Electric Hydrofoil Mast Isolation for Heat and Vibration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric hydrofoil watercrafts face issues with rapid wear and failure of electronic components due to thermal stress and vibration, leading to unstable operation, reduced user experience, and increased maintenance needs, primarily caused by the thermal bridge between the mast and electronic components and the transmission of vibrations from the electric motor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermally and vibration-insulating material between the mast and the electronic module housing, which houses the control, regulation, and communication electronics, breaking the thermal bridge and isolating the electronics from direct contact with water and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electronic speed controller is mounted directly on the mast or above-water platform, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the electronics are exposed to thermal stress and vibration causing rapid wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof housing as an intermediary structure between the electronics and the harsh environment. The housing protects the electronic speed controller from direct exposure to thermal stress and vibration while maintaining electrical connectivity to the motor, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electronic components into a separate waterproof housing unit that can be independently mounted on the mast or platform. This segmentation allows the electronics to be protected from environmental stressors while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure and manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If the electronic speed controller is housed in a waterproof volume with metal walls for thermal dissipation, then the electronics are protected from water, but thermal expansion and contraction cause wear and aging of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the housing by using materials with different thermal conductivity properties. The waterproof housing is designed to provide adequate thermal management while reducing thermal shock to the electronics, thereby protecting components from thermal expansion and contraction stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof housing acts as an intermediary that mediates between the thermal environment and the electronic components. It provides thermal management capabilities while filtering out excessive thermal stress and vibration, thus protecting the electronics from environmental harmful factors.
3Power
If the electric motor is rigidly connected to the mast, then the propulsion force is efficiently transmitted, but vibrations and noise are amplified and transmitted to the electronics and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof housing serves as a vibration-isolating intermediary between the motor and the electronics/battery. It allows efficient power transmission while filtering out vibrations and noise, thus resolving the contradiction between power transmission efficiency and vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof housing incorporates vibration-dampening materials and flexible mounting structures that allow the system to maintain mechanical integrity for power transmission while reducing the transmission of vibrations and noise to sensitive components.
4Productivity
If the mast is in constant contact with water for hydrofoil operation, then the hydrofoil function is achieved, but the thermal bridge between mast and electronics causes rapid wear of electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof housing acts as a thermal barrier intermediary that breaks the thermal bridge between the water-contacting mast and the electronics. It allows the mast to remain in constant water contact for hydrofoil operation while protecting the electronics from thermal stress through the housing's thermal insulation properties.
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 enhances the service life of electronic components, improves user experience by reducing noise and vibrations, and increases safety by preventing damage to electronics and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a thermally and vibration-insulating material between the mast and the electronic module housing, which houses the control, regulation, and communication electronics, breaking the thermal bridge and isolating the electronics from direct contact with water and vibrations.
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a thermally and vibration-insulating material between the mast and the electronic module housing, which houses the control, regulation, and communication electronics, breaking the thermal bridge and isolating the electronics from direct contact with water and vibrations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The electric hydrofoil watercraft according to the invention has a thermally insulated mast, thermal insulation and vibration isolation are provided between the mast (2) and the above-water platform (1) by placing an insulating element (10) between them. This increases the life of the hydrofoil and improves user experience.