Hydrodynamic active device for inflatable water boat

Abstract

A hydrodynamic device (100) for a float (10) of an inflatable water sports device (1) is disclosed. The hydrodynamic device (100) has a fastening section (102) for attaching the hydrodynamic device (100) to the rear end (18) of the float (10), for example, to a base (12) of the float (10). The hydrodynamic device (100) has at least one separating edge section (104) that is movable relative to the fastening section (102) and is in contact with water when the float (10) is moved on the water surface, in order to effect an improved and flexible flow separation, at least at the rear end (18) of the float (10).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a hydrodynamic operating device for an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydrofoil water sports equipment is enjoying increasing popularity. In particular, hydrofoil water sports equipment with inflatable boards is gaining in importance due to its small pack size.

[0003] Hydrofoil water sports equipment, such as eFoils or eFoil scooters, as well as wingfoils and SUP foils, uses inflatable boards made of drop-stitch material. However, these boards have limitations in their design, particularly in the radii of the rails running along the sides of the board and in the shape of the tail, which can lead to suboptimal hydrodynamic characteristics.

[0004] Furthermore, manufacturing inaccuracies can lead to differences in handling. A rocker shape in the tail area, meaning an upward (or downward) curve of the board at the rear, can also affect planing and launching. A pronounced rocker shape can cause the tip of the eFoil to rear up, making it more difficult to get going. SUMMARY

[0005] There is a need for aerodynamic optimization of inflatable hydrofoil water sports equipment to overcome or at least reduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved hydrodynamic operating device for an inflatable water sports device, for example, an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an inflatable water sports device, for example, an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device, with an improved hydrodynamic operating device.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter described in independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a hydrodynamic device is provided for the float of an inflatable water sports device. The device may include a mounting section for attaching the hydrodynamic device to the rear end of the float, for example, to the bottom of the float. The hydrodynamic device further comprises at least one separating edge section that is movable relative to the mounting section and is in contact with water when the float is moved on the water surface, in order to effect improved flow separation, at least at the rear end of the float.

[0009] The separation edge section can be configured so that it is movable and / or oriented by the flow prevailing at the float and / or the attachment section. The hydrodynamic device can be flag-shaped. The hydrodynamic device can be designed in the form of a tab.

[0010] The hydrodynamic device can have a flexible connecting section that joins the tear-off edge section and the fastening section. The movable tear-off edge section can be moved relative to the fastening section by deformation, for example elastic deformation, of the connecting section.

[0011] The connecting section may have a thin-walled section. The connecting section may be designed as a thin-walled section. The thin-walled section may be attached to the float in such a way that it extends a bottom surface of the float. Additionally or alternatively, the thin-walled section may be attached to the float in such a way that it projects from the stern of the float in the rearward direction, similar to a cantilever. Additionally or alternatively, the trailing edge section and the connecting section may project from the attachment section similar to a cantilever. Additionally or alternatively, at least the trailing edge section and the connecting section may be designed to be flexible or dimensionally unstable.

[0012] The tear-off edge section and the connecting section can be formed from a single piece. The tear-off edge section, the connecting section, and the fastening section can also be formed from a single piece. For example, the tear-off edge section, the connecting section, and optionally the fastening section can be formed from a continuous sheet of material, such as a film. The sheet of material can have a constant thickness. Additionally or alternatively, at least the tear-off edge section and the connecting section can be made of a flexible material. The flexible material can be, for example, PVC, an elastomeric plastic, silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, a nano-composite, or a textile material, such as ripstop.

[0013] The mobility and / or the rest position and / or the rest orientation of at least one tear-off edge section can be adjustable.

[0014] The stiffness, in particular the bending stiffness, of the connecting section, for example the thin-walled section, can be adjustable or adjustable at least locally.

