Hydrofoil Board Speed Presets for Easier Takeoff Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrofoil boards can be challenging for users to operate and control due to their unique hydrofoiling characteristics, which may deter potential users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a hydrofoil board using a hand controller with user-selectable operating pre-sets that allow the board to be accelerated to speeds below and above the hydrofoiling threshold, enabling gradual transitions and adjustable speed control post-hydrofoiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the board is accelerated to high speed sufficient for hydrofoiling, then the board can hydrofoil and reduce drag, but the operation becomes challenging and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the speed control into multiple discrete operating pre-sets (first, second, third, fourth pre-sets) with progressively increasing maximum speeds. This allows users to gradually progress from lower speeds to hydrofoiling speeds without the overwhelming complexity of continuous speed control, making the operation more manageable while still achieving the high speeds needed for hydrofoiling.
2Productivity
If the board is accelerated to high speed for hydrofoiling, then drag is reduced and travel is faster, but control becomes challenging for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control through multiple operating pre-sets that adapt to user skill level and conditions. The system transitions from static speed control to dynamic pre-configured speed profiles, where each pre-set provides optimized acceleration characteristics and maximum speed limits appropriate for different operational stages, thereby maintaining high productivity while improving ease of control.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operating pre-sets are provided with different speed limits, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple operating pre-sets with predetermined acceleration rates and maximum speed limits before operation begins. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations and adjustments during operation, as the controller simply executes the pre-programmed parameters for the selected pre-set, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the actual device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a hydrofoil board powered by a motor driven propeller. The motor is controlled by a hand controller configured with user selectable operating pre-sets including a first operating pre-set, wherein the board is accelerated to a first speed which is less than that required for the board to hydrofoil, and a second operating pre-set, wherein the board is accelerated to a second speed sufficient for the board to hydrofoil. Alternatively, the operating pre-sets may limit the motor power. A system for operating a hydrofoil board is also disclosed, which includes a propulsion control unit comprising a propulsion source, and a hand controller configured to receive a first user input and a second user input and to transmit the user inputs to the propulsion control unit.