Hydrofoil watercraft

Abstract

A hydrofoil watercraft, comprising: a board; a hydrofoil and a motor connected to the board by a mast; and a signal repeater comprising a passive first antenna element for signal communication with a first wireless communication device associated with an input device, said first antenna element locating proximal to a front end of the board; and, a passive second antenna element for signal communication with a second wireless communication device associated with the motor, said second antenna element locating proximal to a rear end of the board, wherein said signal communication between said first and second antennae element is provided by a cable connection, wherein the first antenna element is a monopole orientated in a horizontal plane normal to the long axis of the board.

Description

HYDROFOIL WATERCRAFTFIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to hydrofoil watercraft, and in particular to a craft or board with a hydrofoil and an electric motor and battery.BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] Recent developments in battery technology have started to make electric watercraft more practical, where high power requirements and the size and weight of batteries previously prevented this. These watercraft tend to be relatively small, such as for use as a backup on a small sail boat or as the primary propulsion source on a rigid inflatable boat, tender, or similar. The propulsion systems are generally in the form of an outboard motor connected to a battery located within the board.

[0004] One particular form of watercraft that is growing in popularity is the electric hydrofoil surfboard, created by the attachment of a hydrofoil and a motor to a surfboard, with the battery typically housed within the board. These systems include an electric motor and a hydrofoil in combination, where the hydrofoil elevates the board clear of the water when under power from the motor, reducing drag and providing high speed travel over the water.

[0005] The hydrofoil and motor are positioned towards a lower end of a mast, while an upper end of the mast is bolted to an underside of the board. One method of developing such a system has been to take an existing hydrofoil surfboard and insert a motor to part of the mast.

[0006] Many components required for operation of the motor may be housed in the board, such as batteries and / or control circuitry. These components must then be connected to the motor at the lower end of the mast by wires that are routed internally down the mast.

[0007] Control of the motor may be achieved via a hand controller communicating wirelessly with the control circuitry located in the board. This may be relatively straightforward from a technical perspective for situations where the board is elevated above the water. However, due to the attenuation of wireless signals by water, communication problems may arise in situations where the board becomes partially submerged. This may be quite common when first starting the board, or when a beginner user is not yet capable of gaining sufficient speed for the board to hydrofoil.

[0008] The combination of water and electricity, together with large changes in temperature and heat generated by electrical components, means that adequate sealing is difficult but very important in both conventional and hydrofoil watercraft. Adding to this complexity, it is often desirable for the watercraft to be easily disassembled regularly for transport or for maintenance, but to still have adequate sealing every time it is assembled again for use. An at times competing requirement is to maximize simplicity of the board to reduce production and maintenance costs, and to also provide ease of operation and an enjoyable riding experience while also seeking reduce components that may effect the weight and handling of the board.SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0010] There is disclosed herein a hydrofoil watercraft, comprising: a board; a hydrofoil and a motor connected to the board by a mast; and a signal repeater comprising a passive first antenna for signal communication with a first wireless communication device associated with an input device, said first antenna locating proximal to a front end of the board; and, a passive second antenna for signal communication with a second wireless communication device associated with the motor, said second antenna locating proximal to a rear end of the board, wherein said signal communication between said first and second antennae is provided by a cable connection.

[0011] Preferably, the hydrofoil watercraft further comprises a controller module, said controller module comprising the second wireless device.

[0012] Preferably, the second antenna locates proximal to the control module.

[0013] Preferably, the control module locates at an upper end of the mast, and wherein the second antenna locates above the mast.

[0014] Preferably, the hydrofoil watercraft further comprises a battery module locatable in the board, said controller module comprising the second wireless device.

[0015] Preferably, one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are embedded in the board.

[0016] Preferably, one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are positioned on a surface of the board.

[0017] Preferably, the one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are covered by a grip layer applied to the surface of the board.

[0018] Preferably, the cable connection is a coaxial cable.

[0019] Preferably, the cable connection is RG174 coaxial cable.

[0020] Preferably, the first antenna is formed by a first end of the coaxial cable stripped of jacket and braid.

[0021] Preferably, the second antenna is formed by a second end of the coaxial cable stripped of jacket and braid.

[0022] Preferably, the stripped first end a has length corresponding to approximately ! signal wavelength of a wireless protocol utilized by the first wireless communication device.

[0023] Preferably, the stripped second end a has length corresponding to approximately ! signal wavelength of a wireless protocol utilized by the second wireless communication device.

[0024] Preferably, the wireless protocol utilized is Bluetooth having a signal wavelength in the order of 2.4GHz, and the bare core length is approximately 35mm.

[0025] Preferably, a water-resistant seal having low signal attenuation is applied to the stripped first end and / or the second end.

[0026] Preferably, the first antenna is configured with a radiation pattern orientated in a vertical plane toward the rear of the board.

[0027] Preferably, the stripped end of the first antenna is orientated in a horizontal plane normal to the long axis of the board.

