GB2213447A - An oscillatory fin propulsion system for ships or boats - Google Patents

Abstract

An oscillatory fin propulsion system for a vessel comprises a flexible fin 15 coupled, through a ball and socket coupling (21) (Fig 4 not shown) mounted within a housing 16, to one end of a tail shaft 12. The other end of its tail shaft 12 is pivotably connected to a shaft 13, which in turn is coupled to a vertically movable drive shaft 14. In use a claw 17 may be withdrawn to release the housing 16 and a lock pin 22 withdrawn to release the shafts 12, 13, whereby the shafts may be pivoted relative to one another to withdraw the fin 15 within the hull 23 (Fig 2 not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

TAIL FIN FOR SHIPD AND BOATS This invention relates to the propelling of ships and boats.

The conventional method of power propulsion is bulky, vibratory, and becoming more expensive as the scourges of energy decrease.

Noise too, can be a detrimental factor; particularly at sea where the throb of a ship's engines can be monitored by a potentially hodtile craft.

This invention limites these factors to a small degree in that it is light, has a simple mechanism, needs less powder to perform, and is economical in consequence. It has the advantage of occupying less space, haD little or no vibration and is comparatively quiet It is designed to propel a vessel through water in a simplified manner compared to the accepted system of propellor propulsion.

This invention emulates the tail of the whale and is operated from within the hull of a vessel by a tail shaft worming in pumping motion like the lever handle of an old tine blaclLsmith's bellows. Its length is determined by the need; i.e. the loner the shaft the greater is its purchase and the less power is required to operaye it.

The shaft penetrates the h-t;ll at the stern of the vessel where there is a ball and socket bearing of nylon, rubber, or the like set in a housing that is fixed to the hull. The socket is cut and channeled (not shown) out to allow the ball to move above and below its central point, and absorb the strain of the shaft if, zz or when, it flexes under pressure. The tail fin is fixed to the tail shaft and functions after the manner of a sea mammal. Ey turning the tail shaft ISO degrees however, it will operate as a fish tail when the tail shaft is moved from side to side. In shall craft it will act as a rudder as well.

The tail shaft may be telescopic and the extreme section hinged to enable the tail shaft to be extended and turnit the tail fin in the opposite direction for movement in reverse. Is would function in the same way as the crane and bucket of a mechanical digger and be controlled by cable or hydraulically.

In the case of ships the tail fin would ue of massive proiortion, made of plastic, rubbery or the like. It may be . simple flexible flap, wedge shaped i.e. tapering to a point t the outer edge; but the lessons of Nature are best observed when it would be fashioned after the manner of the tail of the whale.Because of its bulk it may be made in two pieces with both halves be in hinged together at the base , so Jvhat it can bExclose and open in the manner of scissors, h smaller compass still may be achieved b an all metal, all whale-bone (or a combination of both) tail fin of resilient leaves arranged to operate after the style of a ladie's fan.

Plastic tail fins should be reinforced, particularly at the 'shoulders' and stem, by resilient metal or whale-bone and suitably ribbed with like material, for strength and durabl bility, giving additional whip for increased r6erformance.

This invention can be of exceptional value if applied to the submarine, It would be contained in a special tank at the stern of the vessel and work in conjunction with or independantly of the propellers. Similar units could be installed above deck abaft the coming tower, all the way do the rudder; open space that is so inviting for the purpose. Bach would be installed in its own secret well set below the surface of the deck and raised for service as required. The tail fins of the upper deck units could spread from beam to beam, would fold fan-wise, have telescopic tail shafts and be operated from below hydraulically or by cable.

Were a submarine to be constructed for total tail fin propulsion, the absence of heavy engines would give it a spacious interior instead of crakped conditions as at present and it would nake it appreciatively lighter. Triple or {adruple fin tails at the stern with others on deck is vis ualised. The result would be a fast and rif batterybotivated) totally silent under water vessel.

The drawings apply entirely to the ubmarine whose mechanism is contayne- in a specially cDnstructed tank at the stern of the vessel. The tank is ir.nen ely strong (virtually part of the hull itself) since iJ must withstand the water pressures subjected to the rest of the vessel. It will be filler with water to its utmost capacity and will remain so at all times except when the vessel is in dry dock. There would be observation windows and service hatch for a diver's maintenance work and operational levers outside the tank for control.

The drawings relate entirely to the submarine and areftescribed as follows: I. This is the mechahism in its operative position.

2. The mechanism when it is ou of cornmission.

3. The overall plan of the mechanism.

4. The ball and socet bearin in its housin.

The power shaft 14 works in an up and do motion.To this is connected to a tail shaft I3/I2 in two sections that are joined together by a circular hingr I8.

I8 The hing comprises round discs pivited at the centre and eliminates the possibility of it being fouled by debris. The longer part of the tail shaft I2 goes through a heavy iron sphereI6 that serves as a housing for a ball and socket bearing 21 and connects to a flexible flap or tail fin I5 which is outside the hu1123. The housing 16 is held in position against the hull 23 by a claw ed clamp I7 which is held down upon it. The tail shaft I3/I2 is kept rigid by a lock pin (not shown) that is forced through aligned holes in the leaves of the hinge 18.

This lock pin is operated by a flexible rod (not ahown) e,. a brake cable.

When the power shaft I4 is moved up and down its effect is transferred to the end of the tail shaft 12 but with far greater force, causing the tail fin I5 to thresh against the weight of the water.

I7 To bring the systen out of action the clawed clamp is lifted, "A the loc pin is disengaged from the hinge 18, the drive shaft 14 raised to its topmost and the check bar 22 is pushed across the path of she tail shaft I3/I2. The check bar 22 has a roller bearing at its end, so when the Çrive shaft 14 is lowered, the short arm I3 of the tail shaft is brought to bear upon the roller bearing 22 thus forcing it to a vertical position. The tail fin I5 is consequently drawn into the tank: the housing sphere I6 being assisted by the rollers 19 fitted to rising platforms II. h slinging shutter (not shown)then closes the opening in the hull 23 to exclude debris and the prying eyes of a possible under water swimmer. t2o bring the mechanism back inyc service the above procedure is reversed when the combined weight of the tail fin I5 and the housing sphere 10 slises down the rollers 19 So its operative position.

Claims (7)

1. I. A flexible tail fin that is reinforced with resilient material.

   2. An all natal tail fin comprising a series of strips of resilient metal.

   3. A nail fin operated by a telescopic tail shaft.

   4. As in Claim 3 wherein the tail shaft is enaoled to turn the tail fin for movement in reverse.

   5. A tail shaft that is hinted for retraction.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows I. A tail fin propellant for ships that is flexible and is reinforced with resilient material.
2. 2. A tail fin propellant for ships as claimed in Claim I wherein it is operated by a regid tail shaft.
3. 3. A tail fin propellant for ships as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the tail shaft is telescopic.
4. 4. A tail fin propellant for ships as claimed in Claim I wherein it is made in two parts that are hinged together at the base so that it will close and open like scissors.
5. 5. A tail fin propellant as claimed in Claims 2 and 3 wherein the tail fin is constructed of several parts pivited at the base base so that it can be contracted or extended in the manner of a ladies fan.
6. 6. A tail fon propellant for ships as claimed in all Claims herein the mechanisms are hydraulically controlled.
7. 7. i tayl fin propellant for ships as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the mechanisms are controlled by cable.