Buoy Board Multi-Directional Water Jet Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet skis lack durability and directional control in heavy surf and sudden speed changes, primarily relying on rear propulsion which limits their ability to protect passengers and provide a stable ride.
Innovation Solution
The Buoy Board features a durable design with water exhaust side ports and a telescoping water intake system, controlled by valves and servo motors, along with a hydraulic brake mechanism and ergonomic handlebars for enhanced steering and safety, allowing it to self-right and maintain thrust during launches and tumbles, and includes a body harness and recessed footrests for passenger security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rear propulsion is used, then the craft can move forward, but directional control is limited to forward or circular paths
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent water jets positioned at different locations (rear, sides, and bottom) of the craft. Each jet can be controlled independently through separate valves, allowing the craft to achieve various movement patterns including forward motion, turning, tumbling, and launching by activating different jet combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system transitions from traditional one-dimensional rear propulsion to multi-dimensional propulsion by adding side ports and bottom ports. This enables the craft to move not only forward but also tumble left or right, launch vertically, and perform complex maneuvers in three-dimensional space
2Reliability
If traditional jet ski design is used, then the craft can operate on water, but it lacks durability and cannot protect passengers in heavy surf
Solution Approach 1:
The craft incorporates a hydraulic brake plunger built into the steering column that can be engaged beforehand to provide cushioning and tension during high-speed operation or heavy surf conditions. This pre-positioned braking mechanism absorbs impact forces and protects passengers during wipeouts or sudden deceleration events
Solution Approach 2:
The craft body is constructed using composite materials that provide enhanced durability and shock resistance. The enclosure structure combines materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and impact resistance properties, allowing the craft to withstand heavy surf conditions and self-right after capsizing while protecting occupants
3Reliability
If the craft is designed to be enclosed for passenger protection, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed craft body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects passengers from water and waves, provides structural integrity for shock absorption, houses the propulsion system components, and offers a stable platform for steering controls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures and simplifies the overall design
4Ease of operation
If water exhaust side ports are added for tumbling capability, then directional control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system uses bearing sensors that automatically detect the craft's orientation and steering inputs, then autonomously activate the appropriate water jets through electronic control. This self-service control mechanism reduces the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual valve operations, simplifying the control system while maintaining precise tumbling capability
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 Buoy Board provides a safe, comfortable, and thrilling ride by maintaining directional control and passenger security in heavy surf, capable of handling 20-foot waves and self-righting, while allowing operation submerged and in high-speed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The craft has water exhaust side ports or jets, and at least one port or jet underneath the carriage of the craft, which allows it to thrust water out on the sides, and to tumble left or right
Implementation Method 2
Built into the handle bars steering columns is a hydraulic brake plunger that provides appropriate tension to the handle bar steering allowing the pilot to grip and hold the steering mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The steering system includes two distinct bearings sensor control mechanisms. The upper most sensor is contained in the outer casing or spherical socket of a ball joint
Implementation Method 4
The bearings ride on a circuit board racer whose circuitry is linked to a computer chip that sends electronic signals to the solenoids that control the servo motors and in turn control the various butterfly valves
Implementation Method 5
The optical sensor is bidirectional and dependent on the direction of tumble. Associated with this conduit airway are positive air vent fans taking air from the top into the enclosed passenger compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosed water jet craft allows a passenger to surf waves while having multi directional control to tumble and to launch the craft up into the air. Several valves contained within and under a carriage of the craft are controlled by the manipulation of handlebars containing bearing sensors that control opening and closing jet ports. The water jet craft itself is reinforced for passenger safety and the passenger is harnessed in while using the craft to protect the passenger during launch and tumble while wave surfing.