Watercraft with modular keel

Abstract

A watercraft with a hull for providing buoyancy to the watercraft, the hull comprising a modular keel receiver arranged on the underside of the hull. The watercraft has a power source and a controller. The modular keel receiver comprises a retaining means configured to receive and removably retain a keel module, a power interface configured to provide power from the power source to a keel module, and, a controller interface configured to communicate data between the controller and a keel module. A keel module for a watercraft, the keel module comprising an engagement means configured to engage with a retaining means of a watercraft.

Description

[0001] WATERCRAFT WITH MODULAR KEEL

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to watercraft, and specifically to watercraft having an adaptable and modular keel.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A keel is an element located on the underside a watercraft, for example at the bottom of a hull. A keel can provide a watercraft with a range of useful functionalities, such as structural support, hydrodynamic stability, counterbalancing, and damage-resistance. The handling or speed of a watercraft can be improved by the addition of other features on a keel, such as hydrofoils or the like. In the case of littoral watercraft, the keel may provide protection from wear-and-tear as the watercraft is grounded on beaches or the like over a period of time.

[0006] In the case where a keel is damaged and broken, the only remedy at present is to fix or replace the keel at great expense and difficulty. For example, repairing a damaged keel while underwater requires specialist equipment and personnel that makes it impractical and / or expensive. Where in situ repairing or replacing is not possible, the watercraft must be taken to a dry dock, which is again expensive, but also time-consuming.

[0007] The present invention seeks to address these limitations and to provide improved functionality that would not otherwise be possible.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first example of the present invention, there is provided a watercraft comprising a hull for providing buoyancy to the watercraft, the hull comprising a modular keel receiver arranged on the underside of the hull; a power source; and, a controller. The modular keel receiver comprises a retaining means configured to receive and removably retain a keel module, a power interface configured to provide power from the power source to a keel module, and, a controller interface configured to communicate data between the controller and a keel module. The watercraft is thus modular and adaptable to provide different functionalities to an operator, as well as being easily repairable. In one example, the controller is operatively coupled to the power source and the modular keel receiver. The controller is configured to detect whether a keel module is retained by the retaining means. Responsive to not detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means, the controller is configured to control the power source to not provide power. Responsive to detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means, the controller is configured to: determine an identity of the retained keel module; control the power source to provide power to the retained keel module according to the determined identity of the retained keel module; and, control the retained keel module according to the determined identity of the retained keel module. As such, a high level of adaptability is achieved with little effort required on the part of the operator.

[0010] Preferably, the controller is further configured to: responsive to not detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means, not communicate data via the controller interface; and, responsive to detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means, communicate data via the controller interface according to the determined identity of the retained keel module. Furthermore, the determined identity may comprise each of a function of the retained keel module, whether the function requires power or not, and, whether the function requires data communication or not.

[0011] Preferably, the watercraft further comprises a driver device configured to store a plurality of programs, each program representing a predetermined function of a retained keel module. Each program is for controlling the power source and the retained keel module according to the predetermined function corresponding to the determined identity of the retained keel module. The controller may further be configured to: responsive to determining the identity of the retained keel module, identify a program in the driver device corresponding to the determined identity; and, control the power source and the retained keel module using the identified program.

[0012] In one example, the power source comprises an electrical power source and / or a mechanical power source. By providing one or the other or both, the operator has increased control over the type of functions that can be performed.

[0013] In one example, the watercraft comprises a keel module retained by the retaining means. The keel module may comprise at least one of: a keel power interface configured to receive power from the power interface of the modular keel receiver; a keel controller interface configured to communicate data with the controller interface of the modular keel receiver; and, a cap for protecting an inactive power interface on the modular keel receiver and / or for protecting an inactive controller interface on the modular keel receiver.

[0014] The keel module may comprise a hydrofoil or a deployable hydrofoil. The keel module may comprise a sonar transmitter and / or receiver. The keel module may comprise a propulsor or deployable propulsor.

[0015] In another example, the watercraft further comprises an air source. The modular keel receiver further comprises an air interface configured to provide air to the keel module from the air source. The keel module further comprises a bubble dispersion means configured to receive air from the air source and to controllably disperse air bubbles from the keel module.

