WO2001072587A2 - Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion - Google Patents
Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001072587A2 WO2001072587A2 PCT/US2001/008399 US0108399W WO0172587A2 WO 2001072587 A2 WO2001072587 A2 WO 2001072587A2 US 0108399 W US0108399 W US 0108399W WO 0172587 A2 WO0172587 A2 WO 0172587A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- propulsion
- vessel
- primary
- directional
- bow
- Prior art date
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
- B63H25/42—Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements; Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
Definitions
- This invention relates to the close quarter maneuvering of vessels and particularly to improvements in the steering and handling of such a vessel by inclusion of a coordinated bow propulsion system.
- Vessels are typically designed to be maneuverable when making sufficient headway such that movement of their rudders or steerable propulsion systems allows for directional change of the vessel.
- the maneuverability of such vessels is significantly hampered.
- close quarter maneuvering, such as for docking purposes the skill of the operator often makes the difference between safe docking or a dangerous situation since typical propulsion systems fail to address this situation. Docking is particularly difficult if there is any wind or current present. For this reason, most boaters view the docking of a vessel the most unpleasurable of boating experiences. Such experiences further inhibit inexperienced boaters from enjoying the water in all but the most calm conditions.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,522,335 discloses a combined azimuthing and tunnel auxiliary thruster for a vessel.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,642,684 is directed toward a thrust directing unit for a marine vessel comprising a diverging wall outlet with adjustable deflector vanes contained therein and an adjustable water jet flow.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,501,072 discloses a combined centrifugal and paddle-wheel side thruster for boats.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,282,763 teaches a steerable bow thruster useful for swath vessels.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,146,865 discloses a water jet propulsion system for shallow draft vessels.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,129,846 teaches a vessel propulsion system including longitudinally spaced forward and rear zones including forwardly and rearwardly directed jet openings in combination with a pump and controllable valving system for providing propulsion and steerage.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,090,929 provides paired spaced electrically driven motors at the transom for steering and propelling small boats.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,580,517 is directed toward a vessel having parallel hulls and thrustable which are rotatable through 360 degrees of rotation.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,419,082 describes a driving and controlling device including a water- jet drive mechanism for shallow draft vessels.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,377,981 teaches a lateral thrust rudder for ships including a cross channel which traverses the ship from one side to the other and a propeller mounted within the cross channel.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,315,476 teaches a steering system for ships incorporating a propeller in a flow duct having deflectors for directing flow to one side of the vessel or the other.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,896,016 is drawn to a process for optimizing the real power levels by regulating the rotational speed of both bow and stern mounted propellers, e.g.
- the enhanced propulsion system would be incorporated in such a manner that it became invisible to the driver by actuating the bow thruster in coordination with the vessel's steering wheel and shift lever.
- the instant invention describes a vessel, an improved method for handling and steering of a vessel, for example those having a planing hull, or a semi-displacement hull, having a submerged or surfacing propeller drive system, an improved propulsion method for a vessel including the apparatus for carrying out the method, and a unique coordinated bow propulsion system.
- a coordinated bow propulsion system is contemplated for use in any known combination of vessel and propulsion system, the instant disclosure will illustrate the novel bow propulsion system in combination with a surface drive propulsion system.
- Typical surfacing drive systems contemplated for use with the instant invention are marine propulsion systems in which a prime mover, such as an inboard engine or equivalent, is mechanically interfaced, for example via a shaft and strut system or a gearcase, with at least one non-pivoting/non-steering surfacing type propeller.
- the propulsion system may be disposed in a tunnel that runs longitudinally in the bottom of a marine watercraft .
- the propeller may be located within the tunnel or within a semi-enclosed area, and, as previously stated is of the surfacing type and does not pivot for the purpose of steering the vessel.
- a flat rudder or several rudders may be positioned behind the propeller, alternatively, a semicircular rudder may be positioned above the propeller, as is commonly found in conventional inboards, jet drives or some fixed shaft surface drives.
- a semicircular rudder may be positioned above the propeller, as is commonly found in conventional inboards, jet drives or some fixed shaft surface drives.
- an additional rudder positioned in front of the propeller which is connected thru linkages to the rudder behind the propeller.
- the instant invention teaches a novel method for enhanced vessel propulsion which includes the steps of: 1) providing a vessel having a bow and a stern, wherein said vessel includes a primary means for propulsion emanating from the stern thereof; 2) incorporating a secondary means for propulsion forwardly positioned upon said vessel and adapted to selectively emit one or more propulsive forces bilaterally with respect to said vessel; 3) providing a means for coordinated control of said primary and secondary means for propulsion in response to a request for a directional response; and 4) requesting a directional response from said vessel by utilizing a means for steering said vessel, a means for directional engagement of said primary propulsion system or a combination thereof.
