Sail for boats

Abstract

The sail for boats comprises a first and second body (1, 2), the first body (1) being rotatable relative to the second body (2), and said second body (2) being rotatable about its longitudinal axis together with the first body (1). Preferably, the first body (1) and / or the second body (2) comprise suction zones (4), and the suction zones (4) are arranged on opposite sides of the first body (1) and / or the second body (2). This provides a sail for boats which is able to be adapted to specific performance requirements and offers greater aerodynamic control and lower drag.

Description

[0001] SAIL FOR BOATS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a sail for boats, in particular to a suction sail with adaptive features for efficient aerodynamic control and thrust generation.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] There are different types of sails for ships, one of which are the so-called suction sails, which allow ships to be propelled by wind power.

[0007] Suction sails are a type of wind propulsion device characterized by the use of a suction device, such as a fan, and a porous grid through which to suck in the boundary layer, allowing the generation of large aerodynamic forces.

[0008] However, current suction sails often lack adaptability to different types or configurations of vessels, and have difficulty maintaining efficiency in variable wind conditions.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a sail for boats that allows adaptation to specific performance requirements and that offers greater aerodynamic control and less drag.

[0011] The boat sail of the invention solves the aforementioned problems, while also offering other advantages that will be described below. The boat sail according to the present invention is described in claim 1, and the dependent claims include additional features that are optional.

[0012] In particular, the sail for ships comprises a first and second body, the first body being rotatable with respect to the second body, and said second body being rotatable around its longitudinal axis together with the first body.

[0013] If desired, the first body and / or the second body may include suction zones.

[0014] Preferably, the suction zones are arranged on opposite sides of the first body and / or the second body.

[0015] According to preferred embodiments, the suction zones comprise perforations, slots and / or openings.

[0016] The second body may comprise one or more suction elements located inside said second body, the suction element(s) being a fan or a pump.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the second body comprises a discharge zone, which preferably has a fin shape.

[0018] In addition, the second body may comprise one or more discharge fans.

[0019] The sail for boats according to the present invention also preferably comprises sealing elements located between the first and second bodies.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the second body has a cylindrical shape and the first body has an aerodynamic shape.

[0021] With the boat sail according to the present invention, the airflow over the surface of the sail is optimized, improving lift and reducing drag through controlled suction and discharge.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are included which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, represent a practical case of implementation.

[0024] Figure 1 is a plan view of the sail for ships according to the present invention; and

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a ship's sail according to the present invention, according to two alternative embodiments.

[0026] Description of preferred embodiments

[0027] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a sail for ships according to the present invention, comprising a first body (1) and a second body (2), which are rotatable with respect to each other, to provide optimal positioning and orientation of the sail depending on the wind.

[0028] The first body (1) has an airfoil shape and serves as the leading edge of the sail and is rotatable with respect to the second body (2) to adjust the angle of attack, allowing optimal airflow in different wind conditions, optimizing the interaction of the sail with the wind, to maximize the propulsive force generated by the sail in all wind conditions.

[0029] For example, the airfoil shape of the first body (1) could be of constant cross-section at height, with a change in cross-section at height, and / or a flexible shape that allows rotation or torsion of the first body (1).

[0030] Furthermore, the first body (1) may comprise suction zones (4), which are optional, which can be formed by perforations or adjustable openings for controlled passive or active airflow entry, allowing controlled airflow entry, either passively, by natural pressure differentials, or actively if a fan is added.

[0031] The second body (2) serves as the trailing edge of the sail and can house one or more suction and discharge elements (3), such as one or more fans or pumps, if active suction is required.

[0032] The second body (2) can rotate around its longitudinal axis, along with the first body (1), thus aligning the sail with the wind direction to maximize the propulsive force generated by the sail in all wind conditions.

[0033] The second body (2) may also comprise suction zones (4), provided with perforations, slots or openings along its surface for passive or active entry of airflow.