[0028] There is also disclosed herein a board for a hydrofoil watercraft comprising a signal repeater, wherein said signal repeater comprises: a first passive antenna locating proximal to a front end of the board; a second passive antenna locating proximal to a rear end of the board; and, a cabled connection between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0029] There is also disclosed herein a passive repeater kit adapted for application to a board of a hydrofoil watercraft, comprising: a coaxial cable, wherein a first end of the coaxial cable is stripped of jacket and braid of approximately 35mm length, wherein a second end of the coaxial cable is stripped of jacket and braid leaving of approximately 35mm length, wherein a water-resistant seal with low signal attenuation is applied the stripped first end and second end, and wherein the coaxial cable has length configured to span from a nose portion of the board to a rear portion of the board proximal a connection site for a mast, said span routing around a riding surface of the board.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a watercraft according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional pal view of the watercraft according to Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an underside of a watercraft with a controller module removed from the board;

[0014] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a hand controller for use as an input device for a watercraft;

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the hydrofoil watercraft of Figure 1 with signal repeater location shown;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic partial detail of a signal repeater in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for operating a watercraft; and,

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an example processing system for use with a system for operating a watercraft.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0021] An example of a hydrofoil watercraft according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described. The watercraft is electric powered and includes a board, a hydrofoil and a motor that are connected to the board by a mast, a battery module locatable in the board, and a controller module also locatable in the board. The battery module may include a housing and any necessary components for storing and supplying power, such as a battery. The controller module may include a housing and any necessary components for operating the motor, such as a controller.

[0022] In one example embodiment, an input device with a first wireless communication device may be provided. The first wireless communication device can be configured to exchange data with a further (second) wireless communication device associated with the controller module such that the input device may be used to operate the motor.

[0023] In certain example embodiment, the battery module can also include a further (third) wireless communication device located in the battery housing. This allows the battery module to transmit battery status data using the third wireless communication device, and the second wireless communication device can receive the battery status data and relay the data to the controller. The third wireless communication device may also transmit battery status data to the first wireless communication device and relay the data to the input controller.

[0024] In different versions of the watercraft, the data may be sent only from the battery module to the controller module. That is, the third communication device would be configured to simply broadcast the data, with the second communication device listening for and receiving the data and performing any further processing necessary, such as error detection, etc. If the data is not received correctly or at all, the controller can then determine how to proceed.

[0025] However, preferably data can also be sent in the reverse direction, i.e. two way communication. The wireless communication devices will typically be devices that are capable of communicating utilising a short range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or the like.

[0026] In other examples, it will be appreciated that one of a range of other wireless communication protocols may alternatively be used. These may include, but are not limited to, WiFi, LoRa, ZigBee, or any other radio frequency communication as generally known in the art across the range 433MHz to 5GHz.

[0027] The battery module and the controller module may be paired prior to exchanging battery status data. In the event that one of the modules are removed and replaced, a pairing procedure may automatically be performed again prior to exchanging data.

[0028] The battery status data transmitted from the battery module can be any desirable information, such as battery identification information, charge level, temperature information, and / or fault indicators, for example. The controller might use the received battery status datafrom the battery to trigger an event, such as limiting or conserving power when charge level is low or overheating is detected, mitigating action like shutting down the motor if there is a fault in the battery module, and / or notifying the user through an output device of any of the above or other relevant information, etc. This can be done according to certain rules pre-programmed in the controller.

[0029] In other versions of the watercraft, communication between the battery module and the controller module is via a wired connection, and wireless communication is only provided between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device.

[0030] In embodiments, the input device with a first wireless communication device may be provided as hereinbefore described. The first wireless communication device can be configured to exchange data with the second wireless communication device and / or the third wireless communication device.

[0031] The board can be provided with a signal repeater to improve signal communication between the wireless communication devices. In an embodiment, the signal repeater may include a passive first antenna element for signal communication with the first wireless communication device and a second passive antenna element for communication with the second and / or third wireless communication device.

[0032] Provision of the signal repeater may be advantageous to facilitate communication between the wireless devices, for example, in the event the board is partially submerged. For example, if a user is lying on the board while stationary, particularly if they are lying towards the rear of the board, then it is possible or even likely that the part of the board containing the second and / or third wireless communication device could be submerged. However, if the first antenna element is located on a part of the board that is not submerged, then the repeater may transmit the signal to the second antenna element advantageously located with respect to the second and / or third wireless communication devices. By this arrangement, the data link between the input device and the controller module and / or battery module can be preserved or improved in adverse conditions. Similarly, in circumstances where the board becomes waterlogged, water within the board may attenuate the signal. By locating the first antenna element near to or on the surface of the board and the second antenna element proximal to the second and / or third wirelesscommunications devices the data link between the input device and the controller module and / or battery module can be preserved or improved

[0033] In one specific example, the watercraft may be in the form of an electric hydrofoil board. That is, the watercraft may further include a hydrofoil connected to the board by a mast. The motor may also be connected to the mast proximal to the hydrofoil, or the hydrofoil and motor may be connected to one another so that the hydrofoil is actually connected to the mast by the motor.