- the above-outlined steps result in the requesting step instigating multi-directional and simultaneous emission of propulsive forces from the primary and secondary means for propulsion in an amount and a direction effective to yield the requested directional response.
- the instant invention similarly teaches a vessel propulsion system and a unique vessel incorporating this technology. Improved steering and handling, especially in low speed, reverse thrust and docking situations, is realized by inclusion of a specially designed bow-thruster mechanism, the operation of which is essentially invisible and seamless to the boat's operator. The operation of the bow thruster is integrally combined with the normal steering mechanism of the boat and is automatically called into operation when specific gear shift lever placement or rudder positioning parameters are met.
- Operation of the integral bow-thruster in coordination with both the steering and transmission mechanism of the main surfacing drive system is accomplished via the use of electrical, hydraulic and/or mechanical controls.
- the process and apparatus of the instant invention provides precise maneuvering capability to vessel's having fixed shaft propulsion systems during all low speed, reverse thrust and zero thrust situations, thereby affording the operator an ease of use not heretofore attainable with such drive systems.
- Fixed shaft marine propulsion drive systems as defined herein, include both propeller drive systems and water jet propulsion systems. Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to teach a vessel having a fixed shaft drive system that provides enhanced maneuverability. It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a surface drive system including an integral bow- thrusting propulsion device for coordinated operation with the main propulsion system.
- Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vessel having a tunnel-mounted fixed shaft drive system and a coordinated bow thrusting propulsion mechanism
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bow-thrusting nozzle and diverter mechanism
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the converging thru- hull nozzle of the bow-thruster
- Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a mechanically controlled coupling system for coordinated operation of the bow-thruster and main propulsion and steering system
- Figure 5 is a diagram/schematic illustrating a mechanical/electrical control and coupling system for coordinated operation of the bow-thruster and main propulsion and steering system.
- vessel 110 which may be of a planing or semi-displacement hull design, includes a semi- enclosed area or tunnel 112 within which a non-pivoting surface drive propeller 114 is positioned.
- the tunnel may be open or closed downwardly.
- At least a single rudder or other means 116 is positioned behind the propeller for providing steering and maneuverability while under way.
- a secondary rudder 116A may be positioned in front of the propeller which is capable of providing enhanced maneuvering capabilities, especially when reverse thrust is being applied.
- a bow thrusting mechanism, 130 is incorporated within the vessel's propulsion system and its operation is coordinated and integral with the operator's use of the vessel's steering wheel and gearshift lever (which are not shown) .
- the bow thruster includes a motorized pump 118 which may be mounted at any location within the vessel, so long as it is in fluid communication with a thru-hull fitting 120.
- the motorized pump 118 is in fluid communication with a conduit 122, which may, for example, be an aluminum pipe or the like.
- the conduit 122 functions to direct pressurized water drawn in by pump 118 via the thru-hull fitting toward outlet nozzle assembly 124.
- Nozzle assembly 124 (as best seen in Figure 2) contains a diverter mechanism to control port or starboard emission of the pressurized stream thereby providing the desired sideways propulsion control to the vessel's bow 126. While it is contemplated that the nozzle and associated outlet can be incorporated in any vessel, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the hull may be molded to have bilateral egress passages integral therewith. As more specifically detailed in Figure 2, the nozzle assembly 124 is in the form of a T-fitting having an inlet 226 for receipt of pressurized water from pump 118, and outlets 228 and 228A for selectively directing the output of pressurized water to either side of the vessel.
- a diverter valve 230 which is mounted at the junction of the T-shaped nozzle 124, is mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the steering mechanism (not shown) via a primary control cable 232 for providing integral and coordinated directional control of the vessel's bow in concert with the directional control being provided by the rudder and/or the vessel's main propulsion system.
- the port or starboard outlet of the nozzle assembly 124 ends in a converging nozzle 332 which creates a high velocity output stream 334.
- the supply conduit 122 may typically be about 2" in diameter and the converging nozzle (s) may narrow to a proportion thereof, for example to a diameter in the range of 0.38 to 1.25 inches.
- the interconnection of the vessel's transmission and steering systems with the bow thrusting propulsion system may be effected via mechanical coupling, e.g. cables and/or hydraulic actuating means.
- electrical controls may be incorporated to provide an even greater degree of precision during operation of the integral bow thruster system.
- a mechanically coupled operating system is illustrated. This system is merely exemplary of the type of mechanical control system useful in the integration and coordination of the surface drive and bow thrusting propulsion systems. Alternative systems which function in an equivalent manner are likewise deemed to be within the purview of the instant invention.
- a bow thruster (s) 130 is shown.
