Vessel Propulsion and Turning Control System

This invention relates generally to vessel propulsion and maneuvering, and more particularly to an improved system using two pairs of eccentric jets or jet openings, and controllable valving plus a pump, to achieve all modes of vessel maneuver, including pivoting in position.

There is long-standing need for accurate and reliable vessel maneuvering in small areas, as around docks and narrow channels. Unless capability for such maneuvering is provided, collision damage to vessels, docks, etc., can occur. While prior systems using water jets have been provided, none of which I am aware affords the unusual advantages in system construction, operation and results, as are now provided.

It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved system meeting the above need. Basically, the system includes:

a) a motor-driven pump having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet,

b) two laterally spaced, forwardly directed jet openings at a vessel forward zone, and two laterally spaced, rearwardly directed jet openings at a rearward zone,

c) means including multiple valves in fluid path communication between the jet openings and the pump suction inlet, and between the jet openings and the pump discharge outlet; and also between the forward and rearward jet openings, and

d) control means to selectively control the valves to cause water jetting in directions to alternatively:

propel the vessel forwardly

propel the vessel rearwardly

brake vessel movement

turn the vessel to the right

turn the vessel to the left.

As will be seen, the multiple valves may be ten in number to accomplish all of the above maneuvers.

It is another object of the invention to provide two like sets of four valves each, one set operatively connected in fluid paths between the two forward jet openings and the pump inlet and outlet; and the other set operatively connected in fluid paths between the two rearward jet openings and the pump inlet and discharge outlet. One such set may include first and second pairs of valves, the valves of the first pair respectively connected with the two forward jet openings and the valves of the second pair respectively connected with the pump inlet and outlet, and there being a common fluid path connection between the valves of the first and second pairs. The other set may include third and fourth pairs of valves, the valves of the third pair respectively connected with the two second jet openings, and the valves of the fourth pair respectively connected with the pump inlet and outlet, and there being a common fluid path connection between the valves of the third and fourth pairs. Also, one of the valves of the second pair and one of the valves of the fourth pair have a common fluid path connection with the pump inlet; and the other of the valves of the second pair and the other of the valves of the fourth pair have a common fluid path connection with the pump discharge outlet.

Further, the two forward jet openings are at opposite sides of a longitudinal vertical plane bisecting the vessel, and the two rearward jet openings are also at opposite sides of that plane; and including a first additional valve having direct fluid path connection between a forward jet opening at one side of the plane, and a rearward jet opening at the other side of the plane, and a second additional valve having direct fluid path connection between a forward jet opening at the other side of the plane, and a rearward jet opening at the one side of the plane.

It is another object to provide a four jet system wherein two forward jet openings at opposite sides of a longitudinal vertical plane bisecting the vessel have equal lateral openings therefrom; and the two rearward jet openings a opposite sides of the vertical plane have equal lateral spacings therefrom.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing a vessel incorporating the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 1 vessel; and

FIGS. 3-8 are schematic views showing fluid path connection between jet openings, pump and valves.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a vessel 10 is to be maneuvered on a water body 11. A longitudinal, upright plane 12 bisects the vessel. On the vessel are two laterally spaced, forwardly directed like jets 13 and 14 having forwardly facing jet openings 13a and 14a. Those jets are located at opposite sides of plane 12, i.e, eccentrically relative to that plane which typically passes through the center of gravity of the vessel. Also carried on the vessel are two laterally spaced, rearwardly directed like jets 15 and 16 having two rearwardly directed jet openings 15a and 16a. Those two jets are located at opposite sides of plane 12, i.e., eccentrically relative to that plane, and below the water body surface 11a.

Jet openings 13a and 14a are equally spaced from plane 12, as are jet openings 15a and 16a. Control of vessel propulsion direction and turning is achieved by control of water intake and discharge to and from those four openings.