[0015] The connecting section and / or the separation edge section may have air chambers. The air chambers may be inflatable with compressed air. The stiffness of the connecting section may be adjustable via the air pressure in the air chambers. The air chambers may be inflated manually using an air pump. Alternatively or additionally, an electric pump may be provided to inflate the air chambers with compressed air. The electric pump may be controlled by an automatic control system to adjust the air pressure during operation of the watercraft.

[0016] The connecting section may have pockets for receiving reinforcing elements. Such reinforcing elements may, for example, be reinforcing rods or reinforcing plates.

[0017] The hydrodynamic device may further include at least one actuator for actively adjusting the position or orientation of the release edge section relative to the mounting section, or for actively adjusting the stiffness of the connection section. Optionally, the device may include a control unit that can actuate the actuator based on flow information. The device may include sensors, such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, and / or velocity sensors, which may, for example, be located in the connection section. The sensors may be configured to obtain real-time data on water properties, such as water flow, and the performance of the water sports equipment.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to automatically control the actuator based on sensor data to adjust the tear-off edge section. The control unit can also be manually configured or instructed by a user via radio. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to modify the tear-off edge section settings based on predefined profiles selectable by a user. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to provide the user with tear-off edge section setting recommendations based on the acquired sensor data.

[0018] The mounting section can include a connection partner of a quick-release system. The quick-release system can be designed for tool-free attachment and removal of the device from the float. The connection partner can be a snap-fit, magnetic, hook-and-loop, or clamp connection.

[0019] Also disclosed is an inflatable water sports device comprising an inflatable float and a hydrodynamic device, wherein the hydrodynamic device is attached to the float. The hydrodynamic device may be glued to the float. The hydrodynamic device may have one or more features as previously described in connection with hydrodynamic devices.

[0020] The watercraft can have two or more hydrodynamic devices. These hydrodynamic devices can be arranged side-by-side along the stern of the hull. The individual trailing edge sections can be individually adjustable. The individual trailing edge sections can be part of a modular system in which different trailing edge modules can be exchanged as needed. These individual modules can have different shapes, sizes, and materials and, alone or in combination with other modules, can produce different handling characteristics.

[0021] The float can have a bottom with a base surface and a circumferential rounded edge. The hydrodynamic working section can be positioned at the rear end of the float and / or at the rear end of the base surface such that the working section extends the base surface into the area of ​​the rounded edge, for example, by increasing the distance between the rounded edge and the hydrodynamic working section in the rearward direction of the float, and / or by creating a space between the rounded edge and the working section.

[0022] The release edge section can extend continuously from one side of the float to the other. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be raised along the side itself. Alternatively or additionally, the action device or at least the release edge section can be crescent-shaped.

[0023] The water sports equipment may also have a mounting section for attaching a hydrofoil unit. More precisely, the hull may have a mounting section for attaching the hydrofoil unit. The hydrofoil unit may include a mast, a hull assembly, a front wing, a rear wing, and a propulsion device. The mounting section may be designed to attach the mast of the hydrofoil unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention is described with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 shows a view of a hydrofoil water sports device according to one embodiment, from a slant below. Fig. 2 shows a rear view of a lower rear area of ​​the in Fig. 1 hydrofoil water sports equipment shown. Fig. 3 shows a view from below of a rear area of ​​the vehicle in the Figures 1 and 2hydrofoil water sports equipment shown. Fig. 4 shows a view from below of a rear area of ​​a hydrofoil water sports device according to a further embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a side view from the right of a rear area of ​​a hydrofoil water sports device according to one embodiment.

[0025] The figures are schematic and not to scale. The same reference symbols are used for the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments are described with reference to the figures.

[0027] In Fig. 1 An exemplary hydrofoil water sports device 1 is shown. Although a hydrofoil water sports device 1 is described in the embodiments, the invention can also be used in conjunction with other water sports devices that are not designed as hydrofoil water sports devices.

[0028] The water sports device 1 has a float 10. The float 10 can be designed as a surfboard. The float 10 is inflatable. In other words, at least part of the float is inflatable. The float 10 has at least one air chamber which can be filled with compressed air to provide buoyancy. The float 10 can be flat or board-like. The float 10 has a base 12 on its underside with a surface area 14. The base 12 comes into contact with water during operation of the water sports device 1.

