Adjustable Stiffening Ribs for Sail Wing Profile Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sails struggle to maintain a stable wing profile shape across varying wind angles, leading to reduced propulsion efficiency and increased travel time when sailing close-hauled, as they passively adjust shape only at the perimeter and lose lift, resulting in reduced speed.

Innovation Solution

The sail incorporates adjustable, arc-like stiffening ribs that can be rotated or bent to maintain a wing profile shape, allowing for direct shape adjustment and improved lift regardless of wind angle, combining the benefits of rigid and traditional sails without requiring boat modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flexible sails are used with perimeter adjustment devices, then the sail can adapt to different wind conditions, but the sail cannot maintain a stable wing profile shape across varying wind angles, leading to reduced propulsion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to wind conditionsVSAvoidstability of wing profile shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sail is divided into multiple segments along its height, with each segment equipped with independent adjustable ribs that can be rotated or bent. This segmentation allows different parts of the sail to be adjusted independently to maintain the optimal wing profile shape across varying wind angles, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and shape stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamically adjustable ribs that can change their curvature and orientation in real-time based on wind conditions. These ribs are equipped with rotation and bending mechanisms that allow the sail to actively maintain its wing profile shape, transforming the sail from a passive flexible structure to an active shape-controlling system that adapts while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the sail passively assumes shape determined by perimeter devices, then the structure remains simple, but the sail loses lift and rejects wind when sailing close-hauled, reducing boat speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidboat speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamically adjustable ribs with rotation and bending mechanisms that allow the sail to actively maintain its wing profile shape during close-hauled sailing. This dynamic adjustment prevents the sail from rejecting wind and losing lift, significantly improving boat speed while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular rib assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rigid sails are used to maintain wing profile shape, then lift is improved, but the cost and practicality decrease significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift generationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire sail rigid, the invention applies rigidity locally through adjustable ribs positioned at critical locations along the sail. These ribs provide the necessary structural support to maintain the wing profile shape and generate lift, while the rest of the sail remains flexible and easy to manufacture. This localized approach to rigidity achieves the desired aerodynamic performance without the high costs associated with fully rigid sails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The sail achieves stable wing profile maintenance across wind angles, reducing travel time and speed loss, offering enhanced reliability, safety, and adjustable performance, while maintaining practicality and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

at least one stiffening rib (5) having an elongated extension and made of an elastically flexible body (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

on which the wind acts so as to generate a propulsion force which allows to push the boats forward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 3

assume, under the thrust of the wind, a wing profile-like shape, so as to create a pressure difference between one face of the sail and the other which is capable of generating the propelling force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11760456B2Sail for the propulsion of means of transport

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 VARINI NICOLA

AI summary

A sail for the propulsion of elements of transport, which comprises a sheet-like body made of flexible material which is connected, along one of its edges, to a supporting mast, connected to an element of transport. At least one stiffening rib is associated with the sheet-like body and is accommodated in a respective pocket which is formed in the sheet-like body and extends for at least one portion of the sheet-like body comprised between the supporting mast and the edge of the sheet-like body that is opposite to the one connected to the supporting mast; the rib has, or can assume on command, a substantially arc-like shape adapted to generate lift. Elements are further provided for varying the orientation of a concave part of the rib with respect to the supporting mast.