Double-Hulled Water Skates for Stable Locomotion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for water locomotion are either unstable, incapable of effective movement, or too bulky, with past designs featuring a single buoyant mass for each foot that fails to provide adequate stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A double-hulled design with two pontoon-like hulls on either side of the foot, separated foot-bindings, and water-catching structures at the rear for human-powered mobility, with the option to attach propellers for powered locomotion, minimizing drag and enhancing stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single buoyant mass is used for each foot, then the device is simpler in construction, but it results in inadequate stability
Solution Approach 1:
The single buoyant mass is segmented into two separate pontoon-like hulls positioned on either side of the foot. This segmentation increases stability by distributing the buoyant force across multiple points, preventing the device from tipping easily, while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of identical modular hull components.
2Ease of operation
If the foot is embedded inside the buoyant mass, then the construction is simpler, but it reduces the qualitative feel and comfort of use
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-binding system is separated from the buoyant hulls, with the foot resting on a platform that is independently positioned between the two hulls. This separation allows the foot to be securely held in a comfortable position while the hulls maintain their buoyant function, improving comfort without significantly complicating the overall construction.
3Productivity
If water-catching structures are added at the rear-end of pontoons, then human-powered forward mobility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Water-catching structures are added only at the rear-end of the pontoons where they are needed for propulsion, while the front ends maintain a streamlined shape for cutting through water. This localized addition of functional elements enhances forward mobility without requiring complex modifications to the entire device structure.
4Loss of energy
If the pontoons are shaped to cut through water at the front end, then drag is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pontoons are shaped with streamlined front ends specifically designed to cut through water and reduce drag, while the rear ends are configured for water-catching propulsion functions. This localized differentiation of shape functions reduces energy loss from drag while maintaining manufacturability through focused precision requirements only where hydrodynamic performance is critical.
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 double-hulled design maximizes stability, reduces drag, and enables efficient human-powered or powered locomotion on water, providing a comfortable and balanced experience while allowing for the attachment of propulsion units for alternate means of movement.
Implementation Method 1
each foot is coupled with two pontoon-like hulls (one on either side of the foot)
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for personal locomotion on the surface of the water. This device consists of two ‘skates’ with each designed to be worn on a single foot. Each skate is separately mobile and allows for free movement on the surface of water. Locomotion is made possible by the addition of mechanical ‘scoops’ that provide a forward force generated by motion of the skates, or by addition of a propeller or similar system. The double-pontoon structure of each skate ensures stability that is not strongly reliant on users' skill.