[0029] Although not in Fig. 1 As shown, the water sports equipment 1 has a standing surface on its upper side on which a user of the water sports equipment can stand upright, sit, lie down or kneel during operation.

[0030] A support structure can be provided on the upper side of the float 10, which the user can hold onto. This support structure can be rigid and, for example, comprise a column that is connected to the float 10 at one end. The support structure can further comprise a handgrip, for example, at an end of the column opposite the end connected to the float 10. The water sports device 1 can thus be constructed in the manner of a scooter, although this is not shown in detail.

[0031] The water sports device 1 can include a hydrofoil unit. Such a water sports device 1 can be referred to as a hydrofoil water sports device. The hydrofoil unit comprises a mast 30, a hull assembly 40, a front wing 50, and a rear wing 60. Optionally, the hydrofoil unit can include a propulsion section 70. Although a propulsion unit 70 is shown in the embodiments, a hydrofoil water sports device without a propulsion unit 70 is also possible according to a modification.

[0032] The mast 30 is detachably attached to the float 10 at its upper end. As shown in the Figures 3 and 4 As shown, the float 10 has a fastening section 80 to which the mast 30 can be attached to the float 10.

[0033] The hull assembly 40 can be attached to the lower end of the mast 30. The hull assembly 40 can support the forward wing 50, the aft wing 60, and the propulsion device 70. The forward wing 50 and the aft wing 60 can be detachably attached to the hull assembly 40. The hull assembly 40 can support components of the propulsion device 70, for example, a propulsion device such as a propeller or impeller, and an electric motor for driving the propulsion device. The electric motor can be connected to a control device via cables (not shown). The control device can be located in the hull. The control device can be located in or on the mast.

[0034] Furthermore, the float 10 has a battery for power supply.

[0035] Although not shown in detail, the water sports device 1 may be designed to be operated by a remote control that the user can hold in their hand. The remote control may be wirelessly paired with the control unit to transmit signals generated by the remote control to the control unit.

[0036] The float 10 has a front end 20 and a rear end 18. A rim surrounding the float 10 is formed by a rounded edge 16. The rounding of the edge 16 is due to the inflatable structure.

[0037] At its rear end 20, the float 10 has a hydrodynamic action device 100. This action device 100 can, as shown in the Figures 1 to 5 shown, provided at the rear bottom of the float 10.

[0038] The action device 100 can be designed such that a water flow separation occurs or is caused at least in a defined area at the trailing edge of the float 10.

[0039] The working device 100 can have a thin-walled, elastically or plastically deformable or flexible section 108, which is partially attached to the bottom surface 14 of the float 10 and extends beyond the end of the bottom surface, so to speak extending the outer surface of the float 10 or the bottom surface 14 in a manner deviating from the rounded surface of the rounded edge adjoining the bottom surface.

[0040] More precisely, the operating device 100 can have a fastening section 102 which is bonded to the bottom surface 14 of the float 10 over its entire area or is otherwise attached to the bottom surface 14, for example by means of a quick-release fastener. Fig. 3Possible connection partners 103 of a quick connection at the operating device 100 are indicated.

[0041] The operating device can have a breakaway edge section 104 or a breakaway edge. The breakaway edge is an edge at which the water flow separates from the float 10. A connecting section 106 extends rearward from this fastening section 102, such that it projects rearward from the float 10, as shown in Fig. 5 This is clearly visible. The tear-off edge section 104 is located at the free end of the connecting section 106. As shown in Fig. 5As can be seen, the action device 100 can be designed in the form of a cantilever arm. A gap is formed between the action device 100 and the rounded edge 16. The action device 100 thus prevents water from flowing along the rounded edge 16 and hindering the detachment or lifting of the float 10 from the water surface. Rather, the action device 100 ensures that the water flow breaks off in a controlled manner at the rear end of the float.