- the bow thruster may be of the type illustrated in Figure 2 supra or it may be of an alternative design, e.g.
- a primary control cable 232 is mechanically coupled between the diverter valve 230 and the rudder 116.
- the mechanical coupling to the rudder 116 is in the form of a slidable engagement means 410 which is adjustable from a first position forward of the rudder's axis of rotation to a second position aft of the rudder's axis of rotation.
- the forward/aft positioning is determined by an auxiliary control cable 420 which mechanically links the primary control cable 232 and shift control lever 430.
- the primary cable connection is positioned aft of the rudder's axis of rotation.
- the steering arm 440 causes the rudder 116 to rotate counter-clockwise and causes the primary cable 232 to push the diverter valve 230 thereby causing it to emit thrust from the port side, and thus directing the bow to the right.
- the primary cable connection is slidably engaged forward of the axis of the rudder's rotation, thus if now rotated counter-clockwise the auxiliary control cable 420 will pull the diverter 230 causing thrust to be emitted from the starboard side, and thereby causing the bow to move to port.
- FIG. 5 An electro-mechanical system is further illustrated.
- a circuit diagram including a voltage source 540 is illustrated wherein, depending upon the direction of rotation of the rudder 116, a micro-switch 510,510A is closed which determines the polarity of the circuit and thereby the direction in which current will be allowed to flow through the bow thruster (not shown) .
- a secondary switch 520 provides for completion of the circuit only when the neutral or forward gear box positions are chosen. Thus, the thruster will be engaged and will emit thrust in a particular direction depending upon rudder position and gear shift lever positioning in accordance with Table 1.
- a potentiometer 530 provides an enhanced degree of control by varying the thruster speed as a function of rudder deflection.
- the steering wheel (not shown) is spring loaded to return to the neutral rudder position, thus causing the vessel to always return to a straight ahead course.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
- Steering-Linkage Mechanisms And Four-Wheel Steering (AREA)
- Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/008399 WO2001072587A2 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2001-03-16 | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion |
AU2001243685A AU2001243685A1 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2001-03-16 | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/538,565 | 2000-03-29 | ||
US09/538,565 US6325010B1 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2000-03-29 | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion |
PCT/US2001/008399 WO2001072587A2 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2001-03-16 | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001072587A2 true WO2001072587A2 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
WO2001072587A3 WO2001072587A3 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
WO2001072587A9 WO2001072587A9 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
Family
ID=26680437
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/008399 WO2001072587A2 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2001-03-16 | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO2001072587A2 (en) |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4315476A (en) | 1980-10-14 | 1982-02-16 | Tak Josephus A M V D | Steering system for a ship |
US4377981A (en) | 1980-05-02 | 1983-03-29 | Scottel-Werft, Josef Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg | Lateral thrust rudder |
US4419082A (en) | 1980-06-19 | 1983-12-06 | Schottel-Werft Josef Becker Gmbh & Co Kg | Water-jet drive mechanism for driving and controlling of particularly shallow-draught watercrafts |
US4580517A (en) | 1983-03-04 | 1986-04-08 | Gotaverken Arendal Ab | Vessel having parallel hulls with 360 degree rotatable thrusters |
US4689026A (en) | 1985-08-26 | 1987-08-25 | Small Mark S | Propeller tunnel baffle and method |
US5016553A (en) | 1989-12-04 | 1991-05-21 | Spencer William P | Vector steering control system |
US5090929A (en) | 1991-04-12 | 1992-02-25 | Rieben Leo R | Paired motor system for small boat propulsion and steerage |
US5129846A (en) | 1991-01-07 | 1992-07-14 | Berge A. Dimijian | Vessel propulsion and turning control system |
US5146865A (en) | 1990-07-04 | 1992-09-15 | Schottel-Werft Joseph Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg | Water-jet propulsion system for ships which are intended to be used in shallow waters |
US5282763A (en) | 1992-10-26 | 1994-02-01 | Dixon John D | Steerable bow thruster for swath vessels |
US5501072A (en) | 1994-08-29 | 1996-03-26 | Pumpeller, Inc. | Combined centrifugal and paddle-wheel side thruster for boats |
US5522335A (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-06-04 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Combined azimuthing and tunnel auxillary thruster powered by integral and canned electric motor and marine vessel powered thereby |