[0034] The hydrofoil and connected components could actually take a range of forms, provided it includes one or more components for providing lift, as well as necessary components for providing propulsion. For example, the hydrofoil module may have an integrated motor and wings similar to the present Applicant’s earlier design as described in publication number WO2019 / 104378. In this way, the wings are not connected directly to the mast, but rather the wings are connected to the motor housing, which in turn is connected to the mast. Alternatively, the hydrofoil module may take a different form, such as some other known designs where a mast has wings mounted at one location and a motor mounted at a separate location. In yet another example, the motor may be located in the board, similar to Applicant’s earlier design described in WO2023 / 077186.

[0035] The controller module may in fact be fixed to an upper end of the mast, so that removal of the controller module in turn also causes the mast, motor and hydrofoil to be removed from the board. For example, the controller module may be coupled to the board by inserting at least a portion of the controller module located at the upper end of the mast into a socket of the board, similar to that described in the present Applicant’s earlier design published as WO2019 / 104379. This could allow very quick and simple assembly and disassembly, while having sufficient strength to withstand the high forces experienced by this connection during use. This connection can also allow for seals to be incorporated relatively easily, to ensure electrical connections are not exposed to water.

[0036] In another example of a watercraft, the controller module is further configured to exchange information wirelessly with an input device. In one embodiment, the input device may be in the form of a hand controller, such as that described in the present Applicant’s earlier publication WO2019 / 183668. It will be appreciated that the input device may also take variousother forms, however. This may be achieved using the same communication device as is used to communicate with the battery module, or alternatively an additional device may be provided for communication with the hand controller.

[0037] The hand controller can function as a user input device for the watercraft, such as by receiving an input through a button or trigger and sending a signal to the controller to choose the level of thrust to be produced by the motor, for example. The hand controller may also be sent information from the controller for display to a user, such as a charge level of the battery, temperature, speed, and any other relevant parameters.

[0038] In some examples of the watercraft, there may be no electrical connection between the battery module and the board, and / or there may be no electrical connection between the controller module and the board. That is, rather than the battery module being connected to wiring in the board, with this wiring in turn also being connected to the controller module, instead the battery module and controller module may be directly connected to each other. Additionally, one or both of the battery module and / or controller module may not have any other electrical connections, including no data connections for displays or separate wiring for charging the battery, for example.

[0039] In one particular example of a watercraft, all of the electrical components may be located in the controller module and associated components, the battery module, and / or the hand controller. That is, the board itself may not contain any electrical components once the battery module and the controller module are removed, other than the signal repeater which is passive and thus not energised. Such a system allows the board to be as cheap, simple, and lightweight as possible.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the watercraft 100 has a board 110 with a deck 111 that is suitable for a user to lie or stand on when in use. A mast 114 extends from a lower surface of the board 110 and a motor 115 with propeller 116 is connected to a lower end of the mast 114. A main hydrofoil wing 118 and a tail wing 119 are each connected to a body of the motor 115.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 2, the watercraft 100 has a battery module 120 that has a battery and a third wireless communication device 121 located in a battery housing 122. A controller module 125 has a controller and a second wireless communication device 126 located in acontroller housing 127. The battery module 120 and the controller module 125 are connected to one another by a positive and a negative power cable 129.

[0042] The battery module 120 is configured to transmit battery status data using the third wireless communication device 121, and the second wireless communication device 126 is configured to receive the battery status data and relay the data to the controller module 127.

[0043] This exchange of wireless information is illustrated schematically by the broken line 131, but in practice is achieved using a short range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or the like. As such, the battery module 120 and the controller module 125 are linked by an electrical connection for the transmission of power only, with all data communication being performed wirelessly.

[0044] The wireless communication device 126 of the controller module is also configured to communicate with a hand controller (not shown in Figure 2). The hand controller is operated by the user and is an input device used to control the motor speed and to relay data to the user, such as diagnostic and performance information. This communication also occurs using the same short range wireless communication protocol as the communication with the battery module 120.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the controller module 125 is shown removed from the board 110. In this embodiment, the controller module 125 is fixed to the upper end of the mast 114 and can be inserted into a socket 130 of the board 110. Wiring extends along the inside of the mast 114 to connect the controller inside the housing 127 to the motor 115 that is located at the opposite end of the mast 114.

[0046] A flange 132 is configured to mate with a rebate 133 in the board 110 and secured in place using fasteners (not shown). The flange 132 forms a watertight seal with the rebate 133 to ensure that no water can enter a space between the housing 127 and the socket 130, maintaining a small air gap between the two. The mast 114 and the flange 132 are constructed from aluminium, while the remainder of the housing 127 is constructed from a plastic.

[0047] Once the controller module 125 is inserted into the socket 130, an electrical connection provides power from the battery module 120. In the embodiment of Figure 3, this electrical connection includes two pins on the controller module 125 which are received in respective apertures 134 in the socket 130. These two conduction paths allow power to be transmitted.However, alternative embodiments such as that shown in Figure 2, use leads or cables for this electrical connection. Leads or cables may in fact be preferable in some cases, as this can allow the battery to be directly connected to the controller 125, without the need for any wiring or other electronics in the board 110.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, the battery module 120 is shown removed from the board 110. The housing 122 includes flat faces 136 fixed to a protective surround 137 by fasteners 138. The flat faces 136 are made from aluminium with the protective surround 137 being made from a plastic. Electrical connectors 140 are used to provide power from the battery module 120 to the controller module 125.

[0049] The controller located in the controller module 125 includes the relevant components for allowing the watercraft 100 to function, including a microprocessor, a memory, an input / output device in the form of one or more wireless communication devices to exchange instructions with the hand controller and battery module, and a logic level motor controller, interconnected by a bus. These components function together to allow the controller to perform tasks including battery management, motor operation, and data output to be displayed to a user.

[0050] The nature of the controller and in particular the physical form factor of the device, as well as the components used, can vary depending on the preferred implementation. For example, the microprocessor and communication device can be formed from a custom integrated circuit, such as a Bluetooth system on a chip (SOC), coupled to, or including an integrated antenna and other optional components, such as the memory.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 5, shown is an input device in the form of a hand controller 6 suitable for use with the watercraft 100. The hand controller 6 has a handle 7, allowing the hand controller 6 to be gripped by the user. The handle 7 may have a lanyard (not-shown) for placement about the wrist of the user so as to tether the hand controller 6 to the user's wrist should they lose grip of the handle 7.

[0052] The handle 7 is in the form of a pistol style grip having an actuator in the form of a trigger 9 accessible by the finger of the user having grip of the handle 7. The trigger 9 can act as an accelerator or throttle, whereby variable levels of power / speed can be indicated by partiallypressing the trigger 9. The hand controller 6 also has actuators in the form of buttons 10 that can be pressed by the thumb of the user having grip of the handle 7.

[0053] The hand controller 6 has a display screen 11 at atop portion, which is proximate to the buttons 10, such that the user having grip of the handle 7 can conveniently glance at the screen 11. The screen 11 may display certain outputs, such as speed of the board, distance travelled, battery life remaining, riding time remaining and the like. These metrics may be accessible via a number of display screen layouts that can be scrolled to by the user using their thumb and a mode button 10, for example.

[0054] The hand controller 6 is small enough to allow single handed operation. That is, the trigger 9 can be operated by the user simultaneously to pressing one or more of the buttons 10 while having grip of the handle 7. In fact, the controller 6 is small enough that most riders will be able to use the palm of their hand to press on the board to stand up without the controller 6 hitting the board.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment shown, the hand controller 6 is waterproof and uses a Hall Effect sensor for the throttle, thereby allowing the trigger 9 to be movable while maintaining the water proof nature of the main housing of the hand controller 6. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative forms of sensor could be used in alternative embodiments. Additionally, the controller 6 includes a molded foam insert that ensures the controller 6 will float in water in the event that it is dropped.

[0056] The hand controller 6 preferably also includes a buzzer and / or vibrator. The buzzer and / or vibrator can be used to alert the rider to pop up warnings on the display screen 11 when riding. These warnings may indicate such states as: half board battery; low board battery; empty battery; low controller battery; high temperature; high current; and new maximum speed.

[0057] Referring to Figure 6, an example embodiment of a watercraft 100 having a passive repeater 400 is shown. The board 110 has an internal battery module 120 as described previously that cannot be seen in the Figure, but is accessed via a panel 132 that forms part of the deck 111. The battery module 120 can be removed from the board 110 once the panel 132 is first removed, which can be convenient for recharging the battery, for example. A controller module 125 is also located in the board 110, and while not actually visible the location is identified in the Figure.

[0058] The controller module 125 including the second wireless communication device 126 can exchange data wirelessly with a first wireless communication device that is located in the hand controller 6 (not shown) held by a rider of the watercraft 100. This exchange of wireless information is achieved using a short range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or the like, as hereinbefore described.

[0059] A signal repeater 400 is provided to relay signal between the first wireless communication device 139 and the second wireless communication device 126. The signal repeater 400 comprises a first antenna element 401 for receiving / transmitting signal with respect to the first wireless communication device 139. The signal repeater 400 further comprises a second antenna elment 402 for receiving / transmitting signal with respect to the second wireless communication device 126. A waveguide cable connection 403 is provided between the first antenna 401 and the second antenna 402 for communication of data therebetween.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first antenna element 401 is passive. The second antenna element 402 may also be of the passive type. By this arrangement, the signal repeater 400 does not require a power source, which may simplify construction of the watercraft 100 and may also reduce cost and improve safety and reliability.

[0061] In use, a large portion of the board 110 may be located below the waterline. In particular and as hereinbefore described, even in a stationary position, a user lying on the board in a prone position generally orientates themselves toward the back of the board, which may cause the front of the board to raise above the water surface. This phenomenon may also cause the rear of the board to become at least partially submerged. This is turn may cause the section of the board containing the controller module 125 to become at least partially submerged, such that the signal link between the first wireless communication 139 device associated with the hand controller 6, and the second wireless communication 126 device associated with the control module 125 to be attenuated by an intervening body of water. Similar attenuation may occur in the even that the board becomes waterlogged, for example, following damage to the board.