[0016] In one example, the retaining means is configured to receive and removably retain two or more of the keel modules. The two or more of the keel modules are retained by the retaining means.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keel module for a watercraft according to the first aspect of the present invention, the keel module comprising an engagement means configured to engage with a retaining means of a watercraft.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a watercraft according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2a shows a schematic view of a watercraft according to the present invention with a keel module retained;

[0022] Figure 2b shows a schematic view of a watercraft according to the present invention with a keel module having an electrical power source and a mechanical power source;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a watercraft according to the present invention with two keel modules retained;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a keel module according to the present invention; and, Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a controller and driver device according to the present invention; and,

[0025] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a watercraft according to the present invention, the watercraft being a catamaran.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention relates to a watercraft comprising a modular keel receiver and modular keel for providing different functionalities as desired by a user.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an example watercraft 100 comprising a hull 110 which provides buoyancy to the watercraft 100. The watercraft 100 also comprises a power source 120 and a controller 130. While the example shown in Figure 1 shows the power source 120 and the controller 130 within the hull 110, these elements may be located at any suitable location within or upon the watercraft 100 (for example in a bridge / wheelhouse or the like).

[0029] The hull 110 comprises a modular keel receiver 140 arranged on the underside of the hull 110. The modular keel receiver 140 is generally represented by a dotted box, but the skilled individual will appreciate that the length and profile of the modular keel receiver 140 will vary depending on specific design choices. The modular keel receiver 140 may be arranged along the spine (centreline) of the hull 110, extending either partially or entirely along the length of the spine of the hull 110. In another example, the modular keel receiver 140 may be arranged offset from the spine. In any case, the modular keel receiver 140 is envisaged as being at least partially below the waterline during normal operation of the watercraft 100.

[0030] The modular keel receiver 140 has a retaining means 142 configured to receive and removably retain a keel module (not shown). In the example shown in Figure 1 , the retaining means 142 is a rail. A keel module may be slideably engaged with the rail 142; alternatively a keel module may be attached to the rail 142 with a fastener or the like. While a rail 142 is shown, any suitable retaining means may be used, for example clips, bolts, screws, clamps, magnets, straps etc.

[0031] In the present example, the modular keel receiver 140 comprises a power interface 124 configured to provide power from the power source 120 to a keel module. Power is provided to the power interface 124 via a power conduit 122. The modular keel receiver 140 also has a controller interface 134 configured to communicate data between the controller 130 and a keel module (not shown). Data is communicated between the controller interface 134 and the controller 130 via a data line 132. The data line 132 may be a cable configured to transmit data, or it may comprise transmitting data via wireless signals.

[0032] Figure 2a shows an example watercraft 200 with a keel module 250 retained by the retaining means (the retaining means, as well as the dotted box representing the modular keel receiver, have been omitted in Figures 2 and 3 for visual clarity). In this example, the keel module 250 is a single keel module that spans the entire length of the modular keel receiver. As discussed above, location and size of the modular keel receiver may vary depending on the specific watercraft or how an operator wishes to operate it. Similarly, the keel module 250 may extend either partially or entirely along the length of the spine of the hull 210. The watercraft comprises a power source 220 coupled to a power interface 224 through a power conduit 222, and a controller 230 coupled to a controller interface 234 via a data line 232.

[0033] The keel module 250 comprises a device 260 configured to receive power from the power source 220 and to be controllable by the controller 230.

[0034] In particular, the keel module 250 comprises a keel power interface 226 arranged to receive power from the corresponding power interface 224 of the modular keel receiver. The power interface 224 and the keel power interface 226 may transfer power by physical contact, for example electrical contacts or the like. Alternatively, the power interface 224 and the keel power interface 226 may transfer power therebetween wirelessly, for example by induction coils. In other examples, and as discussed later, the keel module may be “passive” and not require any power to be transferred from the hull power source, or may comprise its own power source.

