of said steering system, a first of said pump units being operating on a second of said sides of said steering system, and isolating means and said first of said by-pass means remaining activated until deactiv-ated in response to an operator and said control means is cap-able, in response to an operator, of remotely activating and deactivating said starboard by-pass means, said port by-pass means, said starboard pump unit, and said port pump unit.
10. An apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said control means comprises time delay relay means, coupled to said system leak detector means, for initiating isolation of said steering sys-tem after a predetermined delay, to preclude mere sloshing of hydraulic fluid from precipitating isolation.
11. An apparatus as in claim 10 further comprising reset means, responsive to an operator, for returning said steering system to normal operation by deactivating said isolating means and deactivating whichever of said by-pass means is activated.
12. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising test means, coupled to said control means, for supplying, upon oper-ator activation, a simulated dangerous fluid loss signal to said control means.
13. An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said isolating means comprises a pilot operated directional control valve, said port and starboard by-pass means each comprises a solenoid pilot operated directional control valve, and said control means comprises a pilot pressure pump.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US37103782A | 1982-04-23 | 1982-04-23 | |
| US371,037 | 1982-04-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1181323A true CA1181323A (en) | 1985-01-22 |
Family
ID=23462233
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000416610A Expired CA1181323A (en) | 1982-04-23 | 1982-11-29 | Hydraulic steering isolation system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0092919A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS58188793A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1181323A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH07100477B2 (en) * | 1991-10-18 | 1995-11-01 | 株式会社トキメック | Steering method and device for ship |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATE5805T1 (en) * | 1979-06-22 | 1984-01-15 | Vickers Limited | HYDRAULIC RUDDER CONTROL FOR SHIPS. |
-
1982
- 1982-11-29 CA CA000416610A patent/CA1181323A/en not_active Expired
-
1983
- 1983-02-22 JP JP2839683A patent/JPS58188793A/en active Pending
- 1983-03-31 EP EP83301881A patent/EP0092919A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0092919A2 (en) | 1983-11-02 |
| JPS58188793A (en) | 1983-11-04 |
| EP0092919A3 (en) | 1983-11-30 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |