Self-Propelling Hydrofoil Front Wing Dynamics
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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 the board, making it difficult for amateurs or those with limited athletic capability to use them efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil system with a front wing that can be adjusted using a light leaning motion to create forward thrust, featuring a larger concave wing for reduced drag and enhanced buoyancy, along with a hinge mechanism to lock into place during gliding, and a rear wing that adjusts the angle of attack to facilitate efficient propulsion and gliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional hydrofoil systems are used, then the board can be lifted out of water at high speeds, but high athletic ability and training are required to operate them effectively in calm waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hinged front wing that can dynamically adjust its angle relative to the fuselage. The wing transitions from a horizontal position during takeoff to an angled position during gliding, allowing the system to adapt to different operational phases. This dynamic adjustment reduces the athletic ability required by automatically optimizing the wing angle for each phase of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hydrofoil system by introducing a movable front wing with adjustable angle of attack. The wing angle parameter is varied between phases: held horizontal during takeoff to maximize lift, then angled during gliding to reduce drag and maintain efficient propulsion. This parameter change enables the system to operate effectively at lower speeds and with less athletic input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hydrofoil system operates in calm waters, then accessibility is improved for amateur riders, but energy efficiency decreases due to lack of swell energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pumping actions by the rider to propel the board through calm waters. The front wing is angled to convert these periodic downward strokes into forward thrust, creating an efficient propulsion cycle. This periodic action allows amateur riders to generate sufficient speed in calm waters without requiring continuous high-energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil system is designed to be self-propelling once initiated. The angled front wing creates a configuration where the rider's body movements and the board's momentum work together to maintain forward motion. The system serves itself by converting minimal rider input into sustained gliding through the optimized wing angle that reduces drag and maximizes propulsion efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a larger concave wing is used, then drag is reduced and buoyancy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrofoil system into distinct segments: a fuselage and a separate front wing connected by a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the front wing to be independently shaped as a larger concave structure optimized for drag reduction and buoyancy, while the overall system complexity is managed by keeping each component relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fuselage and the front wing. It enables the complex concave wing shape to be effectively integrated into the system by providing a simple rotational connection. This intermediary allows the complex wing geometry to perform its drag-reducing function while the hinge keeps the structural complexity manageable through a single degree of freedom.
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, allowing riders with limited training or athletic ability to use the hydrofoil system effectively in calm waters by minimizing friction and maximizing gliding ability.
Implementation Method 1
A front wing 115 may be connected to the fuselage 105 by a hinge 125... The front wing 115 may be manipulated by a rider to create water flow that moves over the front wing 115 to propel the hydrofoil device 100 forward
Implementation Method 2
A larger concave front wing with a concave undersurface may reduce the drag force on the hydrofoil device
Implementation Method 3
the material is strong enough to withstand breaking waves... A foilboard is a surfboard with a hydrofoil that extends below the board into the water. This design causes the board to leave the surface of the water at variable speeds. The hydrofoil uses a stand-up design that allows a rider to glide with a moving wave.
Implementation Method 4
a hinge connecting a portion of one or both the convex upper surface and the front wing curved leading edge to the recess, wherein the hinge allows the front wing to pivot within a predefined range
Implementation Method 5
a rear wing that adjusts the angle of attack to facilitate efficient propulsion and gliding
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.