Human Powered Hydrofoil Vehicle Segmentation and Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrofoil bikes with hulls require significant effort to generate lift, while hull-less bikes are prone to breakage and difficult to launch, and both types face challenges in assembly and storage due to complexity and design issues.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil vehicle design featuring a rigid frame with front and rear foils, a propeller powered by pedal cranks, and optional buoyancy modules for stability and ease of use, allowing for modular construction and improved launch and retrieval capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrofoil bikes with hulls are used, then stability and ease of launch are improved, but the effort required to generate lift and structural weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil bike is divided into separable components: the frame assembly and the hull. The hull can be detached from the frame, allowing users to choose whether to attach it based on their needs. This segmentation enables the bike to have stability when the hull is attached for launch, while allowing reduced weight and effort when the hull is removed for cruising.
2Ease of operation
If hydrofoil bikes are made lightweight, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity and resistance to breakage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs carbon fiber composite materials for the frame, representing a change in material parameters. Carbon fiber provides an optimal balance between weight and strength, allowing the frame to be both lightweight for ease of operation and sufficiently strong for structural integrity. The material's high strength-to-weight ratio resolves the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Productivity
If hydrofoil bikes lack buoyancy, then speed and efficiency are improved, but ease of launch and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The hull provides buoyancy when attached to assist with launch and stability, but can be detached when not needed. This dynamic configuration allows the bike to transition between having buoyancy assistance and being hull-less for optimal speed, resolving the contradiction between these two operational states.
4Weight of moving object
If hydrofoil bikes are designed with multiple parts for lightness, then weight is reduced, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bike is segmented into major assemblies (frame, hull, foils, drivetrain) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly connected. The frame includes integrated mounting points and connection interfaces that simplify assembly. This segmentation allows the bike to remain lightweight through modular construction while reducing assembly complexity through standardized interfaces and fewer fastening operations.
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 design enhances the ease of assembly and disassembly, provides stability for launching and retrieval, and offers a more efficient and accessible hydrofoil biking experience by reducing the effort required to generate lift and improving the bike's structural integrity and transportability.
Implementation Method 1
When the vehicle is in motion at a sufficient speed, the foils generate lift - and the bulk, if not all of the hull of the vehicle, will rise out of the water as it moves
Implementation Method 2
a propeller located beneath and supported by the frame, the propeller being powered by a power source carried by the frame
Implementation Method 3
said power source includes pedal cranks rotatably coupled to said propeller to power said propeller as said pedal cranks rotate
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~2A
AI summary
The human powered hydrofoil bicycle includes multiple subsystems integrated together including a structural frame subsystem with associated steering and tiller module, a hydrofoil subsystem to provide vehicle lift, and a powertrain subsystem. The structural frame subsystem may be fitted with buoyancy modules to provide the overall vehicle with a near neutrally buoyant character. The structural frame subsystem also supports a seat for an operator and provides structural support for the steering and tiller module for the hydrofoil subsystem and the drivetrain subsystem. The hydrofoil subsystem includes multiple hydrofoil elements at lowermost portions of the vehicle. These hydrofoil elements generally include in a preferred embodiment a larger rear foil and a smaller front foil. The powertrain subsystem generally includes pedals rotatably supported on the vehicle at a convenient location for engagement and driving by feet of an operator. Power transmission elements extend from the pedals down to a prime mover such as a propeller.