[0062] Advantageously and as shown in Figure 6, the first passive antenna element 401 may locate proximal to a front region of the board 110. Typically, the front region of the board 110, particularly the deck 111 of said front region, will remain above the water line in most riding conditions such as the example scenario above. Accordingly, the signal path between the firstwireless communication 139 device in hand controller 6 held by a rider of the board and the first passive antenna element 401 locating at a front region of the board 100 will not become substantively attenuated by a body of water sufficient to cause loss of the signal link. By then placing the second passive antenna element 402 proximal to a rear portion of the board 100 at a sufficient location relative to the second wireless communication device 126, signal communication between the first 401 and second 402 elements can be provided via the cable connection 403, thereby bypassing the direct wireless link between the first 139 and second 126 wireless communication devices that may be attenuated by a body of water.

[0063] In embodiments, one or more of the first antenna elements 401, second antenna elements 402 and / or cable connection 403 forming the signal repeater 400 may be embedded in the board 100. In embodiments, at least the first antenna element 401 may be embedded in the board 100 proximal to the deck 111. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the first antenna element 401, second antenna element 402 and / or cable connection 403 forming the signal repeater 400 may be positioned on a surface of the board 100. In other embodiments, certain of the components forming the signal repeater 400 may be embedded in the board 100 whereas certain other components may locate on the surface of the board 100.

[0064] In embodiments, where one or more of the first antenna element 401, second antenna element 402 and / or cable connection 403 forming the signal repeater are positioned on a surface of the board 100, they may be covered by a substrate. In one preferred embodiment, some or all of the signal repeater 400 may be positioned on the surface of the board 100 and covered by a layer of grip surface applied to the board 100.

[0065] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 6, the cabled connection 403 routes about a periphery of the deck 111. By this arrangement, opening the panel 132 does not interfere with cable connection 403. Also, the cable connection 403 routes largely away from the section of the deck 111 that a rider stands upon when operating the watercraft 100, such that they are less likely to stand on the cable connection 403 and / or antennae element 401,402 when positioned on the surface of the board 110.

[0066] It is beneficial to locate the second antenna element 402 in a position where it is best able to maintain a datalink with the second wireless communication device 126 over a range of riding conditions. Typically, the second antenna element 402 will locate proximal to the secondwireless communication device 126, or otherwise in a position relative to the second wireless communication device 126 where the signal therebetween is less likely to be significantly attenuated by a body of water under certain operating conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the second antenna element 402 may locate generally above, or directly above, the control module housing 127 and the second wireless device 126. By this arrangement, only a portion of the board 100 itself may locate in the signal path, and the board material can be selected so as to not significantly attenuate the signal, such as by using a foam core. In general, any material residing in the signal path between the second antenna element 402 and the second wireless communication 126 device is to be selected with the understanding of not significantly attenuating the signal to the degree of compromising the datalink over the range of typically encountered riding conditions.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment where the second wireless communication 126 device locates within a sealed control module housing 127 in the board 110 and connected to the top of the mast 114 in the manner hereinbefore described, the second antenna element 402 may locate above the mast 114 or near thereto, either on the surface of the board 110 or embedded in the board 110. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 1-3, the control module housing 127 at least partially protrudes into the space of the sealed battery housing 122, thereby minimizing the amount of intermediate componentry in the signal path. However, in an alternative embodiment where the control module 125 locates with the board 110 material itself, only a partial thickness of the board material will locate between the control module 125 and the above positioned second antenna element 402, which may reduce signal attenuation, for example, if the board material becomes waterlogged due to use.

[0068] In embodiments hereinbefore described, the second antenna element 402 may also communicate with a third wireless communication device 121 within the battery housing 122. In such embodiments, consideration must also be given to the position of the second antenna element 402 relative to the third wireless communication device 121. In the depicted embodiment of Figure 6, the second antenna element 402 locates above the mast 114 / control module housing 127, and adjacent to the panel 132 sealing the battery housing 122 within the board 110, thereby acting against the signal between the second antenna element 402 and the third wireless communication device 121 becoming detrimentally attenuated by a body of water.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 7, shown is an example embodiment of a passive antenna element 401,402 according to the present disclosure along with a section of cabled connection 403. In this embodiment, the cabled connection 403 is formed of RG174 coaxial cable, although other coaxial cable may be used. A passive antenna element 401, 402 is then advantageous provided by stripping the jacket and braid from an end of the coaxial cable, thereby forming an antenna element 401,402 of the monopole type. A water-resistant layer may then be provided to said stripped end, for example, using heat-shrink material. In embodiments, only the outer jacket and braid is stripped from an end of the coaxial cable to form an antenna element 401,402, leaving the dielectric layer over the core. Leaving said dielectric layer may serve to protect the core against corrosion, and act against the core forming conductive contact with some other material thereby interfering with signal.

