Autonomous Hydrofoil Control With Sensor-Driven Lift Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrofoil systems require manual human intervention for control, leading to potential human error and inefficiencies in draft and fuel/energy usage, lacking active control for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously controlled hydrofoil system with a controller, sensors, and adjustable flaps, powered by a high-power density electrical engine, which uses real-time flight parameter data to optimize lift characteristics and propulsion, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling and human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control is used for hydrofoil adjustment, then the system is simpler to operate, but human error increases and control accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil control system operates autonomously using sensors to detect vessel attitude and automatic actuators to adjust foil positions, eliminating the need for manual human intervention and thereby removing human error from the control loop while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electromechanical system that uses sensors, controllers, and electric actuators to adjust hydrofoil positions, improving control accuracy while managing complexity through electronic rather than purely mechanical means
2Reliability
If active control with flaps is implemented, then control accuracy improves, but drag increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system uses dynamically adjustable flaps that are actively controlled based on real-time sensor feedback about vessel attitude and operating conditions. The flaps are positioned only when needed to maintain optimal foil angle, minimizing drag while providing precise control when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vessel pitch, roll, and heel angles, feeding this information back to the control system which automatically adjusts flap positions to maintain optimal hydrofoil performance, achieving accurate control while minimizing energy loss from unnecessary flap deployment
3Speed
If the hull is lifted out of water by hydrofoils, then drag decreases and speed increases, but stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the vessel's pitch, roll, and heel angles while foiling, providing real-time feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts hydrofoil positions to maintain optimal stability, enabling high-speed travel with active stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts hydrofoil angles and positions in response to changing sea conditions and vessel attitude, actively managing stability while maintaining the hull-elevated foiling state for reduced drag and increased speed
4Power
If high-power density electrical engine is used, then power-to-weight ratio improves and autonomy increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-power-density electrical engine operates continuously at optimized power levels, eliminating the inefficiencies of intermittent combustion engine operation. The continuous electric propulsion provides smooth, consistent power delivery while the system recovers energy during deceleration, improving overall energy utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters by using electric motor control to optimize torque and speed characteristics based on operating conditions, achieving high power-to-weight ratio while managing energy consumption through efficient electrical power management rather than thermal combustion
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 system provides reduced drag, increased autonomy, and energy efficiency, ensuring optimal ride height and comfort with minimal exposure to water conditions, while eliminating human error and mechanical cooling needs.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrofoil in the water accomplishes the same thing [provides lift]. As the boat increases its speed the hydrofoils lifts most of the hull, or even the entire hull, up and out of the water
Implementation Method 2
an engine (42) and gearbox (44) located adjacent the front or the rear foil; a high-power density electrical engine, referred to as a Motor Generator Unit (MGU)
Implementation Method 3
a propeller (32) located adjacent the gearbox and in mechanical communication with the gearbox via a propeller shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a waterborne vessel, the hydrofoil system comprising - a controller; - a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel; - a propeller; - an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller; - -a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data; - wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data. Further provided is a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system. The present invention further relates to a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system