[0035] The keel module 250 also comprises a keel controller interface 236 arranged to communicate data with the corresponding controller interface 234 of the modular keel receiver. Depending on the type of device in keel module 250, the controller 230 may need to transmit control signals to the device 260, receive signals from the device 260, or do both. Alternatively, the device 260 may be operate passively such that the controller 230 may not need to transmit nor receive signals to and from the device 260.

[0036] The controller 230 may be operatively coupled to the power source 220 and the device 260 of the keel module 250. In this example, the controller 230 may detect whether a keel module is retained by the retaining means and control the power source 230 to either provide or not provide power accordingly. The controller 230 may detect that a keel module 250 is retained by utilising a proximity sensor or the like. Any known proximity sensing technique may be utilised. In one example, physical contactors disposed on each of the keel module 250 and the retaining means may be arranged such that they come into contact upon retention - this may close an electric circuit, sending an electrical signal indicating the keel module 250 is retained to the controller 230. In another example, the proximity sensor may comprise a magnet arrangement and a magnetic sensor (e.g. hall sensor) arranged on each of the keel module 250 and the retaining means, respectively and vice versa. The proximity sensor may comprise a laser rangefinder or any other optical device.

[0037] The controller 230 is configured to control the power source 220 to only provide power to the power interface 224 when the controller 230 determines that there is a keel module retained. As such, the controller 230 ensures that energy is not wasted, and provides protection against any potential failures. For example, an electrical power source may be protected from potential short-circuiting events or the like. In another example, a mechanical power source, e.g. an engine, may be protected from being driven above its operating range or general wear-and- tear due to unnecessary use.

[0038] The controller 230 is configured to only communicate data via the controller interface 234 when the controller 230 determines that there is a keel module 250 retained.

[0039] Additionally, upon detection of a retained keel module 250, the controller 230 may determine an identity of the keel module 250 and will subsequently control the keel module 250 to perform a function according to the determined identity. The controller 230 may control the power source 220 to provide power according to the determined identity of the keel module 250. The identity may describe information identifying the actual function of the retained keel module 250, whether it requires power or not, and whether it requires data communication or not.

[0040] The actual function may include whether it is actively controlled or entirely passive. Additionally, the type of control algorithms and / or signals depends on the functionality. For example, controlling a sonar transceiver requires specific pulse patterns and algorithms to be able to perform its function. In another example and in contrast to the sonar, a propulsor may only require signals to increase or decrease the speed accordingly. This will be addressed in more detail in the discussion of the memory below.

[0041] Alternatively, in an example where the keel module 250 does not have a device 260 - or the keel module 250 has a device that works entirely autonomously from the controller 230 - the controller 230 may neither transmit nor receive signals. In such examples, the keel power interface 226 and / or keel controller interface 236 may be a cap (or the like) to cover and protect the corresponding inactive power interface 224 and corresponding inactive controller interface 234 respectively.

[0042] Figure 2b shows an example watercraft 200 with a keel module 250 retained by the keel module receiver and two separate power sources 220a, 220b. In particular, the example shown in Figure 2b comprises an electrical power source 220a and a mechanical power source 220b; in an alternative example, the two separate power sources 220a, 220b may be the same type of power source, i.e. both electrical or both mechanical. Indeed, any number and combination of power source types are accounted for. For clarity, the controller 230, the data line 232, the controller interface 234 and the keel controller interface 236 have been omitted from Figure 2b - nonetheless, these still form a part of the invention according to Figure 2b.

[0043] Each of the electrical power source 220a and the mechanical power source 220b provides power via respective electric and mechanical power conduits 222a, 222b to respective electric and mechanical power interfaces 224a, 224b. The electrical power source 220a may be one or more batteries, fuel cells, generators, APUs or any other suitable source. The electrical power conduit 222a and electrical power interface 224a may be a wired or wireless arrangement. The mechanical power source 220b may be an engine, motor or any other suitable source. The mechanical power conduit 222b may be a rotating shaft, a drive belt or chain, a linear actuator, a cam and / or camshaft or any other suitable conduit; the mechanical power interface 224b is a coupler to transfer power from the mechanical power conduit 222b.

