Fin stabilizer

US11685485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Naiad Maritime Group, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John D. Venables · Monroe, US
• Steven J. Venables · South Windsor, US
• Cameron Costen · Milford, US
• Ryan W. Knapp · Sandy Hook, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2023
• Expiry date: Aug 29, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2039/065
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.