[0070] In embodiments, the jacket and braid are stripped from a first end and a second end of a coaxial cable connection to form passive first 401 and second antennae element 402 respectively. Typically, the length of said stripped ends forming the passive antenna elemente 401,402 correspond to approximately one quarter of the wavelength of the signal they are to transmit and receive. In an embodiment where the wireless communication devices use Bluetooth wireless protocol with frequency of about 2.4GHZ, the first and second passive antenna elemente are formed by stripping 35mm of jacket and braid from the first and second end of the coaxial cable connection.Without wishing to be bound by theory, the radiation pattern associated with the above described passive antennae element 401, 402 of the monopole type formed by an end length of the coaxial cable connection being stripped of jacket and braid has a radially extending doughnut shaped form. Accordingly, if the first antenna element 401 is positioned at the front of the board 110 with its long axis in a horizontal position transverse to the long axis of the board 110 (as shown in Figure 6), the doughnut-shaped radiation pattern will align with a vertical plane along the long axis of the board 110. By this arrangement, the radiation pattern will extend both vertically upwards from the first antennae element 401 and towards the rear of the board 110. A rider will be positioned in this vertical plane and at some position along the board long axis whether they are riding the board 110 in a prone or a standing position, such that the hand controller 6 held by the rider will locate within the doughnut-shaped radiation pattern regardless of their riding position. Also, as the radiation pattern extends along the long axis of the board 110, when a riderstanding at an end of the board holds the hand controller 6 behind their body, it will still be within the doughnut shaped radiation pattern.

[0071] It has been surprisingly found that the passive unpowered signal repeater 400 herein described aids in providing an alternative signal path to maintain the data link between the wireless communication devices over a range of adverse conditions, such as when water attenuates the direct wireless signal link between said wireless communication devices by the board 100 being at least in part submerged or waterlogged. By not requiring the use of a power source, only minimal additional complexity is added to the board. In particular, the signal repeater embodiment making use of a coaxial cable with stripped ends provides a simple arrangement that has been surprisingly found to maintaining signal link in adverse conditions without the requirement for an additional power source or requirement for complex antenna. As the antennae elements are formed from a stripped end of coaxial cable, they can be positioned to lay flat along the surface of the board to not form obstructions to a rider. The described arrangement is also advantageous in not requiring additional sealing of components as would be required if a direct cable link was required to the controller module to transmit signal, for example. By this arrangement, the passive repeater can be easily added to the applicant’s existing design for hydrofoil watercraft having sealed housings for the controller module and battery module, without having to make changes to the housing seals. In this same manner, the passive repeater can be easily retrofitted to existing boards by simply mounting the passive repeater to the surface of the board in the manner herein described.

[0072] The unorthodox arrangement of a horizontally arranged monopole antenna element without a defined ground-plane / counterpoise has been surprising found to provide excellent results in operating conditions that would ordinarily result in an unstable signal link between the hand controller 210 and the receiver 220. Typically, the lack of a defined ground plane would suggest a dipole should be used as an antenna element 401,402 thus providing a virtual groundplane to form the antenna. However, if the striped cable end used as an antenna element 401,402 as described above was formed into a dipole, providing an effective seal would be significantly more difficult than the above-described monopole arrangement, increasing the risk of water ingress within the cable jacket which may interfere with the signal.

[0073] Again without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the cable braid at least in part operates as a counterpoise to the antenna elements 401,402 in order to provide an antennawith a monopole antenna element 401 ,402. It is also thought that the surrounding body of water, as well as wet deck 111 of the board 100 itself, may also act as a counterpoise / ground-plane to the monopole antenna elements. The contribution of the board 100 as a counterpoise / ground- plane is further thought to be enhanced if a board 100 becomes water-logged, which would ordinarily interfere with the signal between the hand controller and receiver. Thus, the nonorthodox arrangement of horizontal monopole antenna element 401,402 with various and variable potential sources of counterpoise / ground-plane has been surprisingly found to maintain the signal link between the hand controller 210 and receiver 220 in conditions that would typically result in an unstable link, and in fact may actually be enhanced by the adverse condition of the board 100 becoming waterlogged. It is also thought that this non-orthodox arrangement of horizontal monopole antenna element 401,402 with various and variable potential sources of counterpoise / ground-plane actually results in a radiation pattern with more vertically orientated lobes compared to a traditional monopole antenna having a defined groundplane, which therefore focusses the radiation pattern in the positions where the hand-controller would be held by the rider. This in turn may make most efficient use of the available power in the signal from the handcontroller, allowing for longer use and more stable data link, particularly as the battery discharges.

[0074] Referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated an example system 200 for operating a hydrofoil board, such as the watercraft 100. In an embodiment, the system 200 may be used to perform the method as described. As shown in the Figure, the system 200 includes a hand controller 210 that is in communication with a receiver 220, which in turn is in communication with a propulsion control unit 230. As described in earlier embodiments, the receiver 220 and the propulsion control unit 230 may both form part of the controller module 125.

[0075] The hand controller 210 may be a portable, user-operated controller that may allow a user to communicate with the propulsion control unit 230 via the receiver 220, and to remotely operate and / or control the propulsion control unit 230. In some examples, the hand controller 210 has a housing which includes a user interface for the input of commands by a user. The user interface may include one or more push-buttons, such as a “plus” button, a “minus” button, and a “mode / menu” button.