[0044] The watercraft 200 is thus provided with greater modularity and adaptability, since different keel modules having different power requirements can be provided.

[0045] The keel module 250 correspondingly has a keel electrical power interface 226 and a keel mechanical power interface 226b to provide power to the device 260. Please consider the following example scenario for Figure 2b: initially, a first keel module 250 is retained. This keel module 250 has as its device a propulsor 260 arranged to receive mechanical power from the mechanical power source 220b via the keel mechanical power interface 226b engaging with the coupler 224b. This keel module 250 may have a cap for the inactive keel electrical power interface 226a so as to protect both the keel module 250 and the corresponding electrical power interface 224a of the modular keel receiver. This first keel module 250 does not require electrical power.

[0046] Continuing the example scenario, an operator may decide to swap this first keel module for another second keel module 250, wherein the replacement second keel module 250 has as its device a sonar transceiver 260 arranged to receive electrical power from the electrical power source 220a. In this example, the replacement second keel module 250 has a keel electrical power interface 226a but not a keel mechanical power interface 226b (or it may have a protection cap).

[0047] In another example, a replacement third keel module 250 may have a function for performing littoral operations - for example made entirely of marine rubber - and thus does not comprise a device 260. In this example, the keel module 250 does not comprise either a keel electrical power interface 226a or a keel mechanical power interface 226b - or it may have protection caps for both.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the replacement third keel module 250 may comprise anechoic tiles or material conforming to its outer surface to absorb acoustic noise. In an example, anechoic tiles or material may comprise a rubber or a synthetic polymer containing a plurality of small voids. Sound waves, for example from active sonar, are absorbed by the anechoic tiles / material, thereby reducing and distorting the return signal. It would be clear to the skilled person that anechoic tiles or material may be incorporated into any of the example keel modules described herein.

[0049] In yet another example, a replacement fourth keel module 250 may comprise two devices 260, for example a propulsor and a sonar transceiver. As above, the propulsor requires mechanical power and the sonar transceiver requires electrical power. As such, in this example the replacement fourth keel module 250 comprises both a keel electrical power interface 226a and a keel mechanical power interface 226b.

[0050] Figure 3 shows an example watercraft 300 comprising a hull 310, a power source 320 and a controller 330. The watercraft 300 also comprises a first keel module 350a and a second keel module 350b. Each of the first and second keel modules 350a, 350b is removably retained on the retaining means of the modular keel receiver. In this example, the retaining means may be a single rail adapted to have the two keel modules 350a, 350b attached along its length. In another example, the retaining means may be separate, individual retaining means for each keel module, such as separate rails, or separate clips, bolts, etc.

[0051] The modular keel receiver comprises a first power interface 324a and a second power interface 324b to provide power to each of the first and second keel modules 350a, 350b respectively. The first power interface 324a and a second power interface 324b are coupled to the power source 320 via respective power conduits. Each of the first and second power interfaces 324a, 324b is provided with power from the power source 320. Alternatively, each power interface 324a, 324b may receive power from separate power sources.

[0052] The modular keel receiver comprises a first controller interface 334a and a second controller interface 334b to communicate data to each of the first and second keel modules 350a, 350b respectively. Each of the first and second controller interfaces 334a, 334b is provided with data from the controller 330 via a respective data line. Alternatively, each controller interface 334a, 334b may receive / transmit data from separate controllers.

[0053] Each first and second keel module 350a, 350b may comprise a respective device, a respective keel power interface and a respective keel controller interface as per the keel module 250 of Figure 2a (not shown in Figure 3 for visual clarity). Alternatively, it may have any suitable combination of these features - where an interface is not required, a protective cap (as discussed above) may be provided on the respective keel module.

[0054] While two retained keel modules are depicted in Figure 3, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of keel modules may be retained.

