Hydrofoil Mast With Localized Width And Internal Stringers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrofoil watersports board systems lack a mast design that optimally balances dimensions and construction materials for enhanced structural integrity and versatility, particularly in terms of width, thickness, and internal cavity configurations, which affects the overall performance and stability of the system.
Innovation Solution
A mast design with specific dimensional ratios and materials (such as hydro-formed, extruded, or pressed aluminum construction) featuring internal cavities, stringers, and precise fastening mechanisms like stainless steel screws and dowel pins, which provides structural support and adaptability to various hydrofoil configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mast uses a uniform width along its length, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the structural integrity and performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mast employs varying width along its length, with the forward section having a first width and the aft section having a second width that is greater than the first width. This local variation in geometry provides enhanced structural integrity in the aft section where greater strength is needed, while maintaining a simpler overall form factor compared to fully complex geometries.
2Strength
If the mast uses thicker walls throughout, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mast features a minimum wall thickness in the forward section and a maximum wall thickness in the aft section, with the maximum wall thickness being greater than the minimum wall thickness. This localized thickening provides enhanced structural strength where needed while minimizing overall weight and material usage.
3Reliability
If the mast includes internal cavities for buoyancy, then the floating capability is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mast includes a first internal cavity and a second internal cavity that are spatially separated, with the second cavity positioned aft of the first cavity. This segmentation of the buoyancy chambers simplifies the manufacturing process compared to a single complex cavity, while maintaining effective floating capability through distributed buoyancy volumes.
4Strength
If the mast uses a larger width in the aft section, then the structural support is improved, but the overall size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is configured with a first width in the forward section and a second width in the aft section, where the second width is greater than the first width. This localized widening provides enhanced structural support in the aft section while minimizing the overall volume increase of the mast.
Data Source
AI summary
A mast assembly for a hydrofoil watersports board system includes a mast, a fuselage adapter, and a watersports board mount. The mast has a fuselage end coupled with the fuselage adapter and a board end coupled with the watersports board mount. The mast includes a side profile having width dimensions in portions of the mast that are greater than at its fuselage end and its board end. The fuselage adapter couples to a fuselage of a lower assembly, which further includes a front wing and a tail wing. The watersports board mount couples to a watersports board. The mast includes internally integral stringers to improve structural integrity.