Hydrofoil Pressure Control for Stable Hull Height in Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrofoil boats struggle to navigate and sail effectively in waves due to inaccurate height measurement by sensors, which leads to loss of lift and inability to maintain hull height above water, especially with steep wave slopes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least three static or dynamic pressure sensors and water speed sensors submerged on the hydrofoils, coupled with an on-board electronic controller and actuators to adjust the angle of attack of the hydrofoils, allowing the boat to follow wave shapes and maintain constant height by maintaining constant total pressure at measurement points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If height measurement sensors (wand) are used to control hydrofoil angle of attack, then the boat can maintain lift at constant speed, but the measurement becomes inaccurate in waves causing loss of lift and inability to maintain hull height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wand height measurement system with an electronic sensor system that measures wave height and boat position electronically. This substitution enables accurate measurement in wave conditions where the mechanical wand fails, allowing the control system to maintain reliable lift control through electronic actuation of hydrofoil angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the measurement sensors and the hydrofoil actuators. This intermediary processes sensor data and commands actuator adjustments in real-time, enabling the boat to respond dynamically to wave conditions and maintain stable flight even when measurement conditions are challenging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hydrofoil boat follows wave shapes to maintain constant height, then it can sail in greater swell range, but it requires complex real-time control of multiple hydrofoil angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of hydrofoil angles that continuously adapts to changing wave conditions. The system adjusts keel and rudder angles in real-time based on sensor feedback, enabling the boat to follow wave shapes and maintain constant height across varying swell conditions without requiring manual intervention or overly complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where sensors continuously measure wave height and boat position, and this information is fed back to the control system which adjusts hydrofoil angles accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the boat to automatically adapt to swell conditions and maintain stable flight, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving high adaptability.
3Speed
If the hull is kept above water using hydrofoil lift, then drag is reduced and speed increases, but the boat becomes vulnerable to wave impacts and requires precise lift control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by having sensors detect approaching waves before the hull encounters them. The control system uses this advance information to pre-adjust hydrofoil angles, lifting the hull clear of incoming waves before impact occurs. This proactive control reduces wave impact vulnerability while maintaining high speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating counteracting lift forces before wave impacts occur. The control system detects wave conditions and adjusts hydrofoil angles in advance to create upward lift that counteracts the downward force of approaching waves, protecting the hull from impact while maintaining elevated position and low drag.
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 solution enables hydrofoil boats to sail on a greater swell range, improving their behavior in sea, wind, and swell conditions, allowing them to travel farther without the hull touching water, even in worsening swell conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least three static pressure or dynamic pressure sensors (201) submerged in the water and located on the submerged hydrofoils of the boat (100)
Implementation Method 2
at least three static pressure or dynamic pressure sensors (201) submerged in the water and located on the submerged hydrofoils of the boat (100)
Implementation Method 3
three water speed sensors (201) submerged in the water and located on the submerged hydrofoils of the boat (100)
Implementation Method 4
The lift and drag provided by a wing in any fluid can be explained by the following formulas... L is the lift of the wing (N). It depends on the Reynolds number and geometry
Implementation Method 5
Given that the density of water is approximately 1,000 times greater than the density of air, in the case of two wings with the same geometry moving at the same speed, one in the water and the other in the air, the lift generated for the one submerged in water is 1,000 times greater than the one submerged in air
Implementation Method 6
One actuator for each one of the submerged hydrofoils, able to change the angle of attack of its respective hydrofoil, wherein the electronic controller is arranged to periodically collect information from the static/dynamic pressure and water speed sensors (201) and act in real time on the actuators of said submerged hydrofoils
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling a hydrofoil boat comprising at least three static pressure or dynamic pressure and water speed sensors submerged in the water and located on the submerged hydrofoils of the boat, an electronic controller on the boat, an actuator for each one of the submerged hydrofoils able to change an angle of attack of its respective hydrofoil. The control system allows boats on hydrofoils to sail in a safe and comfortable way in any wave condition within the sailing limits of traditional boats.