[0055] Figure 4 shows an example keel module 450 comprising a device 460 operatively connected to a keel power interface 426 and a keel controller interface 436. The keel module 450 also comprises an engagement means 470 configured to engage with the retaining means of the watercraft of any previous Figures. In the example wherein the retaining means 470 comprises a rail, this may be a channel arranged to be placed onto or slideably engaged with the rail. The channel 470 may extend only partially along the length of the keel module 450 (as shown by the dotted lines of Figure 4). The channel 470 may extend to one distal end of the keel module 450, such that an opening is formed at that distal end. The channel 470 may extend along the entire length of the keel module 450, such that it provides an opening at both distal ends of the keel module 450.

[0056] There may be one or more guiding ribs disposed along the inner side walls of the channel 470 that are arranged to slideably engage with corresponding guiding channels in the rail of the modular keel. As such, once the keel module 450 is slid onto the rail, the keel module is held in place in the vertical axis by virtue of geometry guiding ribs engaged within the corresponding guiding channels.

[0057] The device 460 shown in the example of Figure 4 may comprise a hydrofoil or a deployable hydrofoil. In the example of a conventional hydrofoil, it may be entirely passive and in a constant deployed state. In the example of a deployable hydrofoil, it may be moveable between a deployed state, i.e. in its operating position external to the keel module 450, or in a stored state, i.e. stored at least partially within an internal enclosure of the keel module 450. The deployable hydrofoil may require power, either electrical or mechanical, to actuate between the deployed and stored states, and vice versa.

[0058] In an alternative example, the device 460 may comprise a sonar transmitter and / or receiver. The sonar transmitter receives electrical pulses from an electrical power source to transmit signals, and the sonar receiver sends detected sonar signals to the controller 230, via the data line, so that the controller 230 can analyse the signals (alternatively, the controller 230 sends the signals to a separate device to be analysed).

[0059] In another example, the device 460 may comprise a propulsor or deployable propulsor. The propulsor may require mechanical power to drive a propeller(s) or the like. Alternatively, the propulsor may further comprise an electric motor arranged to receive power from an electrical power source to subsequently drive the propeller directly. In the example of the deployable propulsor, it may be moveable between a deployed state, i.e. in its operating position external to the keel module 450, or in a stored state, i.e. stored at least partially within an internal enclosure of the keel module 450. The deployable propulsor may require power, either electrical or mechanical, to actuate between the deployed and stored states, and vice versa.

[0060] In another example, the propulsor may be steerable, i.e. it can be orientated while in use to provide a steering function for the watercraft. In an example, the propulsor may receive mechanical power to drive propellers and receive electrical power to drive an actuating electric motor, wherein the actuating electric motor is configured to move the propulsor accordingly.

[0061] In another example, the device 460 may comprise a bubble dispersion means configured to controllably disperse air bubbles from the keel module 450. In this example, the watercraft comprises an air source, for example a compressed air tank, a compressor, etc. The modular keel receiver further comprises an air interface configured to provide air to the keel module 450 from the air source. As such, the bubble dispersion means can controllably release bubbles to disperse along the surface of the keel module 450 and / or the hull itself, reducing the skin friction and thus the overall efficiency and / or speed of the watercraft.

[0062] These are a non-exhaustive list of options for devices, highlighting the many functionalities that can be afforded by the present invention.

[0063] Figure 5 shows an example of a memory 532. The memory 532 stores a plurality of programs 534-1 to 534-n, each program representing a predetermined function of a retained keel module. Each program comprises instructions on how to control the power source and the retained keel module according to the predetermined function corresponding to the determined identity of the retained keel module. The skilled individual will appreciate that a memory is a non-volatile storage medium or the like that stores the plurality of programs 534-1 to 534-n. The controller 530 is operatively connected to the memory 532 and can inspect and retrieve the plurality of programs 534-1 to 534-n therefrom.

[0064] The controller 530 will determine the identity of the retained keel module and identify a program from the plurality of programs 534-1 to 534-n that corresponds to the determined identity. Subsequently, the controller 530 will control the power source and the retained keel module, or its device, using the identified program.

[0065] In an example, this may include running a specific algorithm, potentially from a predetermined list of algorithms according to what the user desires. This may include programming the device to be controllable by a user, for example through an actuating means disposed on the watercraft (or remotely). In a specific example, where the device is a propulsor, the controller 530 may programme the propulsor to be controlled by a first actuating means so that the user can control the speed (i.e. a throttle) and / or programme the propulsor to be controlled by a second actuating means so that the user can steer the propulsor (i.e. a steering wheel).