[0034] The suction zones (4) are located one on each side of the second body (2), as can be seen in Figure 1, to ensure that the sail can be used with both starboard and port winds.

[0035] The second body (2) can have a shape with a sharp trailing edge, similar to conventional airfoils.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the second body (2) also comprises a discharge zone (5), located in a position of the second body (2) not facing said first body (1).

[0037] It should be noted that the suction and discharge of the candle according to the present invention can be carried out actively or passively, and the suction zones (4) can be located in the first body (1) and / or in the second body (2), although in the figures they have only been represented in the second body (2).

[0038] When passive suction is used, it relies on the natural airflow and pressure differentials created by the movement of the sail through the air, directing the air through the suction zones (4) without mechanical assistance. However, when additional suction is required, active suction is used, i.e., one or more fans (3) or pumps that can be driven to improve the entry and expulsion of airflow through the discharge zone (5).

[0039] This dual-option suction system, passive or active, allows the candle to adapt to different performance requirements.

[0040] The discharge can be achieved in two ways, either through one or more fans (6) mounted on the top, where the air is expelled into the atmosphere, or through the discharge zone (5).

[0041] In addition, the sail may also comprise one or more sensors to measure wind direction and speed, not shown in the figures, connected to a controller that moves the first and second bodies (1, 2) according to a control logic and the measurements detected from the sensor or sensors.

[0042] It should also be noted that the structure of the sail is preferably modular, allowing for various configurations of the first and second bodies (1, 2), as well as modules of variable height to suit specific performance needs.

[0043] This core design allows the sail to be scaled for different vessel sizes or adapted to various sailing requirements.

[0044] The modular sections of the first and second bodies (1, 2) allow for easy reconfiguration, maintenance or replacement of components, such as suction zones and elements, without the need to completely disassemble the sail.

[0045] The first and second bodies (1, 2) also comprise sealing elements (7), in particular, an outer sealing layer covering the suction areas (4), protecting the aerodynamic surface and preventing the entry of water or particles when the suction is inactive, and internal sealing elements, not shown in the drawings, allowing the outer surface to remain exposed to the airflow and facilitating direct suction. Figures 2 and 3 show two alternative embodiments of the sail according to the present invention, the main difference between the two embodiments being the presence of a fan (6) on the top of the sail.

[0046] As previously stated, the candle according to the present invention employs a double rotation mechanism.

[0047] In the first rotation the second body (2) rotates together with the first body (1) with respect to the boat to align the sail with the direction of the wind.

[0048] In the second rotation, the first body (1) rotates with respect to the second body (2) to optimize the angle of the sail with respect to the airflow.

[0049] This dual rotation capability improves the adaptability of the sail and maximizes propulsion efficiency by allowing precise control of both the sail angle and the airflow over its surface.

[0050] Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the described boat sail is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be substituted by technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Sail for ships, characterized in that it comprises a first and second body (1, 2), the first body (1) being rotatable with respect to the second body (2), and said second body (2) being rotatable around its longitudinal axis together with the first body (1).

2. Sail for boats according to claim 1, wherein the first body (1) and / or the second body (2) comprise suction zones (4).

3. Sail for boats according to claim 2, wherein the suction zones (4) are arranged on opposite sides of the first body (1) and / or the second body (2).

4. Sail for boats according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the suction zones (4) comprise perforations, slots and / or openings.

5. Sail for boats according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (2) comprises one or more suction elements (3) located inside said second body (2).

6. Sail for boats according to claim 5, wherein the suction element (3) is a fan or a pump.

7. Sail for ships according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (2) comprises a discharge zone (5).

8. Sail for boats according to claim 7, wherein the discharge area (5) has a fin shape.

9. Sail for boats according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (2) comprises one or more discharge fans (6).

10. Sail for boats according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising sealing elements (7) located between the first and second bodies (1, 2).

11. Sail for ships according to claim 1, wherein the second body (2) has a cylindrical shape.

12. Sail for boats according to claim 1, wherein the first body (1) has an aerodynamic shape.

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