A motor-driven pump 17 is provided on the vessel to provide suction for water intake via selected jet openings, and pressure for water discharge via selected jet openings. If water is sucked in via 13 and 14, and discharged at equal rates via 15 and 16, the vessel moves forwardly (see FIG. 3); and if water is sucked in via 15 and 16 and discharged at equal rates via 13 and 14, the vessel moves rearwardly (see FIG. 4). Also, if water is sucked in at 13 and discharged at 16 at a relatively high rate, and water is sucked in 14 and discharged at 15 at a relatively low rate, the vessel moves forwardly and leftwardly (see FIG. 5); and if water is sucked in at 14 and discharged at 15 at a relatively high rate, and water is sucked in at 13 and discharged at 16 at a relatively low rate, the vessel moves forwardly and rightwardly (see FIG. 6). Also, if water is sucked in at 13 and 16, and discharged at 15, the vessel pivots clockwise (see FIG. 7); and if water is sucked in at 14 and 15 and discharged at 16, the vessel pivots counterclockwise (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 2 shows valving, generally indicated at 20, connected in flow paths between jets 13-16, and the pump 17, to control such intake and discharge via the jets, as referred to.

Extending the description to FIGS. 3-8, valves 21-30a are shown. Each valve has inlet and outlet openings, connected in series with the flow paths as shown. At times, a particular valve opening may serve as an inlet, and at other times as an outlet, depending upon the direction of water flow through the valve.

Flow paths are indicated as follows:

The valves may be suitably opened or closed, as by a controller 135 operating actuators associated with the valves, the controller for example establishing open or shut condition of the valves as are seen in FIGS. 3-8. Also, the controller controls the condition of a drive 35a for the pump (on, off, or at selected speed control, to establish vessel travel or such speed control). In the views 3-8, the circle indicating each valve is white (valve open) or dark (valve closed) or shaded (valve partly open, as for example half open). For example, in FIG. 3, valves 21-23, 25, 26, and 28 are open, and all other valves are closed. In FIG 5, valves 21, 23, 26, and 28 are open; valves 24, 27, 29, and 30a are closed; and valves 22 and 25 are partly open.

Accordingly, in accordance with the invention, there are two like sets of valves, one set (21-24) operatively connected in fluid paths between the two forward jet openings and the pump inlet outlet; and the other set (25-28) operatively connected in fluid paths between the two rearward jet openings and the pump inlet and discharge outlet.

The two valves 21 and 22 of a first pair (of the first set) are respectively connected with jet openings 13a and 14a and the two valves 23 and 24 of a second pair (of the first set) are respectively connected with the pump inlet and outlet (17a and 17b). Also, the two valves 25 and 26 of a third pair (of the second set) are respectively connected with rear jet openings 15a and 16a; and the two valves 27 and 28 of a fourth pair (of the second set) are respectively connected with the pump inlet and outlet.

Common fluid path 34 connects the valves of the first set; and common fluid path 35 connects the valves of the second set. Further, one of the valves of each set (valves 23 and 27) has common fluid connection 36 with the pump inlet; and another of the valve of each set (valves 24 and 28) has a common fluid connection 37 with the pump outlet.

Also, the valves 29 and 30a may be regarded as first and second additional valves. Valve 29 has a direct fluid path connection between a forward jet opening at one side of the plane, and a rearward jet opening at the other side of the plane, and a second additional valve 30 having direct fluid path connection between a forward jet opening at the other side of the plane, and a rearward jet opening at the one side of the plane.

In operation, and as seen in FIG. 3, pump takes suction from forward jet openings 13a and 14a, via valves 21, 22 and 23, and discharges water under pressure from jet openings 15a and 16a, via valves 28, 25 and 26. This propels the vessel forwardly.

In FIG. 4, valves 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, and 27 are now open and water is pumped from 15a and 16a to 13a and 14a to propel the boat in reverse, or brakes forward propulsion.

In FIG. 5, valves 21, 23, 26, and 28 are open, and valves 22 and 25 are partly (say half) closed. This causes the vessel to move forwardly and rightwardly (all other valves are closed).

In FIG. 6, valves 22, 23, 25, and 28 are open, and valves 21 and 26 are partly closed. All others are closed. The vessel therefore moves forwardly and leftwardly.

In FIG. 7, valves 21, 23, 25, 28, 29, and 30a are open, and all others closed. The vessel therefore pivots clockwise.

In FIG. 8, valves 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, and 30a are open, and all others closed. This causes counterclockwise pivoting.

Accordingly, an exceedingly simple, efficient vessel maneuvering system is provided, having multiple modes of operation, as follows:

forward

rearward and/or braking of forward

forward and to left

forward and to right

rearward and to left

rearward and to right

clockwise pivoting

counterclockwise pivoting.