Foldable Hydrofoil with Rotating Strut and Wing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil systems for boats face challenges in stabilization during foiling mode due to varying forces, require complex and bulky folding mechanisms for retraction, and struggle with managing large span foils that exceed boat beam, necessitating a compact and efficient folding system that maintains efficiency and reduces width for docking.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hydrofoil system with a strut that rotates between 0° and 90°, allowing the wing to move between horizontal and vertical positions, enabling complete water retraction and reducing width, utilizing a rotating mechanism with a linear screw or bevel gear to facilitate compact and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrofoils have large span to maximize efficiency, then hydrodynamic performance is improved, but the width exceeds boat beam making docking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system employs dynamic folding mechanisms that allow the foil span to change from an extended configuration during operation to a retracted configuration during docking. The foil can rotate and fold along its length, transforming from a large span structure to a compact form that fits within the boat beam, thus resolving the contradiction between maximizing efficiency and managing width.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently fold or retract. This segmentation allows the foil to maintain its full span during operation for optimal hydrodynamic performance while enabling compact storage during docking by folding each segment along predetermined axes, effectively reducing the overall width without sacrificing structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If folding systems are made compact to reduce width, then docking ease is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single compact system. The folding elements are combined with the foil structure itself, and the retraction mechanism is merged with the canting system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies operation while achieving the desired compact width, addressing the contradiction between compactness and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables foil retraction, and facilitates compact storage all within a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while achieving the compact width requirement for easy docking.
3Productivity
If hydrofoils are kept in water during operation, then hydrodynamic lift is maintained, but cleaning difficulty increases due to marine biological pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system incorporates dynamic retraction capability that allows the foil to be completely removed from the water when not in use. This dynamic positioning enables the foil to be accessible for cleaning and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining hydrodynamic lift during operation and enabling easy cleaning to prevent marine biological pollution.
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 system maximizes efficiency, simplifies folding and unfolding, and reduces the overall width of the hydrofoil when folded, allowing for larger span foils that can be completely removed from the water, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing encumbrance during docking.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation means comprising a rod located inside the strut, wherein said rod comprises a linear screw located in a lower extreme part of said rod, and a rotating gear which is engaged to the linear screw
Implementation Method 2
the rotation means comprising a bevel gear, to transfer the rotation of the rod to the wing
Implementation Method 3
the canting means comprising a rotating portion located in the upper part of the strut connected to a fixed portion solidly joined to a hull of the boat
Implementation Method 4
hydrofoils provided in boats exploit the hydrodynamic vertical lift created by said wing shaped portions in the water to counteract the weight of the boat
Implementation Method 5
the strut is arranged for forming an angle between 60° and 90° with the horizontal direction, staying said strut in contact with the water during an unfolded condition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Foldable hydrofoil having a strut (1) defining an angle between 60-90° with the horizontal during an unfolded condition; a wing (2) joined to the strut (1) and defining an angle between 60-90° with the vertical; canting means (3a, 3b) with a fixed portion (3b) solidly joined to the hull (9) and a rotating portion (3a) connected to the strut (1) and arranged for rotating the strut (1) between 120°-210° until it reaches a folded condition outside the water; and rotation means (4, 4a) arranged for reversibly rotating the wing (2) between 60°-90° with respect to the strut (1).