Hydrofoil Attachment System for Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft equipped with hydrofoils face challenges such as complex and time-consuming disassembly for transport, requiring tools and additional user preparation, and hydrofoils that are not securely connected during high drag forces.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft with a lift-propulsion system featuring a mast connected to a buoyant body, a lift-propulsion assembly with a propulsion unit and hydrofoil, and a manually-operable attachment system using tapered portions and a locking element for secure and easy connection of the hydrofoil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydrofoil is securely connected to the watercraft during use, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex and time-consuming disassembly requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connection element with engagement features on the hydrofoil side, and a corresponding receptacle on the assembly frame side. This segmentation allows the hydrofoil to be easily detached and reattached without tools, while the engagement features ensure secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the hydrofoil and the assembly frame. It includes engagement features that interface with corresponding features on the assembly frame, enabling tool-free attachment while maintaining secure connection under hydrodynamic loads.
2Reliability
If the hydrofoil is securely connected to withstand high drag forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional preparation and tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into simple, modular components: a connection element with integrated engagement features and a corresponding receptacle. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-component fastening systems while maintaining adequate connection strength for hydrodynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element incorporates self-contained engagement features that automatically secure the hydrofoil to the assembly frame without requiring external tools or additional preparation. The engagement features are designed to provide sufficient holding strength under drag forces through their geometric configuration alone.
3Ease of operation
If the watercraft is designed to be disassembled for transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil assembly is designed as a separable unit with a connection element that can be quickly detached from the assembly frame. This segmentation enables rapid disassembly for transport and quick reassembly at the destination without requiring tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is pre-configured with engagement features that align with corresponding features on the assembly frame. This preliminary design of the connection interface allows users to simply push or snap the hydrofoil into place during assembly, eliminating the need for tool-assisted fastening or alignment adjustments during the assembly process.
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 allows for secure and efficient connection of the hydrofoil during use, simplifies disassembly and transport by eliminating the need for tools, and provides a compact and easy-to-handle watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
The male tapered portion and the female tapered portion extend and taper along a longitudinal direction of the watercraft
Implementation Method 2
the male tapered portion is engaged in the female tapered portion when the hydrofoil is connected to the assembly frame
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A lift-propulsion assembly and a watercraft. The watercraft includes a buoyant body having upper and lower surfaces on respective upper and lower sides thereof; a lift-propulsion system including a mast connected to the buoyant body, the mast having a proximal end and a distal end, the mast extending from the lower side of the buoyant body; and the lift-propulsion assembly. The assembly includes an assembly frame connected to the distal end of the mast; a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the watercraft, the propulsion unit being connected to the assembly frame; a hydrofoil for providing lift to the watercraft, the hydrofoil being selectively connected to the assembly frame; and a manually-operable attachment system connecting the hydrofoil to the assembly frame.