[0042] Since the action device 100 is flexible or deformable and the tear-off edge section 104 is, in a sense, pulled behind the float and is movable relative to the fastening section 102, the action device 100 can align itself in the direction of the water flowing past the float. The action device can be designed such that it does not create any significant obstacle to the water flow along the float, and that even at different angles of attack of the float 10 on the water, no opposing reaction force is generated at the action device 100.

[0043] The action device 100 can be provided across the entire width of the rear end 18 of the float 10, as for example in the Figures 1, 2 and 3 It is clearly visible.

[0044] The working device 100 can be configured in such a way that its stiffness and / or flexibility is adjustable.

[0045] The operating device 100 can have one or more air chambers 112, for example in the connecting section 106. The stiffness or flexibility of the operating device 100 can therefore be changed by altering the air pressure in an air chamber 112. The air chamber can be connected to an electric pump (not shown) that can adjust the air pressure during operation of the water sports equipment 1. The air chamber can be pressurized by a user before operation of the water sports equipment 1, for example with a manually operated air pump.

[0046] The working device 100 can have a pocket 114 for receiving a reinforcing element 116. Reinforcing elements 116 with different stiffnesses can be provided and selectively inserted into the pocket 114.

[0047] The working device 100 can be formed from a single material web 110.

[0048] Several operating devices 100 can be provided on the water sports equipment 100. In Fig. 4 An example arrangement is shown in which two action devices 100 are provided at the rear end 18 of the float 10. These action devices 100 are independent of each other and can be configured with different stiffnesses. REFERENCE MARK

[0049] 1 Water sports equipment 102 Fastening section 10 Floating bodies 103 Connection partner 12 Floor 104 tear-off edge section 14 floor area 106 Connection section 16 edge 108 thin-walled section 18 Rear end 110 Material track 20 Front end 112 air chamber 30 mast 114 Bag 40 fuselage arrangement 116 Reinforcing element 50 Forewing 60 Hind wing 70 drive section 80 Fastening section 100 Hydrodynamic device

Claims

1. Hydrodynamic device (100) for a float (10) of an inflatable water sports device (1), comprising a fastening section (102) for attaching the hydrodynamic device (100) to the rear end (18) of the float (10), for example to a bottom (12) of the float (10), and at least one separation edge section (104) movable relative to the fastening section (102), which is in contact with water when the float (10) is moved on the water surface in order to effect improved flow separation at least at the rear end (18) of the float (10).

2. Hydrodynamic action device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the separation edge section (104) is configured such that it is movable and / or orientable by the flow prevailing on the float (10) and / or on the attachment section (102), wherein the hydrodynamic action device (100) may be designed in a flag-like and / or tab-like form.

3. Hydrodynamic working device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible connecting section (106) that connects the release edge section (104) and the fastening section (102), wherein the movable release edge section (104) is movable relative to the fastening section (102) by deformation, in particular elastic deformation, of the connecting section (106), wherein the connecting section (106) may have a thin-walled section (108) or may be designed as a thin-walled section, wherein the thin-walled section (108) may be attached to the float (10) in such a way that the thin-walled section (108) extends a bottom surface (14) of the float (10), and / or wherein the thin-walled section (108) may be attached to the float (10) in such a way that it extends in the rearward direction of the float from the stern of the float in the manner of a cantilever arm. presidesand / or wherein the tear-off edge section (104) and the connecting section (106) can project away from the fastening section (102) in the manner of a cantilever, and / or wherein at least the tear-off edge section (104) and the connecting section (106) can be designed to be flexible or dimensionally unstable.

4. Hydrodynamic action device (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least the tear-off edge section (104) and the connecting section (106), optionally also the fastening section (102), are formed from a single piece, for example from a single continuous material web (110), for example a film, wherein the material web can have a constant thickness, and / or wherein at least the tear-off edge section (104) and the connecting section (106) have a flexible material or are made of such a material, for example PVC, an elastomeric plastic, silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, a nano-composite or a textile material, for example ripstop.

