Boat Surf Device Impeller Wake Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational boats struggle to create optimal wakes for water sports like wakesurfing and wakeboarding, with existing surf devices only providing large wakes without further refinement, and there is a need for improved wake modification to suit different skill levels and preferences.
Innovation Solution
The invention involves a boat equipped with propulsion devices and surf devices that generate port-side and starboard-side waves by accelerating water through impellers and outlets, and includes deployable hull sides, slidable hull bottoms, hydrofoil devices, and channel surf devices to modify the wake shape and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a mechanical surf device is deployed to create a large wake, then the wake size is increased, but the wake shape definition and refinement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surf device is divided into multiple independent channels (e.g., first channel and second channel) that can operate separately or in combination. Each channel can be independently controlled to shape different portions of the wake, allowing for both large volume and refined shape definition through coordinated operation of segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different channels are positioned at specific locations (port side and starboard side) to create localized water acceleration zones. This allows different regions of the wake to have different characteristics - some areas provide volume while others provide shape definition - achieving both large wake size and refined shape through spatially differentiated water flow manipulation.
2Shape
If multiple surf devices are added to modify wake shape, then wake definition improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channels are integrated into a single unified surf device assembly that shares common structural support, control systems, and mounting mechanisms. The channels work together as a coordinated system rather than separate devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to create well-defined wake shapes through collaborative operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The surf device channels are designed to perform multiple functions - creating wake volume, defining wake shape, and potentially adjusting wake characteristics for different skill levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while achieving comprehensive wake modification capabilities.
3Shape
If water is accelerated through outlets to create surfable wake, then wave definition improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channels accelerate water to speeds slightly exceeding the boat's forward velocity - not excessively high speeds. This partial acceleration is sufficient to create well-defined waves without requiring excessive energy input. The acceleration is optimized to provide just enough speed differential to shape the wake effectively while maintaining reasonable energy consumption.
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 solution effectively creates surfable wakes tailored for wakesurfing and wakeboarding by enhancing wave definition and size, catering to various skill levels and preferences, and can be adjusted for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The surf device includes an inlet, an impeller, and an outlet. The surf device is configured to draw water from the body of water through the inlet, accelerate the water by rotating the impeller, and discharge the accelerated water through the outlet to create a surfable wake.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat includes a propulsion device and a surf device. The propulsion device is configured to move the boat in a forward direction through a body of water to generate a wake having a port-side wave and a starboard-side wave. The surf device includes an inlet, an impeller, and an outlet. The surf device is configured to draw water from the body of water through the inlet, accelerate the water by rotating the impeller, and discharge the accelerated water through the outlet to create a surfable wake.