Self-Propelling Hydrofoil With Hinged Front Wing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrofoil systems require high athletic ability and training to operate effectively in calm waters, as they rely on harnessing swell energy and speed to lift out of the water, making it difficult for novices or those with limited capability to use them efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil system with a larger lifting wing and a hinge mechanism that reduces downward drag force, allowing riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the front wing's angle for forward thrust, and incorporating materials like carbon fiber for enhanced lifting, along with a skimming sensor to adjust the rear wing's angle for optimal lift and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hydrofoil system is used, then lift can be generated to raise the board out of water, but high athletic ability and training are required to operate it effectively in calm waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the front wing adjustable through a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between different angles. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the wing to optimize its angle of attack in real-time, reducing the skill required to generate lift while maintaining effectiveness across varying water conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wing angle by incorporating a hinge mechanism that allows the front wing to pivot. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions, making it easier for users with varying skill levels to achieve and maintain lift in calm waters without requiring advanced athletic ability.
2Speed
If speed is increased to generate lift, then the board can be lifted out of water, but more energy is required to propel the device forward
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinge mechanism allows the front wing to automatically adjust its angle based on the board's speed and water conditions. At lower speeds, the wing can be positioned at a higher angle of attack to generate sufficient lift without requiring the user to paddle at high speeds, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to lift the board.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the wing angle parameter through the hinge mechanism, the system can generate effective lift at lower speeds. This parameter adjustment reduces the energy required to propel the device forward, as users do not need to maintain high speeds to achieve lift in calm waters.
3Force
If a larger lifting wing is used, then lift is enhanced, but downward drag force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the large front wing to dynamically adjust its angle, allowing it to generate maximum lift while minimizing downward drag. By pivoting the wing to the optimal angle, the system harnesses the full lifting potential of the large wing area without suffering from excessive drag that would occur at fixed, suboptimal angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angle parameter of the front wing to optimize the relationship between lift and drag. By adjusting the wing angle through the hinge, the system maximizes lift force while minimizing the harmful downward drag component, allowing the large wing area to be fully utilized without the penalty of excessive drag.
4Force
If the front wing is fixed at a high angle, then lift is maximized, but friction and drag increase reducing gliding ability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms the fixed wing into a dynamic component that can adjust its angle. During the takeoff phase, the wing can be at a high angle to maximize lift, and during the gliding phase, it can pivot to a lower angle to reduce friction and drag, thereby optimizing performance across different operational stages without sacrificing gliding ability.
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 design reduces the energy needed to propel the device forward, enabling amateurs to use the hydrofoil system with ease by minimizing friction and maximizing gliding ability, allowing for efficient propulsion and control in flat water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrofoil uses a stand-up design that allows a rider to glide with a moving wave. However, a foilboard relies on harnessing swell energy to propel a rider. As speed increases, a foilboard creates lift.
Implementation Method 2
a hydrofoil system that may allow riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the angle of a front wing to create forward thrust to produce a flow for creating lift
Implementation Method 3
a hinge that allows the wing to reduce downward drag force in a lifting mode
Implementation Method 4
incorporating materials like carbon fiber for enhanced lifting
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides generally for a hydrofoil system that may allow a surfboard to glide above the water surface. According to the present disclosure, a rider may be able to manipulate a hydrofoil device attached to a surfboard with limited training and athletic ability. The present disclosure provides for a hydrofoil system that may allow riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the angle of a front wing to create forward thrust to produce a flow for creating lift. In some aspects, the front wing may tilt to reduce downward drag force in a lifting phase while locking into place during a glide to provide a sustained lift of the surfboard out of the water.