[0076] The housing may further include a display screen to display settings of the system 200 to the user. The display screen may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displayscreen, or a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) display screen, or any other type of electronic display screen. In other examples, the housing may include a touch display which may provide a user interface and display information to the user. Preferably, though not necessarily, the housing of the hand controller 210 is waterproof.

[0077] The hand controller 210 may further include one or more motion sensors for sensing a motion and / or orientation of the hand controller 210. The one or more motion sensors may include an inertial measurement unit, accelerometer, a gyroscope, or any other motion sensor. In some examples, the motion sensor is a six-axis motion sensor including a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer.

[0078] The hand controller 210 may further include a communications unit for communicating with the receiver 220. Specifically, the hand controller may be associated with a first wireless communications device and the receiver may be associated with a second wireless communications device as hereinbefore described.

[0079] The processing system may also optionally facilitate a user inputting certain parameters to affect the performance of the board, such as user weight and acceleration / power curves as hereinbefore described. In an embodiment, the processing system may take the form of an example processing system 300 as illustrated in Figure 9 and described in more detail below.

[0080] The hand controller 210 may further include a processing system configured to receive user input commands from the user interface, to receive motion and / or orientation data from the one or more motion sensors, to operate the display screen to display settings of the system 200, and to send data and / or command signals to the propulsion control unit 230 via the receiver 220.

[0081] Preferably, though not necessarily, the hand controller 210 is battery-powered. The hand controller 210 further includes a battery, such as a lithium -polymer battery. Preferably, though not necessarily, the battery is a rechargeable battery. The hand controller 210 further includes charging circuitry for charging the battery, such as a USB port and USB charging circuitry. The battery may be used to power at least the processing system and the display screen of hand controller 210. The hand controller 210 may further include one or more power converters to adjust or condition a battery output power for powering the processing system, the display screen, and any other device of the hand controller 210.

[0082] The hand controller 210 may further include an ignition circuit to turn on or off the processing system. The ignition circuit may include a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall Effect sensor, within the housing, and one or more magnets mounted to the exterior of the housing to activate and / or deactivate the hand controller 210.

[0083] In some examples, the receiver 220 may be configured to be embedded within a module, together with the propulsion control unit 230. The receiver 220 may include a housing. Preferably, though not necessarily, the housing is waterproof.

[0084] The receiver 220 may include a communications unit for communicating with the hand controller 210, such as the second wireless communications device as hereinbefore described. Preferably, the communications unit may be a wireless communications unit, such as a Bluetooth module, configured to communicate wirelessly with the hand controller 210 via the first wireless communications device associated with the hand controller.

[0085] The hand controller 210 and the receiver may communicate via wireless signals transmitted and received between the first wireless communications device and the second wireless communications device. As shown in Figure 8 and hereinbefore described, a signal repeater 240 may be provided with a first antenna communicating with the first wireless communication device and a second antenna communicating with the second wireless communications device. Signal between the first antenna and the second antenna may then communicate by the cabled connection of the signal repeater, which functions as a waveguide. By this arrangement, the signal repeater provides an alternative signal path for the hand controller 210 to communicate with the receiver 220 such that this signal link may be maintained when the direct wireless signal link between the hand controller 210 and receiver 220 is severed.

[0086] The receiver 220 may further include an ignition circuit to turn on or off the processing system. The ignition circuit may include a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall Effect sensor, within the housing.

[0087] The receiver 220 may further include a processing system configured to receive user input commands from the user interface. The processing system may take the form of the example processing system 300.

[0088] The receiver 220 may further include a connector to enable a wired connection to the propulsion control unit 230. In some examples, the processing system may be further configured to send data to the propulsion control unit 230 through the connector. In some examples, the propulsion control unit 230 is configured to supply a power signal to the receiver 220 through the connector.

[0089] While other systems may check signal strength and turn off the controller connection if the signal is not strong enough, this is typically not required in the present system because a digital signal is used with error checking built in.

[0090] The propulsion control unit 230 may be configured to be housed within the hydrofoil board and to be coupled to a propulsion source. For example, the propulsion control unit may be drivingly coupled to a propeller of the hydrofoil board. In embodiments, the propulsion control unit 230 is mounted within a core of the board.

[0091] The propulsion control unit 230 may include a motor controller operatively connected to a motor for driving the propeller. The motor may be a three-phase brushless DC motor.

[0092] The propulsion control unit 230 may further include a processing system configured to receive a first user input from the hand controller 210, selecting one of a plurality of operating pre-sets of operation of the propulsion control unit 230. The processing system may be further configured to operate the motor through the motor controller according to the selected operating pre-set.

[0093] The operating pre-sets may be selected by the user via the user interface of the hand controller 210. The operating pre-sets may correspond to different styles of operation of the board.

[0094] The propulsion control unit 230 may further include a battery module, including a battery and a battery management system, for powering the processing system, the motor controller, and any other device of the propulsion control unit 230. The propulsion control unit 230 may further include one or more power converters to adjust or condition a power signal from the battery module.

[0095] The propulsion control unit 230 is connected to the receiver 220 through a wire, or cable, connected to the connector of the receiver 220. The battery module of the propulsion control unit 230 may further be configured to supply power to the receiver 220 through the wire or cable.

