TitleNew boat propellers for increased efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs (Ref: 07 SE WSIV 0J9G)
DeadlineSat, November 15, 2008
AbstractA Swedish SME has invented two new boat propellers that will increase efficiency
at all speeds and directions and reduce manufacturing costs. The first one is a folding propeller
that locks in an unfolded position when torque is applied. The second propeller is an automatic
propeller that automatically tunes its blades into an optimal pitch angle. The company is seeking
partners for joint further development leading to marketing and production.
DescriptionThe folding propeller uses the radial force to lock in unfolded position when
the shaft is turning. When the turning stops the lock will release and the axial force created by
the boat speed forward will fold the propeller. The drag will then reduce to a minimum. The
automatic propeller will adjust to the optimal pitch (attack angle) by using the leverage between
the dynamic force pressure point and the turning axle of the blade. When no torque is applied the
blades will turn into the optimal foiling position to minimise drag. These properties will increase
the efficiency of the propeller at all speeds and directions.
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Innovations and advantages of the offerFolding propeller:
1. To lock a folding propeller in unfolded position while in operation has great advantages
on the efficiency of the propeller.
2. To manufacture the propeller in RTM (Resin Transfer Method) or injection moulding will
dramatically reduce costs.
3. A simple design, without complex mechanisms, will improve endurance and performance over
time and will reduce number of spare parts and maintenance.
Automatic propeller:
The theories of an automatic propeller have been on the agenda for almost a century but very
few are in production today. The most common ones are electronically controlled, but there is some
design on the same theories as this one. The disadvantage with existing propellers is that they are
very expensive.
Advantages:
1. Low-cost manufacturing due to used materials and production methods.
2. Reduced tooling costs. The automatic propeller needs only 2 blade-tools for every
diameter. One for each rotation direction. A blade will cover many different pitches.
3. One hub can cover several different diameters. To cover the most common segment of sailing
yacht it could be obtained with only three sizes.
4. Low start-up costs. Production can start with a very small cost in moulds using RTM
methods. A glass portion can with that method be as high as 60%. With proper direction of the glass
it will have strength equal to or higher than that of bronze. Injection-moulded it can today have a
glass-ratio between 20 and 30 %. The smaller glass-ratio can be compensated with thicker blade.
5. The pitch adjustment is a great advantage for fast powerboats.
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List of Keywords
Technology
Technology Design and Modelling / Prototypes Industrial Manufacture Moulding, injection
moulding, extrusion, sintering
Market
Transportation Motor vehicles, transportation equipment and parts
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Further Information – Technical Details Concerning the
ProfileBoth propellers could be produced with RTM (Resin Transfer Method) at an early stage
and later on injection-moulded. For fast powerboats the foiling and reverse properties are no
advantages. The pitch adjustment is, however, a great advantage. A propeller for fast powerboats
has a very different optimal shape and should be of a different model on both the hubs and blades.
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Current Stage of DevelopmentDevelopment phase - Laboratory tested
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Exploitation of RTD ResultsPrivate Research
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Intellectual Property RightsSecret know-how
Comments:
The projects are in the initial stages: - The theories have been mapped and evaluated. - A
program to generate blade shape to desired shape and profiles has been made. - Principal designs
are created. No testing and prototypes has been made. No marketing researches have been made.
Patents can probably be obtained on the folding propeller. Concerning the auto-pitch propeller, no
general patents can be obtained. Concerning part level there are some possibilities.
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Collaboration Type- License Agreement - Joint further development - Testing of new
applications - Adaptation to specific needs
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Comments- Type of partner sought: Designers and producers of boat parts.
- Specific area of activity of the partner: Presence and experience in the marine sector.
- Task to be performed: Joint realisation of models, manufacturing of prototypes, testing,
marketing, production and commercialisation.
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