Boat Propeller Shield Wings Wake Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard outboard and inboard/outboard sterndrive motor boats are not suitable for wakesurfing due to exposed propellers and require costly and dangerous modifications to produce a surfable wake, as they lack the necessary weight distribution to create a tall wake safely.
Innovation Solution
A boat propeller apparatus that can be coupled to any motor boat to divert propelled water and create a larger wake by positioning a propeller shield with wings behind the propeller, functioning as both a propeller shield and wake enhancer, allowing water to be diverted around the apparatus to increase wake size without heavy rear weighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard outboard motor boats are used for wakesurfing, then the propeller is exposed and creates safety hazards, but adding propeller shields and modifying the boat to produce a surfable wake becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the propeller shield function with the wake generation function into a single integrated apparatus. The shield member serves both to protect riders from the propeller and to generate the surfable wake, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and wake generation systems that would otherwise be required on standard boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a propeller shield for safety, a wake generator for wakesurfing, and a ballast system for proper wake shaping. This multi-functionality allows standard outboard boats to safely perform wakesurfing without requiring multiple separate modifications.
2Shape
If weight is added to the rear of the boat to produce a taller wake, then the wake size increases, but the boat becomes unstable and more likely to take on water or sink
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member acts as an intermediary device that redirects water flow to generate the wake. Instead of adding weight to the boat to create wake, the shield member intercepts the propeller's water discharge and redirects it to form a surfable wake, thereby achieving wake generation without compromising boat stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the parameters of water flow by redirecting it through the shield member and wings. By altering the flow direction, velocity distribution, and pressure patterns of the water discharged from the propeller, the system generates a taller wake without adding weight to the boat, thus maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If the propeller shield is positioned to cover the propeller for safety, then rider protection is maximized, but the wake generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member is designed with asymmetric geometry, being taller on the side where the wake is to be generated and shorter or open on the opposite side. This asymmetric design allows the shield to protect the propeller while simultaneously redirecting water flow to create an asymmetric wake suitable for wakesurfing, where the rider needs a steep face on one side.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus extends the propeller shield concept into the vertical dimension with wings that project upward and outward. These wings redirect water flow in three dimensions, creating a tall vertical wake face while the horizontal extension of the shield maintains propeller coverage. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous achievement of safety and wake generation.
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
Enables any motor boat to produce a surfable wake safely and efficiently without costly modifications, as the apparatus creates a taller wake by diverting water with its wings, maintaining safety by preventing propeller contact and adjusting wake size through outboard motor trim.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus will therefore be in the path of the propelled water and will function to divert the propelled water in such a way as to create a larger/taller wake
Implementation Method 2
a pivoting connection that couples the propeller shield to the boat thereby allowing the propeller shield to pivot between a shielded position in which the propeller shield covers the distal face of the boat propeller and a raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A boat propeller apparatus can be coupled to virtually any motor boat to cause the boat to safely and efficiently produce a surfable wake. The boat propeller apparatus can be configured to mount to the boat in a way that causes the apparatus to be positioned and secured behind but spaced from the propeller while the boat is moving forward. The apparatus will therefore be in the path of the propelled water and will function to divert the propelled water in such a way as to create a larger/taller wake than would otherwise be produced by the boat. The boat propeller apparatus can also function as a propeller shield and be used in conjunction with a propeller guard.