Ships – Steering mechanism – Rudders
Patent
1988-11-15
1990-07-31
Basinger, Sherman D.
Ships
Steering mechanism
Rudders
114246, 114253, B63H 2506
Patent
active
049442392
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a rudder control apparatus for marine vessels, and to a control system for that apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The rudder control apparatus of one aspect of the invention is mounted on a barge or other vessel being towed, and effects steering through a main rudder extension in the form of a wedge-shape flap. This flap, hereinafter referred to as the active flap, articulates about a vertical axis which is separate from the main rudder axis and rearwardly spaced from it.
In the preferred embodiment, the control system for the active flap is mounted on the vessel being towed, and includes two main control links.
The first control link is a tow line direction sensor that generates an electric signal to pneumatic or hydraulic control valves in an active flap actuator. This permits the flow of a pressurized medium into one side or the other of the active flap actuator, and provides a controlled oscillation of the active flap itself.
The second control link is a radio telemetry link between the vessel being towed and another vessel which is towing it. This enables the towing vessel to assume complete and remote control of the active flap steering system on the towed vessel. A rudder angle sensor permits different degrees of rudder angle to be applied.
In operation, a movement of the active flap to port causes the main rudder to move to starboard, carrying the active flap, and this in turn moves the towed vessel to starboard. A turning force on the flap in one direction moves the main rudder in the opposite direction.
In one embodiment, the towed vessel is provided with twin rudders which are fitted with failsafe devices such that, upon control system failure, the active flaps move the twin rudders in opposing directions so as to increase drag at the stern of the towed vessel. This renders the use of the conventional skegs unnecessary.
More particularly, this invention provides an active flap steering system comprising a main rudder and an active flap rudder extension controlled for independent oscillation by an active flap actuator that imparts a turning force to the flap in one direction to cause the flap and the rudder to move together in an opposite direction. The active flap actuator forms part of an automatic control system between a towing vessel and a towed vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Two embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the aft end of a barge or other towed vessel;
FIG. 2 is a schematic layout of the control system;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the active flap and main rudder assembly;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a tug towing a barge or the like showing single point towing arrangements and variations of tow line angles;
FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned side elevation of the forward end of a barge or other towed vessel, showing the connection to a tow line;
FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic plan view showing the tow line angle sensor and its connections;
FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation of the forward end of a barge or other towed vessel, showing a further embodiment of the tow line angle sensor;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a towing vessel pulling a towed vessel in two possible positions:
FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a conventional barge construction, showing a typical skeg;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a conventional barge, showing the configuration of two angulated skegs at the aft end;
FIG. 12 is a side elevation of a barge fitted with a particular embodiment of the steering system of this invention;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the barge shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a failsafe mechanism for controlling the active flaps on a two-rudder system; and
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a combined shock absorber and rudder angle indicator for use with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1, a main rudd
REFERENCES:
patent: 2813689 (1957-11-01), Norton et al.
patent: 3469552 (1969-09-01), Patrick
patent: 4275677 (1981-06-01), Nelson
patent: 4307677 (1981-12-01), Jastram et al.
patent: 4463700 (1984-08-01), Becker
patent: 4510880 (1985-04-01), Kuribayashi
Avila Stephen P.
Basinger Sherman D.
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