[0096] In an embodiment, the propulsion control unit 230 and / or the receiver 220 may communicate with the hand controller 210, for instance, to display information drawn from the system 200 on the screen of the hand controller. By way of example, the battery management system of the propulsion control unit 230 may communicate to provide such output on the screen of the hand controller 210 as battery life remaining and dynamic range information.

[0097] A particular embodiment of the present invention can be realised using one or more processing systems, an example of which is shown in Figure 9. In particular, the processing system 300 generally includes at least one processor 302 or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 304, at least one input device 306 and at least one output device 308, all coupled together via a bus or group of buses 310. In certain embodiments, the input device 306 and the output device 308 could be the same device.

[0098] An interface 312 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 300 to one or more peripheral devices. At least one storage device 314 which houses at least one database 316 can also be provided. The memory 304 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 302 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 300.

[0099] The input device 306 receives input data 318. The input data 318 could come from different sources, for example a hand controller or a mobile phone application in conjunction with data received via a network. The output device 308 produces or generates output data 320 and can include, for example, a display device or a data transmitter. The storage device 314 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[0100] In use, the processing system 300 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and / or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least onedatabase 316. The interface 312 may allow wired and / or wireless communication between the processing unit 302 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose.

[0101] The processor 302 receives instructions as input data 318 via the input device 306 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising the output device 308. More than one input device 306 and / or output device 308 can be provided.

[0102] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0103] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term “approximately” means ±20%.

[0104] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

[0105] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated the term “board” is used in a broad sense and is intended to include any suitable form of flotation device. For example, the board may be a rigid structure made from fibreglass, carbon fibre, or other similar materials. It may or may not include a foam or other type of core, similar to a surfboard for example. Alternatively, the board may be softer, such as made primarily from a rigid foam or similar. In still another example, the board may be inflatable or collapsible in some other way, so that it can take a rigid or at least semi-rigid form during use, but can be deflated or otherwise packed down for transport.

[0106] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0107] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hydrofoil watercraft, comprising: a board; a hydrofoil and a motor connected to the board by a mast; and a signal repeater comprising a passive first antenna element for signal communication with a first wireless communication device associated with an input device, said first antenna element locating proximal to a front end of the board; and, a passive second antenna element for signal communication with a second wireless communication device associated with the motor, said second antenna element locating proximal to a rear end of the board, wherein said signal communication between said first and second antennae element is provided by a cable connection, wherein the first antenna element is a monopole orientated in a horizontal plane normal to the long axis of the board.

2. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a controller module, said controller module comprising the second wireless device.

3. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 2, wherein the second antenna locates proximal to the control module.

4. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 2 or 3, wherein the control module locates at an upper end of the mast, and wherein the second antenna locates above the mast.

5. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a battery module locatable in the board, said controller module comprising the second wireless device.

6. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are embedded in the board.

7. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are positioned on a surface of the board.

8. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 7, wherein the one or more of the first antenna, second antenna, or cable connection are covered by a grip layer applied to the surface of the board.

9. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connection is a coaxial cable.

10. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 9, wherein the cable connection is RG174 coaxial cable.

11. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first antenna is formed by a first end of the coaxial cable stripped of jacket and braid.

12. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second antenna is formed by a second end of the coaxial cable stripped of jacket and braid.

13. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 11, wherein the stripped first end a has length corresponding to approximately ! signal wavelength of a wireless protocol utilized by the first wireless communication device.

14. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 12, wherein the stripped second end a has length corresponding to approximately ! signal wavelength of a wireless protocol utilized by the second wireless communication device.

15. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 13 or 14, wherein the wireless protocol utilized is Bluetooth having a signal wavelength in the order of 2.4GHz, and the bare core length is approximately 35mm.

16. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 13 or 14, wherein a water-resistant seal having low signal attenuation is applied to the stripped first end and / or the second end.

17. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first antenna is configured with a radiation pattern orientated in a vertical plane toward the rear of the board.

18. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the stripped end of the first antenna is orientated in a horizontal plane normal to the long axis of the board.

19. A board for a hydrofoil watercraft comprising a signal repeater, wherein said signal repeater comprises:a first passive antenna element locating proximal to a front end of the board; a second passive antenna element locating proximal to a rear end of the board; and, a cabled connection between the first antenna and the second antenna,, wherein the first antenna element is a monopole orientated in a horizontal plane normal to the long axis of the board.

20. A passive repeater kit adapted for application to a board of a hydrofoil watercraft, comprising: a coaxial cable, wherein a first end of the coaxial cable is stripped of jacket and braid of approximately 35mm length, wherein a second end of the coaxial cable is stripped of jacket and braid leaving of approximately 35mm length, wherein a water-resistant seal with low signal attenuation is applied the stripped first end and second end, and wherein the coaxial cable has length configured to span from a nose portion of the board to a rear portion of the board proximal a connection site for a mast, said span routing around a riding surface of the board.APPLICANTPatent Attorneys for the Applicant / Nominated Person GLMR

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