US5642684A (en) | 1996-06-17 | 1997-07-01 | Omnithruster Inc. | Thrust director unit for a marine vessel |
US5896016A (en) | 1994-08-26 | 1999-04-20 | Siemens Ag | Process for optimizing efficiency in ships with bow and stern screws and arrangement for adjusting the rotation speed of the bow screw |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3185124A (en) * | 1961-07-17 | 1965-05-25 | Henry U Spence | Stern steering for hydraulic jet boat |
GB944640A (en) * | 1962-02-20 | 1963-12-18 | Algonquin Shipping & Trading | Bow manoeuvering jet system for vessels |
US4056073A (en) * | 1974-07-25 | 1977-11-01 | Omnithruster Inc. | Boat thruster |
JPS6250296A (en) * | 1985-08-29 | 1987-03-04 | Tokyo Keiki Co Ltd | Turning controller for ship |
DE4004492A1 (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1991-08-22 | Kusan Kristian | Steering of large ships at low speeds - involves jets of water with system to control direction of jet |
US6234100B1 (en) * | 1998-09-03 | 2001-05-22 | The Talaria Company, Llc | Stick control system for waterjet boats |
-
2001
- 2001-03-16 WO PCT/US2001/008399 patent/WO2001072587A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4377981A (en) | 1980-05-02 | 1983-03-29 | Scottel-Werft, Josef Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg | Lateral thrust rudder |
US4419082A (en) | 1980-06-19 | 1983-12-06 | Schottel-Werft Josef Becker Gmbh & Co Kg | Water-jet drive mechanism for driving and controlling of particularly shallow-draught watercrafts |
US4315476A (en) | 1980-10-14 | 1982-02-16 | Tak Josephus A M V D | Steering system for a ship |
US4580517A (en) | 1983-03-04 | 1986-04-08 | Gotaverken Arendal Ab | Vessel having parallel hulls with 360 degree rotatable thrusters |
US4689026A (en) | 1985-08-26 | 1987-08-25 | Small Mark S | Propeller tunnel baffle and method |
US5016553A (en) | 1989-12-04 | 1991-05-21 | Spencer William P | Vector steering control system |
US5146865A (en) | 1990-07-04 | 1992-09-15 | Schottel-Werft Joseph Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg | Water-jet propulsion system for ships which are intended to be used in shallow waters |
US5129846A (en) | 1991-01-07 | 1992-07-14 | Berge A. Dimijian | Vessel propulsion and turning control system |
US5090929A (en) | 1991-04-12 | 1992-02-25 | Rieben Leo R | Paired motor system for small boat propulsion and steerage |
US5282763A (en) | 1992-10-26 | 1994-02-01 | Dixon John D | Steerable bow thruster for swath vessels |
US5896016A (en) | 1994-08-26 | 1999-04-20 | Siemens Ag | Process for optimizing efficiency in ships with bow and stern screws and arrangement for adjusting the rotation speed of the bow screw |
US5501072A (en) | 1994-08-29 | 1996-03-26 | Pumpeller, Inc. | Combined centrifugal and paddle-wheel side thruster for boats |
US5522335A (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-06-04 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Combined azimuthing and tunnel auxillary thruster powered by integral and canned electric motor and marine vessel powered thereby |
US5642684A (en) | 1996-06-17 | 1997-07-01 | Omnithruster Inc. | Thrust director unit for a marine vessel |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001072587A9 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
WO2001072587A3 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20240109630A1 (en) | System and method for controlling a marine vessel | |
US20230399092A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling a marine vessel | |
US7131385B1 (en) | Method for braking a vessel with two marine propulsion devices | |
US5016553A (en) | Vector steering control system | |
US6142841A (en) | Waterjet docking control system for a marine vessel | |
US6511354B1 (en) | Multipurpose control mechanism for a marine vessel | |
US8939104B2 (en) | Lateral thruster for a vessel | |
US7398742B1 (en) | Method for assisting a steering system with the use of differential thrusts | |
US4977845A (en) | Boat propulsion and handling system | |
NZ332407A (en) | Reverse bucket control system for jet boats, including joystick type control | |
US6325010B1 (en) | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion | |
US20060079140A1 (en) | Watercraft | |
WO2001072587A2 (en) | Method of vessel propulsion with coordinated bow propulsion | |
US20160325812A1 (en) | Maneuvering system for watercraft | |
JPH05139374A (en) | Method and device for adjusting water jet position of boat | |
EP1365951A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for reverse steering of single shaft marine propulsion system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AE AU BR CA CN CO DM IN JP KP MX NO NZ TR ZA |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AE AU BR CA CN CO DM IN JP KP MX NO NZ TR ZA |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: C2 Designated state(s): AE AU BR CA CN CO DM IN JP KP MX NO NZ TR ZA |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: C2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
COP | Corrected version of pamphlet |
Free format text: PAGES 1/5-5/5, DRAWINGS, REPLACED BY NEW PAGES 1/5-5/5; DUE TO LATE TRANSMITTAL BY THE RECEIVING OFFICE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase in: |
Ref country code: JP |