[0066] Figure 6 shows an example watercraft 600 depicted in an inverted position (i.e. upside-down). The watercraft 600 is a catamaran having two separate pressure hulls disposed either side of the centreline of the watercraft - a first hull 610a and a second hull 610b. The first hull 610a comprises a retaining means, in this case a rail 642, arranged on its underside, the rail 642 retaining four first keel modules 650a-d. The second hull 610a also comprises a rail (not shown) arranged on its underside, the rail retaining four second keel modules 652a-d. In the example show, each of the first and second rails comprises power and control interfaces for each of the keel modules, i.e. four on each rail.

[0067] In the example, the keel modules 650a-d, 652a-d are shown as made entirely of marine rubber, wherein the function is to provide replaceable protection on the underside of the watercraft 600. Should these keel modules receive damage during operation - or a new function be desired - an operator can quickly replace the keel modules. Subsequently, the controller will quickly adapt the modular keel receiver to control the keel modules according their respective functions. In an example, each of the keel modules 650a-d, 652a-d may have entirely different identities and functions as desired by the operator. The controller will adapt to each one to control and provide power (where required).

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A watercraft comprising: a power source; a controller; a hull for providing buoyancy to the watercraft; and, a modular keel receiver arranged on the underside of the hull, wherein the modular keel receiver comprises: a retaining means configured to receive and removably retain a keel module; and, a power interface configured to provide power from the power source to a keel module; and, a controller interface configured to communicate data between the controller and a keel module.

2. A watercraft according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to: detect whether a keel module is retained by the retaining means; and, responsive to detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means: determine an identity of the retained keel module; control the power source to provide power to the retained keel module, via the power interface, according to the determined identity of the retained keel module; and, control the retained keel module according to the determined identity of the retained keel module.

3. A watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to communicate data via the controller interface according to the determined identity of the retained keel module upon detecting a keel module retained by the retaining means.

4. A watercraft according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the determined identity comprises information identifying each of: a function of the retained keel module; whether the function requires power or not; and, whether the function requires data communication or not.

5. A watercraft according to claim 4 further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of programs, each program representing a predetermined function of a retained keel module, and, wherein each program is for controlling the power source and the retained keel module according to the predetermined function corresponding to the determined identity of the retained keel module.

6. A watercraft according to claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to: responsive to determining the identity of the retained keel module, identify a program in the memory corresponding to the determined identity; and, control the power source and the retained keel module using the identified program.

7. A watercraft according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source comprises at least one of an electrical power source and a mechanical power source.

8. A watercraft according to any preceding claim comprising a keel module retained by the retaining means.

9. A watercraft according to claim 8, wherein the keel module comprises at least one of: a keel power interface configured to receive power from the power interface of the modular keel receiver; a keel controller interface configured to communicate data with the controller interface of the modular keel receiver; and,a cap for protecting an inactive power interface on the modular keel receiver and / or for protecting an inactive controller interface on the modular keel receiver.

10. A watercraft according to claim 9, wherein the keel module comprises a hydrofoil or a deployable hydrofoil.

11. A watercraft according to claim 9, wherein the keel module comprises a sonar transmitter and / or receiver.

12. A watercraft according to claim 9, wherein the keel module comprises a propulsor or deployable propulsor.

13. A watercraft according to claim 9, wherein the watercraft further comprises an air source, and, wherein the modular keel receiver further comprises an air interface configured to provide air to the keel module from the air source, and, wherein the keel module further comprises a bubble dispersion means configured to receive air from the air source and to controllably disperse air bubbles from the keel module.

14. A watercraft according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means is configured to receive and removably retain two or more of the keel modules at the same time, and, wherein the two or more of the keel modules are retained by the retaining means.

15. A keel module for a watercraft according to any preceding claim, the keel module comprising an engagement means configured to engage with a retaining means of a watercraft.

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