Foldable Hydrofoil Wing Pivoting Mechanism for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrofoil systems for boats face challenges such as increased drag at low speeds, difficulty in maneuverability, and wave generation due to their design, which affects performance and comfort, especially when transitioning from submerged to surface-piercing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hydrofoil system with a controllable pivotal and orientation mechanism that allows the wing to adjust its angle relative to the strut, enabling it to be fully submerged or surface-piercing, reducing overall width and improving control over ride height and drag characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the wing surface area is increased to improve lifting force at high speeds, then the lifting force increases, but the viscous drag increases significantly at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a pivotal mechanism that allows the strut to rotate between immersed and surface-piercing positions, and an orientation mechanism that enables the wing to rotate relative to the strut. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions, transitioning from a high-drag immersed state at low speeds to a low-drag surface-piercing state at high speeds, thereby resolving the contradiction between lifting force and viscous drag across different speed regimes
2Loss of energy
If surface-piercing foils are used to reduce drag at high speeds, then wave generation increases and energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between immersed and surface-piercing configurations through the pivotal mechanism. At lower speeds, the foil operates in an immersed configuration that minimizes wave generation. At higher speeds, it transitions to a surface-piercing configuration that reduces drag. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between wave generation and drag reduction based on operating conditions
3Force
If the foil width is increased to improve lifting capability, then the lifting force increases, but the boat becomes difficult to maneuver and dock
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable hydrofoil system uses the pivotal mechanism to reduce the effective width of the foil when it is not in use. The foil can be rotated to a folded position where it occupies minimal space, transforming the boat from a wide, difficult-to-maneuver configuration to a narrow, easily maneuverable configuration. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between having a wide foil for lifting capability and having a narrow boat for maneuverability
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 foldable hydrofoil system enhances maneuverability and reduces drag at low speeds while minimizing wave generation, allowing for efficient and comfortable operation across varying speeds by dynamically adjusting its configuration.
Implementation Method 1
Foils are hydrodynamic devices attached to a displacement hull of a boat that allow the displacement hull to lift-up and to hover over the water surface once a takeoff speed is reached
Implementation Method 2
allow the displacement hull to lift-up and to hover over the water surface once a takeoff speed is reached, thus dramatically reducing the drag of the boat
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a watercraft comprising multiple set of foils, that may be used to convey passengers and goods on regular transport services provided on rivers, lakes or between islands, with low GHG emissions, notably but not exclusively using electrically powered propelling systems supplied by a battery or a fuel cell. The combination of the foil sets in a distributed wingspan allows to reduce the induced drag of the boat while retracting mechanisms allows to reduce the overall width of the boat for docking.