5. Hydrodynamic action device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the mobility and / or the rest position and / or the rest orientation of at least one tear-off edge section (104) is adjustable.

6. Hydrodynamic working device (100) according to claim 5, wherein a stiffness, in particular a bending stiffness, of the connecting section (106), for example of the thin-walled section (108), is at least locally adjustable.

7. Hydrodynamic working device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting section (106) has air chambers (112) which can be filled with compressed air, wherein the stiffness of the connecting section (106) is adjustable via the air pressure in the air chambers (112), wherein the air chambers can be filled manually by means of an air pump or wherein an electric pump can further be provided, wherein the electric pump can be controlled via an automatic control system.

8. Hydrodynamic working device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting section (106) has pockets for receiving reinforcing elements (116), for example reinforcing rods or reinforcing plates.

9. Hydrodynamic actuating device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, further comprising at least one actuator for actively adjusting the position or orientation of the release edge section (104) relative to the mounting section (102) or for actively adjusting the stiffness of the connecting section, and optionally a control unit that actuates the actuator based on flow information, wherein the actuating device (100) may have sensors, for example flow sensors and / or pressure sensors and / or velocity sensors, for example in the connecting section (106), wherein the sensors may be configured to obtain real-time data on the water flow and the performance of the water sports equipment (1), and / or wherein the control unit may be configured to automatically actuate the actuator based on the information obtained from the sensors in order to adjust the release edge section (104).wherein the control unit can be manually adjusted by a user via radio and / or wherein the control unit can be configured to change the settings of the tear-off edge section (104) based on predefined profiles selectable by a user, and / or wherein the control unit can be configured to issue recommendations to a user for the setting of the tear-off edge section (104) based on the acquired sensor data.

10. Hydrodynamic action device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening section (102) has a connection partner (103) of a quick-change system, wherein the quick-change system can be configured for tool-free fastening of the action device (100) to the float body (10) and tool-free removal of the action device (100) from the float body (10), wherein the connection partner (103) can be a partner of a snap connection, a partner of a magnetic connection, a partner of a hook and loop fastener, or a partner of a clamp connection.

11. Inflatable water sports equipment (1) comprising an inflatable float (10) and a hydrodynamic action device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrodynamic action device (100) is attached to the float, for example, glued to the float.

12. Water sports device (1) according to claim 11, further comprising two or more hydrodynamic devices (100) arranged side by side along the stern of the float (10), wherein optionally the individual release edge sections (104) are individually adjustable, for example in the manner described in claims 5 to 9, and / or the individual release edge sections (104) can be part of a modular system in which different release edge modules can be exchanged as required, wherein the individual modules can have different shapes, sizes and materials, and effect different driving characteristics alone or in combination with other modules.

13. Water sports equipment (1) according to claim 12, wherein the float (10) has a bottom (12) with a bottom surface (14) and a circumferential rounded edge (16), wherein the hydrodynamic effective section (100) is provided at the rear end section of the float (10) and / or at the rear end (18) of the bottom surface (14) such that the effective section (100) extends the bottom surface (14) into the area of ​​the rounded edge (16), for example such that the distance between the rounded edge (16) and the hydrodynamic effective section (100) increases in the backward direction of the float (10), and / or that a space (120) is formed between the rounded edge (16) and the effective section (100).

14. Water sports equipment (1) according to claim 13, wherein the tear-off edge section (104) extends continuously from one side of the float (10) to the other side of the float (10), and / or wherein the action device (100) or at least the tear-off edge section (104) is crescent-shaped and / or the action device (100) or at least the tear-off edge section (104) extends from bottom to top on the sides.

15. Water sports equipment (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a fastening section (80) for fastening a hydrofoil unit, wherein the hydrofoil unit may have a mast (30), a hull assembly (40), a front wing (50), a rear wing (60) and optionally a propulsion device (80), wherein the fastening section (80) is designed for fastening a mast (30) of the hydrofoil unit.

Images