Flexible Wingsail with Integrated Battens for Sailboat Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sailboat designs, including rigid wingsails, compromise on simplicity and safety while trying to increase speed, and none address the need for superior aerodynamic efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency in sailboat evolution.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aerodynamic wingsail with lightweight sail cloths featuring integral internal tubular slots and flat batten strips made of resilient materials, supported by a unique mast and bracket system, allowing for easy deployment and control, with a camber control system and free-standing mast configuration for enhanced aerodynamics and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rigid wingsails are used to increase speed, then boat speed is improved, but simplicity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wingsail flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt its shape to wind conditions. The sail fabric with integrated battens creates a dynamic structure that can change camber and angle of attack, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while simplifying the support structure needed compared to rigid wingsails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using flexible materials with specific stiffness characteristics. The combination of sail cloth and integrated battens creates a structure with optimal flexural rigidity that allows the sail to maintain its airfoil shape under load while remaining simple and safe to operate.
2Speed
If rigid wingsails are used to increase speed, then boat speed is improved, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible sail fabric with integrated battens to create a wingsail that can safely deform under excessive load. This flexibility allows the sail to collapse or reduce its area in strong winds without risking structural failure, thereby maintaining safety while still achieving high performance.
3Device complexity
If conventional sails are used, then simplicity and safety are maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing the sail with an airfoil cross-section that maintains a rounded, streamlined shape. The integrated battens support the sail fabric to create a consistent curved profile that optimizes aerodynamic flow, reducing drag and improving lift-to-drag ratio compared to conventional flat sails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sail structure by integrating battens within the sail fabric itself rather than using separate external battens. This segmentation approach maintains aerodynamic efficiency while simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of separate components needed.
4Speed
If lightweight materials are used for the wingsail, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction by combining sail fabric with integrated battens made of lightweight but strong materials. This composite structure provides the necessary strength and stiffness to maintain the airfoil shape under aerodynamic loads while keeping the overall weight low for optimal 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
The wingsail design achieves superior aerodynamic performance, safety, and simplicity, providing efficient thrust in all wind conditions while minimizing side pressure and lean, and is cost-effective with fewer components and easier operation compared to conventional sails.
Implementation Method 1
flat batten strips which are resilient and made of carbon fiber or other spring like material such as plastic/metal composites, fiberglass or the like
Implementation Method 2
aerodynamic wingsails comprising lightweight sail cloths that have integral internal tubular slots which contain flat batten strips
Implementation Method 3
The wingsail design achieves superior aerodynamic performance, safety, and simplicity, providing efficient thrust in all wind conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic wingsail and mast assembly, which does not utilize a boom or gaff, and which is simply designed to include a singular sailcloth and resilient bow rod which are removably attached to a free standing mast. The bow rod includes a pair of open-ended brackets to engage the mast, and is positioned in a curved sleeve on the trailing edge of the sailcloth. The sailcloth includes a forward sleeve for receiving the mast. Flanges on the mast engage the brackets, and the sailcloth is simply slid off the mast by releasing the brackets and tension of the bow rod. Alternative embodiments are described for 3 dimensional wingsails.