How a Voith Schneider or Cycloidal Drive Propulsion System Works

Voith Schneider, otherwise known as cycloidal drive systems are often used on vessels that require a high degree of manoeuvrability, particularly at slow speed. These include tugs, fireboats and workboats. Vertically mounted hydrofoil blades are mounted on a rotating plate. The blades are linked to a control system which automatically alters their angle of attack as they rotate to provide thrust in the direction selected. The system is highly efficient and can change the direction of thrust almost instantaneously in any direction. They are often used in pairs, so a vessel is able to spin on its own axis or move sideways if needed.

[@LitoGeorge]

Thank you. This really makes sense, clarified by the easy to understand animation.

[@carpediemarts705]

Pictures convey what words will not.

[@LydiaReiko]

@@carpediemarts705 and videos convey what pictures could not.. haha

[@buggerall]

Thanks! Ran into a bunch of mindless promotion video's. This one is perfect.

[@md.moinulislam9467]

This is a cool video to understand it

[@harrovian2009]

Excellent. I always wanted an illustration slowed down so I can visualise how this works.❤❤ A simple animation really really is worth its weight in gold here.

[@11x334]

I'm interested in a firmer paddling that creates a more efficient roundabout.

[@cletuss57]

Hmm. Thre adjustment linkage looks just like the linkage on a combine harvester's grain header. That linkage is used to adjust the angle of the reel fingers that push crop over, into the cutterbar, and lift it up to the cross auger (or belt).

[@iam5085]

ABB haa now developed another variant from this, Dynafin propulsion

[@rickrandom6734]

Has anyone tried to make vertical savonius type wind turbine with this kind of system?

[@jasonspence]

Not a turbine, but an air propeller: czcams.com/video/Yz7SQ1nb4HQ/video.html

[@Rokmonkey32]

I build one for hydro, for propulsion and power generation (mode switch). Check out ORPC on youtube.

[@marinadelarosa5530]

How does it go up??

[@TheHobbyHubAirVideo]

Think of each blade as a normal plane wing, which creates lift by having lower air pressure on the top vs the bottom. This spins faster to create enough lift to overcome gravity kind of like a helicopter
At least I think that's it, if anyone knows better please let us know!

[@jacobperry2281]

I believe this is for marine use…

[@YodaWhat]

Now being used on human-sized aircraft. :-)

[@MrStevegibb]

very mechanically complex if you get a failure on the mechanism your fucked.