Hydrofoil Module Shaft Layout for Lower Actuator Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil systems impose a high load on rotation actuators due to the moment generated by the lift and drag forces, necessitating a large actuator capacity to maintain the angle of attack of the hydrofoil.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil module design with a pair of hydrofoil modules, each comprising a clamp bracket, swivel bracket, and a rotation actuator, where the first rotation shaft is positioned forward of the hydrofoil's center of lift, reducing the moment around the rotation axis and thus the load on the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotation actuator is positioned to maintain the angle of attack of the hydrofoil, then the angle of attack control is achieved, but a relatively large load is imposed on the actuator due to the moment generated by lift and drag forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the position parameter of the rotation actuator from the conventional position (at or behind the center of lift) to a position forward of the center of lift. This parameter change reduces the moment arm between the actuator and the center of lift, thereby reducing the moment that the actuator must counteract. The load on the actuator is reduced while maintaining angle of attack control capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator applies a pressing force to the wing to resist the moment, then the wing position is maintained, but the actuator capacity must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the position parameter of the rotation actuator forward of the center of lift, which reduces the moment arm and consequently the moment that needs to be counteracted. This reduces the pressing force required from the actuator to maintain wing position stability, thereby reducing the required actuator capacity while maintaining stability.
3Force
If the first rotation shaft is located forward of the center of area of the hydrofoil, then the moment around the rotation axis is reduced, but the attachment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment structure into separate components: a clamp bracket that attaches to the hull and a swivel bracket that attaches to the wing. The rotation actuator is mounted on the clamp bracket and connects to the swivel bracket. This segmentation allows the rotation shaft to be positioned forward of the center of lift while maintaining structural integrity and facilitating easier attachment and adjustment.
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 aligning the first rotation shaft with the center of lift, minimizing the moment generated by lift and drag forces, thereby simplifying attachment and reducing the actuator's workload.
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
a rotation actuator to rotate the wing together with the swivel bracket in a forward-rearward direction around the first rotation center axis to change an angle of attack of the hydrofoil
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrofoil apparatus includes a pair of hydrofoil modules each including a clamp bracket, a swivel bracket, a wing including a hydrofoil, and a rotation actuator. In a reference state in which angles of attack of the hydrofoils of the pair of hydrofoil modules are the same as each other, a first rotation shaft is located forward of a center of an area of the hydrofoil.