Steering unit for free flying, confined wing element

US8215588B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SkySails GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Stephan Wrage · Hamburg, DE
• Stephan Brabeck · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2006
• Grant date: Jul 10, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 29, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H9/072
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering unit for a wind propulsion system, the steering unit comprising a first fixed attachment means for securing a first end of a tractive cable the second end of which is secured to a device or a vehicle to which a tractive force shall be transferred, a second attachment means for attaching a number of tractive lines, the second end of which being secured to an aerodynamic wing element, a mechanical support frame connecting the first attachment means to the second attachment means for transferring a tractive force. The invention aims at providing such a steering unit with improved design for better maneuverability and stability. According to the invention the second attachment means of the improved steering unit comprise at least one upper fixed attachment point, a left moveable attachment point, a right moveable attachment point, and steering actuator means for varying the distance between the upper fixed attachment point and the left moveable attachment point and for varying the distance between the upper fixed attachment point and the right moveable attachment point.