Hydrofoil Module Pivot Layout for Reduced Angle-of-Attack Actuator Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil systems impose a large load on the actuator that changes and maintains the angle of attack of hydrofoils, necessitating a reduction in this load to improve efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil module design featuring a clamp bracket, swivel bracket, and rotation actuator that locates the first rotation shaft forward of the hydrofoil's center of area and center of lift, reducing the moment generated by the lift and drag forces, and includes a hydraulic cylinder for easy attachment and angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rotation shaft is positioned at or behind the center of area of the hydrofoil, then the structural design is simplified, but the moment generated by the resultant force increases, imposing a large load on the rotation actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the rotation shaft from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the dimension of rotation. This dimensional change allows the rotation shaft to be positioned forward of the center of area, creating a more favorable moment arm configuration that reduces the load on the actuator while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the rotation shaft from being at or behind the center of area to being forward of the center of area. This parameter change optimizes the moment arm configuration, reducing the moment generated by the resultant force and thereby reducing the load on the rotation actuator.
2Reliability
If the rotation actuator is designed to handle large loads, then the angle of attack can be maintained, but the system becomes less efficient and requires more powerful components
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the positional parameter of the rotation shaft to be forward of the center of area, the patent reduces the moment arm and consequently the moment generated by the resultant force. This parameter change allows the actuator to maintain the angle of attack with reduced load, improving efficiency while maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hydrofoil module is designed with fixed attachment to the hull, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into separate components: a clamp bracket that attaches to the hull and a swivel bracket that rotates relative to the clamp bracket. This segmentation allows the module to be easily attached and detached while maintaining structural stability during operation, as the clamp bracket provides secure mounting while the swivel bracket enables rotation.
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 reduces the load on the rotation actuator by minimizing the moment around the first rotation shaft, enhancing the stability and ease of attachment to the hull, while maintaining efficient lift generation.
Implementation Method 1
A resultant force of a lift force and a drag force that raises the hull acts on the hydrofoil
Implementation Method 2
A resultant force of a lift force and a drag force that raises the hull acts on the hydrofoil
Implementation Method 3
the line of action of the resultant force of the lift force and the drag force of the hydrofoil is located relatively close to the first rotation shaft. Therefore, in the reference state, a moment around the first rotation center axis generated by the resultant force of the hydrofoil is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A hydrofoil module (103, 203) includes a clamp bracket (1), a swivel bracket (2), a wing (3), a rotation actuator (4), and a pair of hydrofoil modular portions (103a) each including the clamp bracket, the swivel bracket, the wing, and the rotation actuator, and in a reference state (S1) in which angles of attack of hydrofoils (31) of the pair of hydrofoil modular portions are same as each other, a first rotation shaft (11) is located forward of a center of area (P) of a hydrofoil (31).