Boat Stern Wake Adjustment Devices with Non-Parallel Pivot Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boats lack the capability to adjust the size and shape of their wake to accommodate different watersports, particularly for wake surfing which requires a high and curled wake without a towed rope, while waterskiing and wakeboarding have different wake requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wake adjustment system comprising a pair of wake adjustment devices mounted on the stern of the boat, each with a rotatable water deflector connected to a non-parallel pivot axis, allowing independent control to modify the wake shape and size, including a control system to manage the rotation of the deflectors based on boat speed and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wake shaping devices are added to allow wake adjustment for different watersports, then the boat's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake adjustment system is divided into multiple independent wake adjustment devices, each with its own water deflector that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the boat to create different wake configurations for various watersports by adjusting each device independently, thereby improving versatility while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The water deflectors are designed to be rotatable about pivot axes, allowing dynamic adjustment of the wake shape and size. The control system enables real-time modification of wake characteristics during operation, providing adaptability for different watersports without requiring multiple fixed wake shaping systems.
2Shape
If water deflectors are rotated to create a surf wake for wake surfing, then the wake shape is improved for surfing, but the control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the rotation angle of water deflectors as a key parameter to modify wake characteristics. By adjusting the deflector angle relative to the non-parallel pivot axis, the control system can precisely create the specific wake shape required for wake surfing, transforming water flow parameters to achieve the desired curled wake without requiring excessive control precision.
3Shape
If wake adjustment devices are mounted with non-parallel pivot axes, then the wake shape control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake adjustment devices are mounted with non-parallel pivot axes rather than symmetric parallel axes. This asymmetric configuration allows each water deflector to independently control different aspects of wake shape, particularly enabling the creation of curled wakes for surfing. The asymmetric mounting provides superior wake shape control while keeping each individual device's mounting relatively simple.
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 the creation of a surf wake suitable for wake surfing, while also allowing adjustment for waterskiing and wakeboarding by modifying the wake shape and size, enhancing the versatility of the boat for various water sports.
Implementation Method 1
imparting rotation to a water deflector of a wake adjustment device mounted to a stern of a boat... so that the water deflector deflects water that moved past the stern trailing edge
Data Source
AI summary
A wake adjustment system for a boat may include a pair of wake adjustment devices mountable at the stern of the boat to deflect water moving past a stern trailing edge of the boat's running surface. A wake adjustment device includes a water deflector that is rotatable about a first pivot axis for varying a degree of wake adjustment. The pivot axis is non-parallel to the boat's stern trailing edge.