Autonomous Electric Drive Module for Hydrofoil Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrofoil boards lack an efficient electric drive option, limiting their use in environments where electric propulsion is required due to environmental considerations, and existing solutions often compromise handling characteristics or require modifications.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous electric drive module with a battery and propulsion device is designed to be easily attached and detached from the hydrofoil, allowing for optional electric propulsion without affecting non-electric operation, featuring a quick-connect system and various mounting configurations to minimize flow interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric drive is integrated into the hydrofoil board, then electric propulsion capability is achieved, but the handling characteristics and flow behavior are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive system is segmented into a separate, detachable drive module that can be independently attached to or removed from the hydrofoil. This segmentation allows the electric propulsion capability to be added without permanently modifying the hydrofoil structure, thereby preserving the original handling characteristics and flow behavior when the drive module is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities, allowing the system to transition between electric propulsion mode and conventional hydrofoil mode. This dynamic configuration enables the user to optimize performance by attaching the drive module when electric propulsion is needed and removing it when pure hydrofoil performance is desired.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is integrated into the hydrofoil structure, then power supply is ensured, but the weight adversely affects handling during non-electrical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented into a separate drive module rather than being integrated into the hydrofoil structure. This allows the battery and its associated weight to be detached when electric propulsion is not needed, preserving the lightweight handling characteristics of the original hydrofoil while ensuring power supply availability when the module is attached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to the hydrofoil to accommodate electric drive, then electric propulsion is enabled, but the original hydrofoil functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive components are extracted into a separate, self-contained drive module that attaches to the hydrofoil without requiring permanent modifications to the hydrofoil structure. This extraction approach enables electric propulsion functionality while preserving the original hydrofoil design and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various hydrofoil configurations without requiring custom modifications. The module provides multi-functionality by serving as both the electric propulsion system and the power supply unit, while maintaining compatibility with standard hydrofoil interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If a detachable drive module is used, then installation and removal is simplified, but additional connection points are required on the hydrofoil
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is designed with localized attachment points that are strategically positioned on the hydrofoil to minimize interference with the flow behavior. The quick-connect mechanism concentrates the connection complexity at specific locations rather than requiring distributed modifications, simplifying both installation and removal while maintaining hydrodynamic performance.
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 hydrofoil board to operate conventionally without electric interference, offering flexible and efficient electric propulsion that can be easily installed or removed, ensuring continuous use and compatibility with existing hydrofoil designs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric battery, and an electrically operated propulsion device that is supplied with power by the electric battery
Implementation Method 2
Hydrofoils allow a board to be lifted out of the water while traveling in order to reduce flow resistance. The hydrofoil has a strut and at least one wing situated thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically driven hydrofoil for fastening to a board in order to lift the board out of the water during travel operation, comprises at least one drive module, which as an autonomous unit is fastened to a portion of the hydrofoil that remains submerged in the water during travel operation, an electric battery, and an electrically operated propulsion device supplied with power by the battery. It is thus possible to equip a conventional hydrofoil and a corresponding hydrofoil board with an electric drive, without the need for modifications to the board or to the hydrofoil. The battery can be arranged in the drive module so that there will be no need to provide external electrical connection between the propulsion device and the battery. The drive module may thus form an autonomous unit that may be attached to the hydrofoil as required, but otherwise is separate from the hydrofoil.