Elliptical Thruster Assembly for Shaped Wake Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to effectively create shaped waves in water behind boats for water sports like wake surfing, as existing thruster systems do not efficiently alter the wake pattern to enhance surfing experiences.
Innovation Solution
A thruster assembly with an elliptical outer body and internal channels is configured to attach to a boat, featuring a mounting angle and rotational mechanisms that direct water flow to create desired wave shapes, comprising a cylindrical riser, pushing flap, and rotational actuators to pivot and rotate the thruster portion for optimal wake alteration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional thruster system is used, then the structure is simple, but it fails to effectively create shaped waves in water behind the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster assembly is divided into multiple functional components including a thruster portion with internal channels, a mounting assembly with riser and pushing flap, and rotational actuators. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to create shaped waves effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The thruster assembly incorporates rotational actuators that enable dynamic adjustment of the thruster portion's orientation and position. The pushing flap can rotate about a vertical axis, and the entire assembly can pivot about a horizontal axis, allowing real-time adaptation to create different wave shapes and patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thruster portion is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to alter wake pattern is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly enables the thruster portion to rotate about a vertical axis through the pushing flap mechanism, and the entire thruster assembly can pivot about a horizontal axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt and create various wake patterns by adjusting the thruster's orientation and position relative to the boat's trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational actuators provide controlled adjustment of the thruster portion's position and orientation, enabling precise wake pattern formation. The system can respond to operational conditions by adjusting the thruster angle and position to maintain desired wave shapes.
3Manufacturing precision
If water flow direction is not controlled, then the device complexity is lower, but the wave shape consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster portion contains multiple internal channels with specific geometries designed to direct water flow in particular directions. These channels are strategically positioned and shaped to control the local flow characteristics, ensuring consistent wave shape generation by manipulating water flow patterns in different regions of the thruster assembly.
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 thruster assembly effectively generates shaped waves by controlling water flow and direction, enhancing the wake surfing experience by creating consistent and desirable wave patterns behind the boat.
Implementation Method 1
Said one or more thrusting channels comprise a plurality of channels formed by fluid directing channels within said outer body extending a portion of the distance between said leading end and said trailing end
Implementation Method 2
Said horizontal rotation actuator 714 is configured to selectively push and pull on said hinge plate actuator receiver backet 706 to cause said hinged plate 702 to rotate about said hinge assembly 704 on said horizontal rotational axis 708
Implementation Method 3
Said vertical rotation actuator 712 is configured to selectively push and pull portions of said thruster portion 200. Said vertical rotation actuator 712 is configured to push and pull on said pushing flap 506 to cause said thruster portion 200 to selectively rotate about said central axis 508 and said vertical rotational axis 710
Implementation Method 4
Said hinge assembly 704 is configured to allow said thruster assembly 100 to be selectively removed or inserted into said water 104
Data Source
AI summary
A thruster assembly to create shaped waves in a water behind a boat for water sports, such as wake surfing. The thruster assembly comprises one or more thrusting channels, an outer body the outer body comprises a round surface in the form of a circular or elliptical cross-section. The outer body comprises an elongated elliptical cross-section being wider than it is tall. A thruster portion comprises a width, a height, and a depth. The outer body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer body comprises a round surface in the form of a circular or elliptical cross-section. The outer body comprises an elongated elliptical cross-section being wider than it is tall.