Forward Pushing Sail Mast Orientation for Wind Vehicle Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mast-sail configurations in wind-driven vehicles often result in uneven thrust distribution, causing the vehicle to tip sideways, which can be mitigated by increasing the keel size and weight, thereby increasing drag and reducing forward velocity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a mast or mast sleeve with a pliant sheet coupler capable of orientation at the mast front, allowing the pliant sheet to extend over either side of the mast, rotates to direct the force vector further forward, increasing the pressure differential between the sail's forward and backward facing sides, enhancing forward thrust while reducing sideways tipping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the keel size and weight are increased to counter the sideways tipping force, then the stability of the wind driven vehicle is improved, but the drag on the vehicle increases and forward velocity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the pliant sheet from the conventional rearward-facing position to a forward-facing position at the mast front. This parameter change fundamentally alters the force vector direction, shifting it from a configuration that produces significant sideways tipping force to one that generates predominant forward thrust, thereby reducing the stability-drag contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional mast-sail configuration by positioning the pliant sheet coupler at the front of the mast rather than at the rear. This inversion changes the aerodynamic force direction from backward-leaning to forward-leaning, transforming the force vector to produce forward thrust while minimizing sideways tipping, thus resolving the need for heavy keels
2Speed
If the pliant sheet is positioned to increase forward thrust, then the forward velocity is improved, but the sideways tipping force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the orientation parameter of the pliant sheet to face forward at the mast front, which changes the aerodynamic force vector to produce predominant forward thrust while minimizing the perpendicular sideways component, thereby achieving high forward velocity without excessive tipping force
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by positioning the pliant sheet coupler specifically at the mast front with a forward-facing orientation, creating a localized aerodynamic configuration that generates forward-directed thrust while the overall mast-sail system maintains balance with reduced sideways forces
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
This configuration increases the coefficient of lift, resulting in greater forward propulsion with reduced drag, allowing for a lighter keel and increased forward velocity without compromising stability.
Implementation Method 1
increases the pressure differential between the sail's forward and backward facing sides
Implementation Method 2
The magnitude of the force (f) of air acting over a section of a sail equals the pressure (p) times the area (A) of the section of the sail or mast-sail combination
Implementation Method 3
move the force vector of the airflow acting on the pliant sheet further toward the forward direction
Implementation Method 4
The mast or a mast sleeve disposed about the mast can rotate in each of a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction about the mast longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a forward propulsion system for a wind driven vehicle which includes one or more of a mast or a mast sleeve having a pliant sheet coupler capable of orientation at a mast front with a pliant sheet extending from the pliant sheet coupler over either a mast first side or a mast second side to a connection behind the mast to achieve configurations which move the force vector of the airflow acting on the pliant sheet further toward the forward direction of the wind driven vehicle, as compared to conventional sail configurations, to increase forward thrust and forward velocity of the wind driven vehicle.